The embalmed body of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, still in his trademark khaki jump-suit, has been put on display on the anniversary of his death.

North Koreans across the country stopped in their tracks at noon local time to silently honour former ruler Kim Jong Il, whose death a year ago swept his untested 20-something son to power.

South Korean warships fanned out across the Yellow Sea today to search for debris from North Korea's failed rocket launch, which brought humiliation for the country's new young leader and condemnation from a host of nations.