Republic of Korea Navy
Encyclopedia : R : RE : REP : Republic of Korea Navy
The Republic of Korea Navy (ROK Navy, ROKN, Hangul:대한민국 해군) is the navy of South Korea. The current Chief of Naval Operations is Admiral Nam Hae-il.
The mission of the navy during peacetime is not only to deter war, but also to protect national and maritime sovereignty, and perform activities that support national foreign policies and enhance national prestige. The ROKN has engaged in several peacekeeping operations. [[Citing sources citation needed]]
Its mission during war is to guarantee the safety of activities at sea by protecting the sea lines of communication, the life line of the country, and exercising control over the sea.
The ROKN aims to become a substantial blue-water navy by 2020. [[Citing sources citation needed]]
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| Military of South Korea |
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Navy |
| Air Force |
Marine Corps |
| Homeland Reserve Forces |
| History |
| Personnel |
| Comparative military ranks |
| Military ranks |
| Equipment |
- 1 History
- 2 ROKN Equipment
- 2.1 Destroyers
- 2.2 Frigates
- 2.3 Corvettes
- 2.4 Patrol craft
- 2.5 Mine Warfare
- 2.6 Amphibious
- 2.7 Auxiliary & Miscellaneous
- 2.8 Submarines
- 2.9 Aircraft
- 3 Current Projects
- 3.1 Korean Destroyer eXperimental
- 3.2 Landing Platform eXperimental
- 3.3 Patrol Killer eXperimental
- 3.4 Korean Attack Submarine (KSS) program
- 4 Military Ranks
- 5 References
- 6 External links
History
Founding Years
On August 21, 1945, immediately after being liberated from Japan, Admiral Sohn Won-il organized the Haesadae (해사대, Maritime Affairs Unit). On September 30, 1945, it was integrated with Haesabogukdan (해사보국단, Maritime Affairs Corps for National Defense) to form Haesahyeophoe (해사협회, Maritime Affairs Association).The Coastal Defence Force, or Haesabyeongdan (해사병단) was reorganized as Republic of Korea Navy force on November 11, 1945. However, the ROK Navy was officially established following the foundation of the Republic of Korea Government on August 15, 1948.
On April 15, 1949, the Republic of Korea Marine Corps was founded in Deoksan airfield in Jinhae. The Marine Corps carried out Suppression Oprations against communist elements in Jinju and Jeju-do, which won them a national repuation.
The ROK Navy was brought under a surprise attack by the North Korean People’s Army. The ROK Navy gained control in the seas surrounding the country, despite its smaller size and fewer supplies. Upon winning battles in Okgye and the Korea Straits, the ROK Navy secured the seas south of the 38th parallel. In turn, with the help of a successful Incheon Landing Operation, the ROK Navy proceeded to take control of the entire seas surrounding the Korean peninsula. With gunfire support, the ROK Navy aided coastal blockade operations and ground operations neutralizing enemy installations. Furthermore, the ROK Navy launched aggressive attacks against the North. As ground troops withdrew from the north, due to the intervention of Chinese Communist troops, the Navy evacuated not only armed forces and military supplies but also refugees longing for freedom in the East and West seas.
On July 27, 1953, the three year-long fratricidal war was brought to an end when the Cease-fire Agreement was signed. The ROK Navy overcame the ordeal of war and in turn began creating the Foundation for the Victorious Navy.
During the war, the ROK Navy Headquarters moved down to Busan with the Government, but returned to Seoul where it restructured its organization. On September 1, 1960, the Headquarters moved into the new building in Daebang-dong, Seoul. While maintaining the naval forces by establishing and expanding the Korean Fleet, the ROK Navy also expanded its ground forces.
After the Korean War, the ROK Navy focused its efforts on building an elite Navy by reorganizing its structure and by introducing new weapons. During the Vietnam War, when the government decided to dispatch troops to Vietnam, the ROK Navy, to safeguard peace in Vietnam, sent two divisions; Baekgu Division and Cheongnyong Division.
Despite adverse conditions due to old port facilities and enemy surprise attacks, Baekgu Division successfully conducted 462 sealift operations, transporting 562,011 tons of munitions and cruising a total of 284,992 miles.
Starting on September 1, 1969, the ROK Navy began establishing close ties with civilians by conducting ‘Isolated Islands Visiting Program’ and enhancing its image as the people’s navy that is trusted and loved. Entering the mid-1970s, the ROK Navy, supported by the Government’s Yulgok project (8-year National defense project), began to build the perfect naval defense system through weapon maintenance, reorganization and various training programs.
