MILITARY ORDERS AND MAP OF KOREAN WAR REVEALED

[Anchor Lead]

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. Operation orders and maps that show the South Korean military's command procedure are released to the public for the first time in 70 years. Now South Koreans can see even a hand-written order from the front line issued one day before the Battle of Pyongyang.

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​The 38th Parallel, where the fiercest battles of the Korean War took place. The sixth infantry division was ordered to defend Chuncheon. The operation map showing combat routes involving six rounds of advances and retreats reflects the dire circumstances soldiers had to endure. Documents showing combat preparedness near the 38th parallel right before the war are also unveiled to the public. The plan designated the locations where residents, stragglers, and POWs could be placed once the war erupted. The order for the Battle of Tabu-dong, one of the fiercest clashes during the Korean War, was written by hand, pointing out the urgency of the situation. One day before the operation to recapture Pyongyang, the Chief of General Staff issued a hand-written order that contained President Rhee Syngman's instruction. The order said, "Together with the U.S. 1st Army Corps, immediately attack Pyongyang from the city's east and northeast sides." It was carried out the very next day. One day before the Incheon Landing Operation, a South Korean guerrilla unit was deployed to Jangsa-ri in Pohang to distract troops at the rear line. This is the sole official document mentioning student soldiers during the Korean War. The materials show the Y Line, referring to the line of defense along the Nakdong-gang River, and the 395 Hill which means White Horse Hill. In marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, the National Archives of Korea disclosed 401 operation orders and some 2,300 maps to the public for the first time. Roughly 1,800 pieces of materials transferred from the Army Headquarters. Damaged documents were restored over the course of five and a half years.

[Soundbite] KWAK JEONG(NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF KOREA) : "Even scholars had a hard time gaining access to these documents. Now that 70 years have passed, they can be disclosed to the public."

The detailed descriptions of critical combats during the Korean War will provide vital information to scholars and experts studying Korea's war history.