UNMCK - UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA

South Africa contributed to the Korean War primarily through the 2nd Fighter Squadron of the South African Air Force (SAAF), which was part of the United Nations Command. A total of 826 South Africans served in Korea, with 243 officers and 545 ground personnel. South Africa's contribution also included 38 army officers and men serving as part of the First Commonwealth Division. The South African Air Force pilots flew 12,067 sorties, and the squadron later re-equipped with the F-86 Sabre. 
South Africa's casualties in the Korean War included 37 South Africans who lost their lives. This included 34 pilots and two ground crew killed in action or missing in action, 8 pilots taken prisoner, and aircraft losses of 74 out of 97 Mustangs and 4 out of 22 Sabres. 

The fallen heroes are commemorated in a section of the Korean Cultural Centre in Brooklyn, according to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). 
South Africa's commitment to the Korean War was motivated by a desire to establish a strong bond with the United States and be associated with a formal regional treaty similar to NATO. The South African government at the time, while initially hesitant, shifted its stance and recognized the potential benefits of military involvement in Korea.

South Africa and the ROK diplomatic relations have strengthened across all sectors of cooperation.
South Africa and the ROK have complementary economies and enjoy relatively good economic relations.


The relationship is driven by demand for raw materials in Korea and demand for consumer goods in South Africa. South Africa is the ROK’s largest trading partner in Africa.
Both countries share painful histories of conflict, violence, and exploitation. However, today we can celebrate our two countries’ belief in shared universal values, the most important core value being freedom.