Established on December 12, 1950, the United Nations Korean Service Medal honors military personnel who carried out service in defending South Korea during the Korean War between the dates of June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954. It may also be bestowed upon individuals who carried out service in designated adjacent areas under the purview of the United Nations during the eligible period.
The United Nations Korean Service Medal was the first United Nations medal to be issued for joint military operations.
The medal is bronze and features the United Nations emblem of a globe encircled by a laurel wreath. The letters “UN” appear at the top of the medal, and the reverse reads “FOR SERVICE IN DEFENCE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS.” The ribbon features thin alternating vertical stripes of blue and white; it is worn with a clasp that reads “KOREA.”