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When was this medal founded?

The North Korean government created this medal in 1968. It was built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Korean People's Army, which started in 1948. This award was meant to honor soldiers who had worked hard and stayed loyal during those first two decades of the country's military history.

Who receives the Medal of the Korean People's Army?

This award is given to career soldiers, sergeants, and officers who have served in the military for many years. To earn one, a person must show great discipline and have a record without any major problems. It honors the long-term dedication of those who stay in the army for most of their working lives.

What is the Korean People's Army?

The Korean People's Army is the name for the entire military force of North Korea. It combines the army, navy, and air force into one group that protects the nation. During the Cold War, this group grew into one of the largest standing armies in the world compared to the size of the country's population.

Is it awarded for a single battle?

No, this medal is not given for winning one specific fight or battle. It is a service award given to people who perform their duties well over a long period of time. It recognizes the patience and loyalty of soldiers who stay ready for duty every single day of their long careers.

What does the badge feature?

The badge shows the main military symbol used by North Korea. This symbol is placed inside a ring of laurel leaves, which are ancient signs of victory and honor. Bright rays of light are also included in the design to show the importance of the soldier's long and faithful service.

When was this medal founded?

The North Korean government created this medal in 1968. It was built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Korean People's Army, which started in 1948. This award was meant to honor soldiers who had worked hard and stayed loyal during those first two decades of the country's military history.

Who receives the Medal of the Korean People's Army?

This award is given to career soldiers, sergeants, and officers who have served in the military for many years. To earn one, a person must show great discipline and have a record without any major problems. It honors the long-term dedication of those who stay in the army for most of their working lives.

What is the Korean People's Army?

The Korean People's Army is the name for the entire military force of North Korea. It combines the army, navy, and air force into one group that protects the nation. During the Cold War, this group grew into one of the largest standing armies in the world compared to the size of the country's population.

Is it awarded for a single battle?

No, this medal is not given for winning one specific fight or battle. It is a service award given to people who perform their duties well over a long period of time. It recognizes the patience and loyalty of soldiers who stay ready for duty every single day of their long careers.

What does the badge feature?

The badge shows the main military symbol used by North Korea. This symbol is placed inside a ring of laurel leaves, which are ancient signs of victory and honor. Bright rays of light are also included in the design to show the importance of the soldier's long and faithful service.

Home Library North KoreaMedal of the Korean People's Army

Service medal

Medal of the Korean People's Army

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

North Korea Established 1968 All servicesPrecedence: Worn following wartime medals and senior merit decorations

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for dedicated long-term military service, high combat readiness, and unwavering devotion to the armed forces.

Eligibility

Long-serving soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers of the Korean People's Army.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn following wartime medals and senior merit decorations

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

History

The Medal of the Korean People's Army was established in 1968 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the founding of North Korea's military. It was designed to honor soldiers who demonstrated long and faithful service in guarding the nation's frontiers.

Throughout the Cold War, North Korea maintained one of the largest standing armies in the world relative to its population. This medal recognized individuals who completed extended military tours with spotless disciplinary records and strong political loyalty.

The medal became a standard decoration for career military members. It reinforced army morale during tense standoff periods along the Demilitarized Zone and remains an important service award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cold WarDMZ border skirmishes

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Ri Su-bok, including Order of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, Medal of the Korean People's Army, Commemorative Medal Fatherland Liberation War 1950-1953, Medal for the Liberation of Korea, Medal for Military Merit, Order of Military Service Honour, Order of Freedom and Independence, Order of Soldier's Honour, Order of the National Flag, Hero of the Republic, shown against a light North Korea flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Korean War

Order of Admiral Yi Sun-shin Medal of the Korean People's Army Commemorative Medal Fatherland Liberation War 1950-1953+7

Ri Su-bok

Who Was Hero Ri Su-bok?

A North Korean soldier famous for sacrificing his life to block an enemy machine gun position.

North Korea1951-10-30

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Sources

Back to North Korea