As the United Nations Command marks its 75th anniversary, the South Korean military is reflecting on the spirit of solidarity and sacrifice demonstrated by the UN forces during the Korean War through its international peacekeeping activities, including the deployment of the Dongmyeong Unit to Lebanon and the Hanbit Unit to South Sudan.
According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff on October 4, the Dongmyeong and Hanbit Units of the South Korean military have been serving as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces (PKO) since 2007 and 2013, respectively, carrying out missions to stabilize conflict zones and protect civilians in Lebanon in the Middle East and South Sudan in Africa.
The Dongmyeong Unit was dispatched to Lebanon in response to the UN's request for peacekeeping forces after the situation deteriorated due to clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006. The Dongmyeong Unit conducts 24-hour reconnaissance and surveillance to monitor illegal arms and armed groups entering southern Lebanon, thereby working to stabilize the region. Since its deployment, the unit has conducted approximately 140,000 full-scale operations.
Given that the Dongmyeong Unit operates alongside military forces from various countries in Lebanon, it actively participates in joint training exercises. Through Familiarization Deployment (FAMDEP), the unit and other deployed forces introduce the roles and capabilities of their respective mobile reserve units, enhance their situational response skills, and conduct joint live-fire exercises. In addition, the unit regularly conducts Capacity and Operational Training Assistance with the Lebanese Armed Forces (COTAWL), sharing South Korea’s operational skills and expertise.
David Colussi, Brigadier General of the Italian Army and Commander of the Western Brigade of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stated, "I sincerely thank the Dongmyeong Unit soldiers for their dedication, discipline, and spirit of service," and added, "The Republic of Korea should take pride in the Dongmyeong Unit’s contributions to peace and stability in Lebanon."
Furthermore, the Dongmyeong Unit is also conducting humanitarian civil-military operations for local residents. These activities include providing medical support, installing solar-powered streetlights, building essential infrastructure such as water purification facilities, and donating supplies. In the unit’s five areas of responsibility (Burj Rahal, Abbasiya, Diba, Burj Alia, and Shabriha) and the Tyre region, the Dongmyeong Unit has installed solar-powered streetlights, water supply and purification facilities, futsal fields, and sports facilities, as well as constructed and renovated school facilities. The unit has also donated vehicles, office equipment, air conditioners, and garbage bins, thereby helping to improve the living environment for local residents.
Since July 2007, the unit has provided medical support to the public, with military doctors and nursing officers rotating through the five areas of responsibility. Notably, since 2016, the unit has offered dental services in addition to general and veterinary care, achieving a cumulative total of around 160,000 treatments.
The Korean language class has attracted a cumulative total of approximately 2,180 students. In 2015, a fan club called "Dongmyeong Supporters" was formed by students to support the unit. The Taekwondo class has seen participation from over 26,200 people, with more than 850 earning black belts and 23 achieving third-degree black belt or higher.
Marking its 18th year of deployment in 2025, the Dongmyeong Unit, South Korea’s longest-serving combat deployment unit, is evolving from simply maintaining peace by deterring conflict to actively fostering peace in the region. Colonel Lee Hojun, commander of the Dongmyeong Unit, stated, "All members of the unit will support the local community with the mindset of being national representatives of the Republic of Korea, for the glory of our country and the peace of Lebanon."
The Hanbit Unit was also deployed in 2013 at the request of the United Nations to assist in the reconstruction of South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011. In South Sudan, where most roads except those in the capital Juba are unpaved, the Hanbit Unit has been conducting main supply route maintenance and reconstruction support operations. Over the past 12 years since its deployment, the unit has repaired a total of 2,800 kilometers of roads and has constructed a 17-kilometer-long embankment along the White Nile River, which had been plagued by frequent flooding.
In addition to reconstruction support operations, the unit has received praise from local residents for providing essential supplies, including educational and medical materials, to villages. Recently, the unit was selected as the "Best Engineering Unit" of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for 2025.
To help local residents become self-reliant, the Hanbit Unit operates the Hanbit Farm and Hanbit Vocational School, teaching skills such as agriculture, poultry farming, carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. To date, more than 700 graduates have completed training. In particular, the unit has contributed to local food self-sufficiency by providing seed technology and various crop seeds.
Boyoi Golla, mayor of Pibor in South Sudan, expressed deep gratitude, saying, "South Sudan’s prosperity and the revitalization of trade are thanks to the Hanbit Unit’s reconstruction operations, which built hundreds of kilometers of major roads connecting Bor, Pibor, and Akobo."
Colonel Choi Bogul, commander of the Hanbit Unit, stated, "The sweat and passion of our soldiers are providing real hope to the local residents," and added, "We will continue to do our utmost to accomplish our mission and return safely under the slogan 'Hope for South Sudan, Glory for the Republic of Korea.'"
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