Since the first missile craft was launched, the ROK Navy succeeded in: localizing the first Baekgu-class patrol boat, (which was purchased from the US), launching the first 2,000 ton class frigate Ulsan (FF-951) and the first 1,000 ton class corvette Pohang (PCC-756). With these achievements, the ROK Navy became the first complete large-scale battle fleet that was constructed with Korean technology.
Gwanggaeto the Great (*Hull No.971) destroyer followed by two Ulsan class frigates
The Navy continued to carry out projects such as building mine sweepers, constructing logistic support ships and new large-scale amphibious ships and submarines. These projects strengthened naval capabilities, enabling the Navy to carry out open sea operations and component operations. Adding to their surface and underwater forces, the ROK Navy equipped itself with an Air Force that included Anti-submarine Patrol Aircraft and Anti-submarine Helicopters. Thus the ROK Navy was capable of performing multi-dimensional strategies. Furthermore, the ROK Navy enhanced its landing operations and specialized warfare units by improving weapons for the Marine Corps and Special Action squadrons.
Because the expansion of the naval force greatly enhanced its operational power, the Navy underwent massive organizational restructuring. The maritime operation units were reorganized into today’s ROK Navy. In February 1984, the existing Korean Fleet was divided into two squadrons: ROK Fleet Command and the First, Second and Third fleet.
The naval air force was also greatly enhanced. The existing fleet air squadron was expanded into the Naval Air Wing Flotilla to better manage the strengthened naval air force in 1977. In 1986, the Naval Air Wing Flotilla became Air Wing 6, an independent unit under direct control of ROK Fleet Command.
Furthermore, in 1987, the Marine Corps Command was established, acting as a liaison connecting ROK Navy headquarters with Marine Corps units.
In addition, the ROK Navy pushed for progressive diplomatic military actions and played a leading role in military academics. As a result, the ROK Navy has been holding events such as the ROKN-USN Navy Talk since 1977, the International Sea Power Symposium since 1989, and The On-board Discussions since May, 1992.
320px
Because the ROK Navy enhanced its coastal defense capabilities by building Korean patrol boats and corvettes since 1974, the Force Development Projects have promoted the self-reliance of National Defense. In 1981, Korea commissioned the production of a frigate, enabling the ROK Navy to carry out more effective operations in the open sea. Furthermore, in 1992, a mass submarine production system was established after the introduction of ROKS CHANG BOGO, and in 1995, a technologically advanced maritime patrol aircraft was introduced. The maritime security environment around the Korean peninsula is rapidly changing as the neighboring countries’ naval powers are strengthening.
ROKN Equipment
Destroyers
- KDX-I Okpo class destroyer (옥포급 구축함) (3 in service)
- KDX-II Chungmugong Yi Sunshin class destroyer (충무공 이순신급 구축함) (3 in service, 2 launched, 1 under construction)
- KDX-III Ahn Yong-Bok class destroyer (안용복급 구축함) (1 under contruction, 2 planned)
Frigates
- Ulsan class frigate (울산급 호위함) (9 in service)
Corvettes
ROKS Minelayer, MLS 560 Won San
- Tonghae class (PCC Patrol Combat Corvette) (동해급 초계함) (4 in service)
- Pohang class (PCC Patrol Combat Corvette) (포항급 초계함 (24 in service)
Patrol craft
- Chamsuri class patrol craft (참수리급 고속정) (212 in service)
- Sea Dolphin type (돌고래급 고속정) (75 in service)
Mine Warfare
- Wonsan class MLS (Minelayer, Support Ship) (원산급 기뢰부설함) (1 in service)
- Kang Keong / Swallow Class MHC (강경급 기뢰전함) (6 in service)
- Kumsan class MSC (Minesweeper Craft) (금산급 기뢰전함) (8 in service)
Amphibious
- Landing Platform eXperimental Dokdo class (독도급 상륙함) (1 launched)
- Kojoonbong class LST (Landing Ship Tank) (고준봉급 상륙함) (4 in service)
- Mulgae class LST
Auxiliary & Miscellaneous
- Cheonji class AOE (Fast Combast Support Ships) (천지급 군수지원함) (3 in service)
- Cheonghaejin ASR (Submarine rescue ship) (청해진급 잠수함 구조함) (1 in service)
Submarines
After the Korean War, the ROK Navy focused its efforts on building an elite Navy by reorganizing its structure and by introducing new weapons. During the Vietnam War, when the government decided to dispatch troops to Vietnam, the ROK Navy, to safeguard peace in Vietnam, sent two divisions; Baekgu Division and Cheongnyong Division. Despite adverse conditions due to old port facilities and enemy surprise attacks, Baekgu Division successfully conducted 462 sealift operations, transporting 562,011 tons of munitions and cruising a total of 284,992 miles.
