First Battle of Seoul

The First Battle of Seoul (North Korean name: Liberation of Seoul) was the North Korean capture of the South Korean capital, Seoul at the start of the Korean War.

First Battle of Seoul
Part of the Korean War
The 38th parallel north
Date June 25 – June 28, 1950 Location Seoul, South Korea Result North Korean victory North Korean capture of Seoul
Belligerents
South Korea	North Korea
Commanders and leaders
Syngman Rhee	Kim Il-sung

Background

Main article: Operation Pokpoong

On 25 June 1950, Korean People's Army (KPA) forces crossed the 38th Parallel. The KPA utilized a blitzkrieg style invasion using T-34 tanks supported by artillery. The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) had no methods in stopping the onslaught of tanks as they lacked anti-tank weapons and had no tanks at all.

Battle

On 28 June the ROKA demolished the bridge across the Han River trapping soldiers from the 5th Division and killing hundreds of refugees evacuating the city.[1] North Korean forces were able to cross the river later that day and occupy Seoul.[2]

Aftermath

On 30 June President of the United States Harry S. Truman released a statement that indicated the invasion of South Korea had grown the threat of Communism to the Pacific area and the United States. In response to the invasion, Truman ordered United States provide assistance with air and land forces in Korea. Moreover, Truman ordered the United States Seventh Fleet to prevent any attack on Formosa and strengthened the United States forces in the Philippines.[3]

As a result of North Korea’s invasion, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed United Nations Security Council Resolution 84. The Resolution authorised the use of the UN flag in operations against North Korean forces and those nations partaking. The UNSC provided a recommendation to members to provide assistance to the Republic of Korea in repelling the North Korean attack and restoring worldwide peace and security.[4]

References

1. Millett, Allan R. (2007). The Korean War: The Essential Bibliography. The Essential Bibliography Series. Potomac Books Inc. pp. 18–19. ISBN 978-1-57488-976-5.
2. Johnston, William (2011). A war of patrols: Canadian Army operations in Korea. University of British Columbia Press. p. 20. ISBN 978-0-7748-1008-1.
3. "Statement by the President, Truman on Korea". History and Public Policy Program Digital Archive, Public Papers of the Presidents, Harry S. Truman, 1945-1953. 27 June 1950). Check date values in: |date= (help)
4. "United Nations Security Council Resolution 84". History and Public Policy Program Digital Archive, United Nations. Department of Public Information. 5 July 1950.