Key Facts
- Dates
- September 1–15, 1950
- Duration
- 15 days
- Key terrain
- Hill 902 (Ka-san), Hills 755 and 314
- KPA divisions involved
- 1st and 13th Divisions
- UN divisions involved
- US 1st Cavalry Division, ROK 1st Division
- Part of
- Battle of Pusan Perimeter / Great Naktong Offensive
Strategic Narrative Overview
The KPA 1st and 13th Divisions advanced on Ka-san and the surrounding hills, gradually pushing back the US 1st Cavalry Division and ROK 1st Division from Hill 902 and adjacent positions. UN forces resisted tenaciously over two weeks, at one point deploying an engineer battalion as frontline infantry. Though the KPA seized portions of the high ground, they could not consolidate their gains or break through to Taegu.
01 / The Origins
In summer 1950, North Korean forces had driven UN and South Korean troops into a small southeastern enclave around Pusan. As part of the Great Naktong Offensive, the Korean People's Army sought to capture Taegu, a critical supply hub, by seizing the hill masses to the city's north, including Ka-san — a strategically elevated position crowned by an ancient fortress — threatening to collapse the entire Pusan Perimeter.
03 / The Outcome
On September 15, 1950, UN forces landed at Inchon far behind North Korean lines, threatening to encircle the KPA. The following day, UN forces launched their breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, forcing the KPA to withdraw from Ka-san and the surrounding area. The battle ended in a UN victory, with the immediate threat to Taegu eliminated and momentum swinging decisively toward UN forces.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
2 belligerents
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.