The Korean War first sparked on June 25, 1950, when the North Korean People’s Army invaded South Korea. It took place in the Korean Peninsula, across the 38th parallel that divides the Soviet-backed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the US-supported Republic of Korea.  

Fighting In Seoul, SK | Source: Wikipedia

The Korean War was a battle between communism and democracy and was the first international warfare of the Cold War. Overshadowed by the Second World War and the Vietnam War, the military action is named the “Forgotten War” as it didn’t get much media attention.  

Korean War Memorial Seoul, SK | Source: AS

The war lasted shortly but was bloody, taking the lives of nearly 5 million people including almost 40,000 American troops. And unlike other civil conflicts where one side declares victory, the war comes a stalemate.  

The Korean War Armistice 

Although negotiations initiated by US President Harry Truman started in July 1951, the conflict went on. Both parties do not reach an agreement on whether the captives are to got back to their countries.  

DMZ Between North & South Korea

Finally, on July 27, 1953, the armistice was signed, giving the prisoners of war freedom to choose where they wanted to stay. The armistice also gave South Korea additional square miles of territory.  

Korean War Banknotes 

North Korea 5,000 Won | 2008 | Source: Banknote World Educational

On the obverse of the North Korea 5,000 Won Banknote from 2008 is former president Kim II Sung who authorized the invasion of South Korea. On the reverse is his birthplace in Mangyongdae.  

Korean War Banknote Album | Source: Banknote World

This banknote album contains a 1,000 won banknote introduced by the Republic of Korea in the year the war began. On its obverse is a portrait of South Korea’s first president, Syngman Rhee who was the president at the time of the Korean War.  

North Korea 10 Won | 2002 | Source: Banknote World Educational

On the reverse of the 2002 North Korea 10 Won banknote is the Korean War Victory Monument in Pyongyang. Construction of the monument ends in 1993 in time for the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of the Korean War. The banknote’s obverse side also features a pilot, a sailor, and a soldier.  

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