Freedom Is Not Free
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War History & Official Records

Preserving the History of Freedom

Based on official historical archives from KBS World and the ROK Army Military Research Institute, documenting the causes, 4 phases of warfare, military balance, and casualties.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Overview of the Korean War

At dawn on June 25, 1950, North Korean communist forces launched a surprise unprovoked invasion across the 38th parallel. The 3-year, 1-month war that ensued was a "Global Defense of Freedom" where the Republic of Korea and UN allied nations defeated the communist attempt at forced annexation, cementing the victory of liberal democracy.

CAUSES & ORIGINS

Background of the Conflict

Following World War II and the intensification of the US-Soviet Cold War, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel in 1945. The Korean War was meticulously prepared by Kim Il-sung, encouraged by Stalin’s global communist strategy and Mao Zedong’s military backing, initiating an unprovoked surprise blitzkrieg to conquer the South.

Four Operational Phases

Chronicle of the Korean War

Phase 1
1950. 06. 25 ~ 09. 14

North Korean Invasion and Nakdong Perimeter Defense

Seoul fell in 3 days (June 28) against overwhelming Soviet-supplied armor. The UN Security Council authorized intervention (July 1). UN and ROK forces retreated to the Nakdong River Perimeter, where they heroically held the line for 40 desperate days (August 1 – September 14), creating the springboard for counterattack.

Phase 2
1950. 09. 15 ~ 10. 24

Incheon Landing and Advance to the Yalu River

General MacArthur’s legendary amphibious assault at Incheon (September 15) turned the tide of war. Seoul was liberated on September 28. On October 1, ROK forces crossed the 38th parallel. Within a month, troops reached Chosan near the Yalu River (October 26), bringing reunification within sight.

Phase 3
1950. 10. 25 ~ 1951. 07. 09

Chinese Intervention and Hungnam Evacuation

Over 250,000 Chinese troops ambushed UN forces. During the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and the Hungnam Evacuation (December 1950), the Puerto Rican 65th Regiment and US Marines heroically escorted 100,000 civilians to safety. UN forces regrouped and stabilized the front along the 38th parallel after retaking Seoul in March 1951.

Phase 4
1951. 07. 10 ~ 1953. 07. 27

Armistice Negotiations and Fierce Hill Battles

Armistice talks began on July 10, 1951, lasting two grueling years. Both sides fought tooth and nail for every inch of high ground at White Horse Hill, Heartbreak Ridge, and Bloody Ridge. On July 27, 1953, the Armistice Agreement was signed, establishing the DMZ.

Military Balance

Military Strength on June 24, 1950

Source: ROK Army Military Research Institute

Category Republic of Korea (ROK Army) North Korean Army (KPA) Ratio / Note
Troop Personnel 103,827 201,050 North Korea held 2:1 numerical superiority
Tanks (Armor) 0 (None) 242 Soviet T-34-85 tanks monopolized by North
Artillery Guns 1,051 2,492 2.4x superiority with heavy calibers
Aircraft 22 226 ROK had only trainers; North had Yak fighters
Naval Vessels 36 110 3x naval tonnage advantage by North
Human Cost & Casualties

Casualties of the Korean War

Military Casualties (Persons)

Classification ROK UN Forces (US) Total
Killed in Action 137,899 40,667 (36,940) 178,566
Wounded 450,742 104,280 (92,134) 555,022
POW / MIA 32,838 9,931 42,769
Total 621,479 154,878 776,357

Civilian Casualties (South Korea)

Type Count Impact
Deceased 373,599 Massacres, bombings
Wounded 229,625 War trauma & injury
Abducted / Missing 387,744 Abducted to North
Total Casualties 990,968 Nearly 1 Million
• Displaced Refugees: 3.2 Million | War Widows: 300,000 | War Orphans: 100,000