The South Korean government has described North Korea's possible demolition of its Punggye-ri nuclear test site on Thursday as a first step in its denuclearization process.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Noh Kyu-duk told reporters on Thursday that Seoul hopes the destruction of the Punggye-ri complex will provide an opportunity for the North's complete denuclearization in the future. 

Pyongyang had earlier announced it would blow up the four underground tunnels, close all entrances and remove other facilities at the Punggye-ri complex sometime between Wednesday and Friday this week.

With journalists from South Korea, the U.S., China, Russia and Britain having traveled to cover the demolition, officials in Seoul forecast the event will likely take place on Thursday, citing the reporters itinerary and local weather conditions.