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38th Parallel
This boundary was established on this date for the sole purpose of dividing Korea into two parts. The Communist forces of North Korea stopped marching at the 38th parallel to set the initial border of North and South Korea in 1945. -
Northern Invasion
Communist forces in North Korea invade South Korea, pushing US and UN forces back to the edge of the peninsula. -
US Ground Troops
The Northern strength was made apparent in only a few days. After only six days of Northern invasion, the US brings in ground troops to reinforce the Southern army. Air support and naval support was already being supplied by the US. -
Taejon
The Battle for Taejon ends in a communist victory while the US forces sustain heavy losses and retreat to safer territory. -
Inchon
US forces along with the small South Korean army has been pushed back to the Pusan Perimeter where a stalemate occurs for a few months. MacArthur decides to use a naval landing at Inchon to cut supply lines and level the battlefield. -
Recapture
The amphibious landing is successful and UN forces completely recapture Seoul. -
POW Exchange
North Korean and Chinese leaders agree to the POW Exchange. The POW Exchange is a prisoners of war deal that led to both sides keeping all prisoners of war. -
Communist Retaliation
The communist forces of North Korea push the Republic of Korea troops south again, below Seoul, where the war started. -
Armistice
After two years of negotiations and military stalemate, an armistice is confirmed. Both sides informally stopped fighting. -
Cease Fire
Cease fire agreement is signed by both sides and all fighting has completely ceased within 12 hours of the signing. From this point until current day, Korea has been in an official state of war with a formal cease fire in effect.