When Was the Korean War?

Quick Summary

• The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, and ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953.
• It was a proxy war fought in Korea, with the North backed by communist powers (the Soviet Union and China) and the South supported by capitalist powers, primarily the United States.
• The armistice agreement was a ceasefire, so the war is technically not over and the country is still divided.

To Give You a Little Bit of Background,

Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese occupation at the end of World War II in 1945.

Then, the U.S. Army entered the southern part of the peninsula to demobilize the Japanese imperial army. The Red Army occupied the northern part for a similar reason.

Koreans got to enjoy 5 years of liberation and… war happened.

It was a proxy war where China and the Soviet Union (North Korea) fought against the United States and many other countries under the United Nations (South Korea).

So, the Korean War was communism vs. capitalism, more than a civil war.

The country was divided into the South and the North along the 38th parallel.

*Thank you Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Belgium, Colombia, Ethiopia, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, New Zealand, and the Philippines for helping us in the fight to defend our democracy!

When Was the Korean War?

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, and ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953.

It was Sunday at 4 AM when the North Korean army launched a surprise attack on South Korea without a declaration of war.

This explains the division of the Korean Peninsula.

Since it used to be one country, it’s no surprise that South Koreans still speak the same language as our northern neighbors, though the dialects have diverged over time.

Korean War Timeline

• June 25, 1950: North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel, initiating a full-scale invasion of South Korea.​
• June 27, 1950: The United Nations with the United States as a principal force intervened to assist South Korea.​
• September 15, 1950: Directed by General Douglas MacArthur, the Battle of Inchon commenced, marking a significant turning point as UN forces launched a successful amphibious landing.​
• October 1950: Chinese troops entered the war in support of North Korea, leading to a long and bloody stalemate.​
• July 27, 1953: An armistice agreement was signed, ceasing active hostilities and establishing the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).​

Why Did the US Go to War in Korea?

“The attack upon Korea makes it plain beyond all doubt that communism has passed beyond the use of subversion to conquer independent nations and will now use armed invasion and war. It has defied the orders of the Security Council of the United Nations issued to preserve international peace and security. In these circumstances the occupation of Formosa by Communist forces would be a direct threat to the security of the Pacific area and to United States forces performing their lawful and necessary functions in that area.”

Statement by President Harry S. Truman on June 27, 1950

The Korean War was a proxy war between the capitalist and communist camps and the liberal and socialist camps.

So, the U.S. decided to enter the Korean War to defend a non-communist government against communist troops according to the U.S. National Archives.

When Did the Korean War End?

The battle continued for 3 years and 1 month (1,129 days) until the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.

The agreement was a ceasefire, not a formal peace treaty. So, the war is technically not over and the peninsula is still divided.

It has been more than 70 years since the armistice.

One heartbreaking result of the war is the separation of families.

The first generation of those separated are now in their 80s, 90s, or even older. And sadly, many of them will likely never be reunited with their loved ones.

Who Won the Korean War?

Nobody. The Korean War ended without a clear winner.

Both North and South Korea remain separate entities.

The armistice resulted in a stalemate, with neither side achieving definitive victory.

How Did the Korean War End?

The war ended through diplomatic negotiations leading to the Korean Armistice Agreement.

This accord established the DMZ, a buffer zone between North and South Korea, and facilitated the exchange of prisoners.

But then again, no formal peace treaty was signed. The two Koreas are technically in a state of war.

---

Even though young Koreans didn’t live through the war, remembering it is still important.

If you’re ever in Korea and find yourself in the southern region, I recommend visiting the Geoje POW Camp.

You can also check out a DMZ tour in Paju, or visit the Odusan Unification Observation Deck, where you can see North Korea on a clear day.

I’ve been to all of them a few times now, and honestly, every visit hits me differently. It really makes you think about the war and what it left behind.