The Korean War

It was the first major war of a larger conflict, the Cold War. The Cold War was a political, economic and military contest between the two post-war superpowers, the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union). The Republic of Korea (south) was supported by the United States which persuaded the United Nations to side with her. Australia was one of the 21 members of the United Nations which sent military forces to aid the south. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (north), was backed by China and the Soviet Union.

Photograph of 3RAR on the deck of a US troopship

The Cold War and the crisis in Korea

North Korea invaded the south in an attempt to unify the country under the north's government. The attempt failed…
Photograph of US Army General Van Fleet inspecting 3RAR troops

The Armed Forces in the Korean War

Over six million soldiers, sailors and airmen fought on both sides in the Korean War

Cite this page

DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) (2020), The Korean War, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 20 January 2021, http://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/korean-war-1950-1953/korean-war
Was this page helpful?

Indigenous content warning

The Department of Veterans' Affairs recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nation Peoples of Australia and acknowledges their continuing spiritual, cultural, social and economic connection to Australia's lands and waters.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images, names and voices of deceased persons.