The Women’s Volunteer Corps and Its Role in the Korean War of 1950-1953

Abstract

The article analyzes the role of the Women’s Volunteer Corps within the military units of the South Korean army during the Korean War of 1950-1953. The topic of female soldiers’ participation in this conflict had long been insufficiently studied, which contributed to the distortion of the historical narrative and the underestimation of their contribution to the military efforts aimed at unifying the Korean Peninsula under the leadership of President Syngman Rhee.

The aim of this study is to identify and systematize the role of the Women’s Volunteer Corps, as well as to assess the reaction of the public and military structures to the participation of women in military actions at that time. The materials and methods are based on the analysis of literary sources, historical data, and scientific articles describing the involvement of South Korean women in the Women’s Volunteer Corps from 1950 to 1953.

The research results demonstrate that the Women’s Volunteer Corps played a significant role in the Korean War. Female volunteers made important contributions not only to administrative and support activities but also to maintaining the morale of the South Korean army and society. Despite the limitations imposed by traditional gender stereotypes and the barriers created by military structures, the participation of women in the Women’s Volunteer Corps contributed to strengthening the military power of the Republic of Korea.

The study’s conclusions emphasize the need to revise the historical narrative of the Korean War, taking into account the contributions of female volunteers. Ignoring their role leads to an incomplete understanding of the Republic of Korea’s military efforts and the importance of women’s participation in this conflict.