300 South Korean Peacekeepers Deployed for 8 Month Mission in South Sudan

(INCHON, SOUTH KOREA) – South Korea has deployed its 20th batch of peacekeeping troops to South Sudan, continuing its support for stability and reconstruction efforts under the United Nations mandate.

A formal send off ceremony took place on 29 July 2025 at the International Peace Supporting Standby Force base in Incheon, west of Seoul. Families, military officials and government representatives attended the event, as around 300 members of the Hanbit unit departed for an eight month mission in South Sudan.

The deployment is part of South Korea’s ongoing contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which was established to assist with peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction following the country’s independence in 2011 and subsequent civil conflict.

South Korea began sending troops to South Sudan in 2013 at the request of the United Nations, in line with a Security Council resolution that calls on member states to support peacekeeping operations in the country.

The Hanbit unit, whose name means “light” in Korean, has been based mainly in the town of Bor in Jonglei State. Its responsibilities have included building roads, medical outreach, facility repairs, and other engineering and civil reconstruction work, particularly in regions affected by flooding and conflict.

This latest deployment brings the total number of troops sent by South Korea to over 6,000 since 2013. The Hanbit unit has become one of the most consistent international support contingents on the ground in South Sudan.

As part of its mission, the unit is expected to continue delivering humanitarian assistance, providing engineering expertise and helping improve local infrastructure. This aligns with broader UN goals to help South Sudan stabilise and develop key public services.

No direct financial details were released, but typical deployment support from South Korea to the Hanbit mission includes logistics, medical supplies and troop maintenance costs, often estimated in the millions of dollars annually.