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North Korea

North Korea is a country in East Asia. It was involved in the Korean War and maintains a very strict government system to this day.

Founded 1948 2 military units 10 Combat Medals & Awards 9 cataloged weapons, vehicles & equipment

History

North Korea was created in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula after World War II. It followed a different set of rules and beliefs than the southern part of the country. These differences led to a lot of tension between the two sides.

In 1950, North Korea attacked South Korea to try and unite the country under its government. This led to the Korean War, which involved the United States and other countries helping the South. The fighting was very long and caused a lot of damage.

After three years of war, a truce was signed in 1953. This agreement stopped the major fighting, but it did not end the war completely. Since that time, North Korea has kept a large military and has been separated from the rest of the world.

Life in North Korea is very different from other countries. The government has total control over what people can do and say. Because of this, the country has had a hard time being friendly with its neighbors and other nations for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Notable Operations

Battle of OsanBattle of Pusan PerimeterBattle of InchonBattle of the Chosin Reservoir

Conflicts

North Korea Forces & Equipment

Browse the armed forces, weapons, and vehicles fielded by North Korea.

Combat Medals & Awards

Commemorative Medal Fatherland Liberation War 1950-1953, Campaign medal, North Korea medal
Campaign medal

Commemorative Medal Fatherland Liberation War 1950-1953

1953

A campaign service medal given to North Korean veterans who served during the Korean War.

Hero of the Republic, Valor decoration, North Korea medal
Valor decoration

Hero of the Republic

1950

North Korea's highest award presented for extreme bravery and major service in military defense.

Medal for Military Merit, Merit decoration, North Korea medal
Merit decoration

Medal for Military Merit

1949

A widely awarded combat medal recognizing brave frontline action or ten years of exemplary military service.

Medal for the Liberation of Korea, Campaign medal, North Korea medal
Campaign medal

Medal for the Liberation of Korea

1948

A historic campaign medal given to guerrilla fighters who fought against Japanese colonial rule.

Medal of the Korean People's Army, Service medal, North Korea medal
Service medal

Medal of the Korean People's Army

1968

A service decoration awarded to soldiers for long service, discipline, and loyalty in the armed forces.

Order of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, Distinguished service decoration, North Korea medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of Admiral Yi Sun-shin

1950

A naval decoration awarded to naval officers for distinguished sea combat and naval leadership.

Order of Freedom and Independence, Distinguished service decoration, North Korea medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of Freedom and Independence

1951

A high-ranking combat order awarded to military commanders for successfully leading troops in battle.

Order of Military Service Honour, Merit decoration, North Korea medal
Merit decoration

Order of Military Service Honour

1972

A military order presented for exemplary professional duty, troop training, and national defense.

Order of Soldier's Honour, Valor decoration, North Korea medal
Valor decoration

Order of Soldier's Honour

1950

A combat decoration given to soldiers and guerrilla fighters for battlefield courage and brave leadership.

Order of the National Flag, Distinguished service decoration, North Korea medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of the National Flag

1948

North Korea's oldest order awarded for outstanding service in state defense, politics, and military campaigns.

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