Conflict: | Battle of Kaesong–Munsan–Bongilcheon |
Partof: | the Korean War Operation Pokpung (North Korea) Operation Western Region (South Korea) |
Date: | 25–28 June 1950 |
Place: | Yonan, Kaesong, Munsan, Bongilcheon |
Result: | KPA victory Successful ROK withdrawal |
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The Battle of Kaesong–Munsan–Bongilcheon (Hangul: Korean: 개성–문산–봉일천 전투; Hanja: Korean: 開城–汶山–奉日川 戰鬪) was a series of battles that occurred along the western region of the 38th parallel between 25 and 28 June 1950, as part of Operation Pokpoong (North Korea) and Operation Western Region (South Korea) that marked the beginning of the Korean War.
Korean People's Army Ground Force
Due to the reorganisation of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), the quality of training of the ROK 1st Infantry Division was lower than that of other divisions. The 11th Infantry Regiment and the 12th Infantry Regiment just began battalion-sized training; only two battalions from the 13th Infantry Regiment were in the last phase of the training, and one battalion was sent away for the field training.[1]
In addition, 57% of the soldiers were given leave on 24 June. Under the circumstances, the 12th Infantry Regiment had to defend 80 km frontline with only 800 troops. Moreover, heavy firearms and vehicles were sent to the rear for reorganization, and the division commander Paik Sun-yup was absent for training since 14 June.[1]
Republic of Korea Army
On 25 June, the KPA 1st and 6th Infantry Divisions, supported by the 203rd Armored Regiment and the 3rd 38-Guard Brigade, launched a surprise supporting attack on the ROKA 1st Infantry Division to flank Seoul from the west while the KPA I Corps main attack concurred in the west central region of the 38th parallel defended by the ROKA 7th Infantry Division.[2] [3]