I Corps (South Korea)

The I Corps is a corps of the Republic of Korea Army. It is named 'GWANGGAETO' (1군단 '광개토부대').

I Corps GWANGGAETO
Active24 July 1950 - present
Country South Korea
BranchRepublic of Korea Army
RoleOffensive force
Part ofGround Operations Command
EngagementsKorean War
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Paik Sun-yup
Kim Jong-oh

It was created on July 24, 1950, just before the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter. It consisted of the 8th Infantry Division and the Capital Division. During the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter (July–September, 1950), its headquarters was at Sangju.[1]

Currently, the I Corps is the largest corps of the ROK Army. The corps is organized with three infantry divisions, one mechanized infantry division, and several separate brigades.[2]

History

Wonsan (1950)

Under the direction of U.S. Army General Walker, the ROK I Corps participated in the crossing of the 38th parallel on October 1, 1950. They rushed north to the North Korean port of Wonsan on October 10, 1950. Leaving parts of their force in Wonsan, the I Corps also went west. The U.S. Army X Corps under the command of General MacArthur had planned a second amphibious landing at Wonsan but after the ROK I Corps victory there, no assault was needed. The X Corps walked ashore. U.S General Almond then added the ROK I Corps to his command.[3]

UN offensive into North Korea (1950)

After adding the ROK I corps to his command, General Almond used them to clear northeastern North Korea. Columns of troops were sent up over the mountains to clear and maintain the coast towards the Yalu River and Changjin Reservoir.[3]

Chinese intervention

In November 1950, the I Corps fought at Sudong against the Chinese. Along with the help of the United States Marine Corps, they were able to defeat the Chinese and cause at least 662 deaths.[4]

21st century

The corps now includes the 1st Infantry Division and the 30th Armored Brigade, formerly the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division.

Structure

References
  1. Webb, William J. The Korean War: The Outbreak. United States Army Center of Military History. CMH Pub 19-6. Archived from the original on 2010-06-12. Retrieved 2010-08-16.
  2. "I ROK Corps".
  3. "Overview of the Korean War - Korean War Project". www.koreanwar.org. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
  4. "Battle of the Chosin Reservoir | Korean War". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
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