Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called neighbouring South Korea the "principal enemy" and defined south as a "most hostile" state to Pyongyang, the state-run news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday.

Kim made the statement while inspecting major munition factories from January 8 to 9.

"Predicating that the ROK [Republic of Korea] clan is our principal enemy, he said what the DPRK [North Korea] should prioritise in relations with the hostile state running high fever in arms buildup while inciting the confrontation posture with the former is to bolster up the military capabilities for self-defence and the nuclear war deterrent first of all," according to the KCNA report.

Kim also said that "the historic time has come at last" to define South Korea "as a state most hostile" towards North Korea, KCNA added.

During the inspection, the North Korean leader called on the munitions factories to achieve greater progress in bolstering defence capabilities in 2024.

Kim stressed the need to continue "the economic organisation and production guidance" so as to make a "radical turn in boosting the country's preparations for war," the news agency said.

He added that it was valid and necessary for his country to have "incomparably overwhelming strength" given the security environment around it.

North Korea does not intend to bring about confrontation on the Korean Peninsula but will not shun war either, Kim said.

However, if Seoul attempts to use military force against North Korea or threaten its sovereignty and security, the latter will mobilise "all means and forces" to destroy the enemy.

North Korea will not change its course as long as the South Korean leadership does not drop its confrontational policy and realise the self-destructive character of such an approach, Kim concluded.

(With UNI/Sputnik inputs)