Korea Military Academy

Established in 1946, the Korea Military Academy, or KMA, stands before you as a symbol of dedication and discipline. It molds the future leaders of the Republic of Korea Army. Known as Hwarangdae, a name echoing the elite warrior group of ancient Korea, the KMA instills wisdom, integrity, and courage in its cadets. Originally called the South Joseon Defense Academy, the KMA emerged from the post-World War II landscape. The disbandment of the Imperial Japanese Army left a security vacuum. The US military administration established the Military Language School in Seoul in 1945. This school aimed to train interpreters and officers in American military doctrine. The South Joseon National Defense Force, the precursor to the ROK Army, was formed in 1946. On May 1st of that same year, the South Joseon Defense Academy, later renamed the Korea Military Academy, opened its doors. It inherited cadets from the Military Language School. The academy’s first superintendent was Major Lee Hyung-geun, and First Lieutenant Jang Chang-kuk served as commandant. The Korean War brought significant changes. Despite initial resistance from US Generals Walker and Ridgway, General James Van Fleet, a West Point graduate, saw the need to rebuild the KMA. Inspired by his experience reorganizing the Greek army, Van Fleet established a temporary KMA site in Jinhae-gu in 1951, overseen by West Point graduates. The academy’s popularity soared. The ROK Army Chief of Staff even referred to it as “the hope of our people.” A statue of Van Fleet stands on the KMA campus. He is remembered as the “father of the Korean Army” for his crucial role in its development. For those curious about the life of a cadet, the KMA offers a special tour. You can visit the museum, memorial hall, and exhibition center. The museum showcases military artifacts, while the memorial hall reveals the academy’s history. But the true spectacle is the Hwarang Ceremony. Every Saturday at 11:30, cadets don their formal uniforms and march in a display of precision and pride.