Starting on September 1, 1969, the ROK Navy began establishing close ties with civilians by conducting ‘Isolated Islands Visiting Program’ and enhancing its image as the people’s navy that is trusted and loved. Entering the mid-1970s, the ROK Navy, supported by the Government’s Yulgok project (8-year National defense project), began to build the perfect naval defense system through weapon maintenance, reorganization and various training programs. Since the first missile craft was launched, the ROK Navy succeeded in: localizing the first Baekgu-class patrol boat, (which was purchased from the US), launching the first 2,000 ton class frigate Ulsan (FF-951) and the first 1,000 ton class corvette Pohang (PCC-756). With these achievements, the ROK Navy became the first complete large-scale battle fleet that was constructed with Korean technology.
Gwanggaeto the Great (*Hull No.971) destroyer followed by two Ulsan class frigates
The Navy continued to carry out projects such as building mine sweepers, constructing logistic support ships and new large-scale amphibious ships and submarines. These projects strengthened naval capabilities, enabling the Navy to carry out open sea operations and component operations. Adding to their surface and underwater forces, the ROK Navy equipped itself with an Air Force that included Anti-submarine Patrol Aircraft and Anti-submarine Helicopters. Thus the ROK Navy was capable of performing multi-dimensional strategies. Furthermore, the ROK Navy enhanced its landing operations and specialized warfare units by improving weapons for the Marine Corps and Special Action squadrons.
Because the expansion of the naval force greatly enhanced its operational power, the Navy underwent massive organizational restructuring. The maritime operation units were reorganized into today’s ROK Navy. In February 1984, the existing Korean Fleet was divided into two squadrons: ROK Fleet Command and the First, Second and Third fleet.
The naval air force was also greatly enhanced. The existing fleet air squadron was expanded into the Naval Air Wing Flotilla to better manage the strengthened naval air force in 1977. In 1986, the Naval Air Wing Flotilla became Air Wing 6, an independent unit under direct control of ROK Fleet Command.
Furthermore, in 1987, the Marine Corps Command was established, acting as a liaison connecting ROK Navy headquarters with Marine Corps units.
In addition, the ROK Navy pushed for progressive diplomatic military actions and played a leading role in military academics. As a result, the ROK Navy has been holding events such as the ROKN-USN Navy Talk since 1977, the International Sea Power Symposium since 1989, and The On-board Discussions since May, 1992.
320px
Because the ROK Navy enhanced its coastal defense capabilities by building Korean patrol boats and corvettes since 1974, the Force Development Projects have promoted the self-reliance of National Defense. In 1981, Korea commissioned the production of a frigate, enabling the ROK Navy to carry out more effective operations in the open sea. Furthermore, in 1992, a mass submarine production system was established after the introduction of ROKS CHANG BOGO, and in 1995, a technologically advanced maritime patrol aircraft was introduced. The maritime security environment around the Korean peninsula is rapidly changing as the neighboring countries’ naval powers are strengthening.
ROKN Equipment
Destroyers
- KDX-I Okpo class destroyer (옥포급 구축함) (3 in service)
- KDX-II Chungmugong Yi Sunshin class destroyer (충무공 이순신급 구축함) (3 in service, 2 launched, 1 under construction)
- KDX-III Ahn Yong-Bok class destroyer (안용복급 구축함) (1 under contruction, 2 planned)
Frigates
- Ulsan class frigate (울산급 호위함) (9 in service)
Corvettes
ROKS Minelayer, MLS 560 Won San
Because the ROK Navy enhanced its coastal defense capabilities by building Korean patrol boats and corvettes since 1974, the Force Development Projects have promoted the self-reliance of National Defense. In 1981, Korea commissioned the production of a frigate, enabling the ROK Navy to carry out more effective operations in the open sea. Furthermore, in 1992, a mass submarine production system was established after the introduction of ROKS CHANG BOGO, and in 1995, a technologically advanced maritime patrol aircraft was introduced. The maritime security environment around the Korean peninsula is rapidly changing as the neighboring countries’ naval powers are strengthening.
