Seoul plans to build nuclear-powered sub at home: security adviser

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac speaks during a parliamentary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

SEOUL — National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Thursday that Seoul would seek to build a nuclear-powered submarine domestically.

"We plan to push a plan to build it in South Korea," Wi said during a parliamentary session.

Trump wrote on his social networking account last week that he had given Seoul approval to build a nuclear-powered submarine, adding it would be constructed at the Philadelphia shipyards in Pennsylvania.

Wi said it would be "unrealistic" to make facility investments in the Philadelphia shipyard for submarines or to ask General Dynamics, a U.S. company, to build one for South Korea.

He added that the government would seek to secure a low-cast, cost-effective nuclear-powered submarine that fits South Korea's needs.