History
The Republic of Korea War Service Medal was instituted by South Korea in 1950 to recognise those who served in the defence of the Republic during the Korean War, from 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953. During the war Australia used the imperial honours system, whose rules did not permit the medal to be accepted or worn, and so Australian veterans went without it for decades.
After a long campaign by the Australian Council of Korea Veterans Associations, South Korea renewed the offer, and the Governor-General approved the medal for acceptance and wear in 2017. Veterans who meet the criteria obtain it from a medals dealer, as Defence is not the awarding authority. As a foreign award it is worn after Australian honours, and for most Korean War veterans after the United Nations medal for Korea.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is a coloured and enamelled five pointed star. At its centre is the Taeguk, the Korean symbol of yin and yang, and the reverse is inscribed in Korean.
The ribbon
Striped in blue and white.
The ribbon is striped in blue and white, blue for the Republic of Korea and white for peace.
Eligibility
The medal was awarded for service in the defence of South Korea during the Korean War.
- Thirty consecutive days, or sixty non-consecutive days, within Korea or on adjacent waters was required;
- Service as aircrew in flight over Korea in combat or combat support operations also qualified;
- Veterans awarded the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp Korea are eligible;
- The medal was approved for Australian acceptance and wear in 2017, and is obtained from a medals dealer;
- As a foreign award it is worn in the Australian Order of Wearing after Australian and Commonwealth honours.
Order of wear
In the Australian Order of Wearing, foreign awards are worn after Australian honours and Commonwealth awards, in the order set for foreign awards, generally by the date of the service for which they were given. A foreign award is worn only where its acceptance and wear have been approved.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Republic of Korea War Service Medal?
South Korea's own medal for service in the defence of the Republic during the Korean War, from 1950 to 1953.
Why did Australian veterans not receive it during the war?
During the Korean War Australia used the imperial honours system, whose rules did not permit the medal to be accepted or worn.
When was it approved for Australians?
The Governor-General approved it for acceptance and wear in 2017, after a campaign by the Australian Council of Korea Veterans Associations and a renewed offer from South Korea.
What is the qualifying service?
Thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days within Korea or on adjacent waters, or service as aircrew in flight over Korea in combat or combat support operations.
What does the medal show?
A coloured and enamelled five pointed star bearing the Taeguk, the Korean symbol of yin and yang, at its centre, with the reverse inscribed in Korean.
How is it worn in Australia?
As a foreign award it is worn after Australian and Commonwealth honours; for most Korean War veterans it is worn after the United Nations medal for Korea.