ROKN Equipment
Destroyers
- Tonghae class (PCC Patrol Combat Corvette) (동해급 초계함) (4 in service)
- Pohang class (PCC Patrol Combat Corvette) (포항급 초계함 (24 in service)
Patrol craft
- Chamsuri class patrol craft (참수리급 고속정) (212 in service)
- Sea Dolphin type (돌고래급 고속정) (75 in service)
Mine Warfare
- Wonsan class MLS (Minelayer, Support Ship) (원산급 기뢰부설함) (1 in service)
- Kang Keong / Swallow Class MHC (강경급 기뢰전함) (6 in service)
- Kumsan class MSC (Minesweeper Craft) (금산급 기뢰전함) (8 in service)
Amphibious
- Landing Platform eXperimental Dokdo class (독도급 상륙함) (1 launched)
- Kojoonbong class LST (Landing Ship Tank) (고준봉급 상륙함) (4 in service)
- Mulgae class LST
Auxiliary & Miscellaneous
- SX 756 Dolphin-class submarine
- KSS-1 Dolgorae-class submarine (돌고래급 잠수함)
- KSS-I Changbogo class submarine (장보고급 잠수함) (9 in service)
- KSS-II Sohn Won-il class submarine (손원일급 잠수함)
Aircraft
- P-3C Orion
- Bell 206B JetRanger
- Cessna 406 Caravan II
- Hughes 500MD
- Grumman S-2E Tracker
- Aérospatiale SA 316
- Super Lynx Mk.99
- UH-60 Black Hawk
Current Projects
Korean Destroyer eXperimental
The ROKN has embarked on an ambitious project of substantial shipbuilding, titled Korean Destroyer eXperimental. It was a three-phase program aimed at replacing old destroyers (mostly World War II and Korean War-era American ships that were sold or given away to ROKN) with new destroyers armed with state-of-the-art technology and weaponry. The proponents of the program includes the KDX-I Okpo class destroyers, which were first Korean destroyers to possess automated anti-air defence system, the KDX-II Chungmugong Yi Sunshin class destroyer, and KDX-III Ahn Yong-Bok class destroyer, which will feature the most advanced and sophisticated Aegis combat system (baseline 7 phase 1 - Advanced Processor (4800 MIPS) and Distributed Processor (1600 MIPS)).
Landing Platform eXperimental
The Landing Platform eXperimental, 'LPX for short, is a project to commission amphibious landing ships for which Hanjin Heavy Industries has provided the general design package. The ROKN has a well-defined requirement for new amphibious ships to significantly enhance Korea's current AMW capability, both in terms of assault and Military operations other than war.
Patrol Killer eXperimental
The Patrol Killer eXperimental program is a project to produce advanced patrol crafts possessing Cooperative Engagement Capability and advanced weaponry. It is aimed to replace the aging Chamsuri class patrol vessel.
Korean Attack Submarine (KSS) program
The Korean Attack submarine program is a three-phased project aimed at enhancing ROKN's comparatively weak submarine arsenal. Before the initiation of SSS program, the submarine fleet of ROKN consisted of midget submarines, such as the KSS-I Dolgorae class submarine and SX 756 Dolphin-class submarine, which had greatly limited capabilities and were only fit for inshore operations.
The KSS program sought to acquire submarines that can destroy hostile submarines, surface ships, protect friendly naval base, sea shores communications, and carry out reconnaissance missions.
The first phase, KSS-I, saw the acquision of 9 Type 209 Changbogo class submarine with a full submerged displacement of 1,200 tons. For the second phase, KSS-II, ROKN ordered 3 Type 214 submarine with Air-Independent propulsion. Not much is known about the third phase of the program, KSS-III, but it is speculated that ROKN will try to acquire state-of-the-art submarines with more than 3,500 ton full submerged displacement.
Military Ranks
Admiral ranks
| South Korean rank | South Korean insignia (shoulder) |
| Wonsu | 
|
| Taejang | 
|
| Chungjang | 
|
| Sojang | 
|
| Chunjang | 
|
Officer ranks
| South Korean rank | ROK Navy insignia (shoulder) | ROK Navy insignia (collar) |
| Taeryong | 
| 
|
| Chungryong | 
| 
|
| Soryong | 
| 
|
| Taewi | 
| 
|
| Chungwi | 
| 
|
| Sowi | 
| 
|
Enlisted ranks
| South Korean rank | ROK Navy insignia |
| Wonsa | 
|
| Sangsa | 
|
| Chungsa | 
|
| Hasa | 
|
| Byongjang | 
|
| Sangbyong | 
|
| Ilbyong | 
|
| Yibyong | 
|
| Mudungbyong | No Insignia |
References
- [Korea] Development of the Republic of Korea Navy, "Haesadae (Liberation forces) was formed ... "
- [Global Security on ROKN]
External links
- ROK Navy official website ([Korean/English])
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