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Why did Seoul change hands four times during the Korean War?
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Korean War
Map showing North Korean advances in the Korean War in June–August 1950.
During the Korean War, Seoul changed hands four times due to the intense back-and-forth nature of the conflict between the United Nations Command (UNC) and the combined forces of North Korea and China. Its strategic importance as the capital city made it a primary objective for both sides.12
The four shifts in control occurred as follows:
- First Fall (June 28, 1950): North Korean forces captured Seoul shortly after launching their initial invasion across the 38th parallel on June 25.31
- First Liberation (September 25, 1950): Following the successful Incheon landing led by General Douglas MacArthur, UN forces liberated the city.1
- Second Fall (January 4, 1951): After massive Chinese intervention in late 1950, UN forces were forced to retreat, and Chinese and North Korean troops recaptured the city.41
- Second Liberation (March 14, 1951): UN forces launched a counteroffensive and liberated Seoul for the second time, after which the front lines stabilized near the 38th parallel for the remainder of the war.41