history of kuk sool won:
1:9 THE KOREAN CIVIL WAR: 1950-1953

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However, it was at this time that the Chinese communists entered the Korean War. What had seemed a near total victory in such a relatively short time for South Korea now turned once more. A new counter-offensive by the re-vitalised North Koreans together with the Chinese Communists was launched. By January 5th, 1951, they had re-captured SEOUL. After yet another counter-offensive, the South Korean forces once again re-captured SEOUL in March 1951, whereupon the North Korean forces retreated to the 38th parallel to consolidate their position.

Figure 28:
US marines carry a wounded comrade through the war-torn streets of Seoul

In April 1951, General RIDGEWAY replaced General MACARTHUR as supreme commander of the UN forces in Korea. During the following weeks, the North Koreans tried to launch offensive after offensive but suffered severe losses. It was at this time that both North and South realised that neither side was likely to win. This resulted in the desire for both sides to seek a diplomatic solution.

On June 30th, 1951, both sides signed a cease-fire and subsequently truce negotiations were held at PANMUNJOM. These negotiations were destined to go on for over eighteen months, as agreement could not be reached concerning prisoners of war. It was not until July 27th, 1953, three years after civil war had broken out, that the armistice agreement was finally signed.

The cost of the Korean War was enormous for both sides. The toll in human lives was estimated to be over three million in total, although it was probably nearer to five million; these figures representing military and civilian losses on both sides. Both North and South Korea were left almost devastated. Destruction of towns, villages and cities was appalling. Neither North nor South had won the Korean War. Both had lost. Korea had lost…

Figure 29:
The historic signing of the armistice agreement for hostilities to cease on July 27th 1953: On the left is General W. K. Harrison and on the right, North Korean General NAM IL

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history of kuk sool won: 1:9 THE KOREAN CIVIL WAR: 1950-1953

history of kuk sool won:
1:9 THE KOREAN CIVIL WAR: 1950-1953