Military history of Korea

Military of South Korea
Branches
Army
Navy
Air Force

Marine Corps
Reserve Forces

History
Personnel
Military ranks (comparative)
Equipment

Korea's military history spans back thousands of years, beginning with the early struggles of the ancient Kingdom of Gojoseon. Its long history consists of the many successful repulsions of major invasions and defensive against foreign invasions. Sterling examples of Korean military prowess are the major campaigns during the time of Gojoseon, Three Kingdoms (namely Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla), as well as those of the subsequent Kingdoms of Unified Silla, Balhae, Goryeo, Joseon, and more recently, military developments in both North and South Korea. Throughout her history, Korea has boasted many exceptional generals and military commanders who undertook victorious military campaigns against numerically superior enemies. Chief among them are Gwanggaeto the Great and Eulji Mundeok and Yeon Gaesomun of Goguryeo, Kim Yu-Shin of Silla, Dae JoYoung of Balhae, Jang Bo Go of Unified Silla, Gang Gam-chan and Yoon Gwan during the Goryeo period, and Yi Sun-Sin during the late Joseon dynasty.

Today, both North and South Korea field some of the largest and most lethal armies in the world. On one hand, North Korea is widely suspected of having nuclear weapons, as well as other weapons of mass destruction. South Korea, for its part, is equipped with a sophisticated conventional military with state-of-the-art weapons. In addition, South Korean troops actively participated in the Vietnam War and are currently serving in various UN peacekeeping missions around the world. The South Korean military enjoys military alliances with other countries, particularly the United States.

Military history

Gojoseon

Buyeo

Proto–Three Kingdoms of Korea

Goguryeo

Baekje

Silla

Gaya

Three Kingdoms Period

Goguryeo campaigns

Goguryeo, Baekje-Silla alliance War

Other conflicts

Goguryeo-Sui War (598–614)

Goguryeo-Tang War (645–668)

Including Goguryeo and Baekje alliance against Tang and Silla

Baekje–Tang War (660–663)

Silla-Tang War (668–676)

North South States Period

Balhae

Silla (668–935)

Goryeo Dynasty

Goryeo wars

Internal strife

Joseon Dynasty

Conflicts

Nationwide Internal strifes

1910–1945: Colonial Korea

After 1945

See also