First Battle of Seoul

First Battle of Seoul
Part of the Korean War
File:SNK MAP I 1000W.jpg Map of the North Korean Invasion, 25–28 June 1950
Date 25 June 1950 – 28 June 1950 (3 days) Location Seoul, South Korea Result North Korean victory North Korean forces capture Seoul
Belligerents
South Korea	North Korea
Commanders and leaders
Syngman Rhee Chae Byeong-deok †	Kim Il Sung Kim Chaek
Strength
65,000	107,000
Casualties and losses
45,000 dead or missing	1,112 dead

The First Battle of Seoul (Korean: 제1차 서울 전투), known in North Korean historiography as the Liberation of Seoul (서울 해방), was the North Korean capture of the South Korean capital, Seoul, during June 1950 at the start of the Korean War.

Background

Main article: Operation Pokpoong

On 25 June 1950, Korean People's Army (KPA) forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. 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. North Korean forces were able to cross the river later that day and occupy Seoul.

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.

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 South Korea in repelling the North Korean attack and restoring worldwide peace and security.

In popular culture

• 72 Hours (2024)

See also

• Second Battle of Seoul
• Third Battle of Seoul
• Fourth Battle of Seoul