HMS Belfast and the Korean War

An American helicopter flies over HMS Belfast in the Yellow Sea, 1951
An American helicopter flies over HMS Belfast in the Yellow Sea, 1951

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950. Communist North Korean troops invaded South Korea and rapidly advanced southwards. The UN was quick to respond, encouraging its members to support South Korea. Many countries sent troops.
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War, November 1951
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War, November 1951

HMS Belfast played an active role in the Korean War from 1950-1952 working with other Allied forces to support the retreating American and South Korean troops.
HMS Belfast during the Korean War
HMS Belfast during the Korean War

The Royal Marine Band from HMS Belfast entertains troops ashore in Korea, September 1952.
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War

In this photograph HMS Belfast approaches HMS Ocean prior to the transfer of Rear Admiral Scott-Moncrieff, Flag Officer, Second in Command, Far East Station from his flagship HMS Belfast to HMS Ocean to observe air operations against targets in NW Korea.
HMS Belfast during the Korean War
HMS Belfast during the Korean War

This photograph shows the transfer of South Korean Marines from HMS Belfast to a landing craft for the occupation of Sin Do, September 1951.
HMS Belfast during the Korean War
HMS Belfast during the Korean War

A South Korean naval craft coming alongside HMS Belfast during blockade patrols off Inchon.

Main menu

IWM London
London
Open daily 10am - 6pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December

Admission is free
- What's On
- Visiting Information
IWM North
Manchester
Open daily 10am - 5pm
Last admission 4.30pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December

Admission is free
- What's On
- Visiting Information
IWM Duxford
Cambridgeshire
Open daily

Summer 10am - 6pm
Last admission 5pm

Winter 10am - 4pm
Last admission 3pm

Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
- What's On
- Visiting Information
Churchill War Rooms
London
Open daily 9.30am - 6pm
Last admission 5pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
- What's On
- Visiting Information
HMS Belfast
London
Open daily 10am - 6pm
Last admission 5pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
- What's On
- Visiting Information

Self Guided Visits

A visit to HMS Belfast may support studies of the Second World War, Arctic Convoys, Korean War or The River Thames.

Activities

The Gun Turret Experience - Find out what it was like to be in the heart of battle, during the sinking of the Scharnhorst

The Operations Room - Simulated radars, equipment lights and a touchscreen plotting table bring a naval operation

Two Deck - Visit the kitchens, sick bay, chapel, dentist and punishment cell

The Arctic Mess Deck - Where men slept and spent their spare time during the Second World War Arctic Convoys

The Flag Deck, Forecastle and Boat Deck – Fantastic views of the Pool of London skyline, Tower Bridge and River Thames

Below the Water line – the Shell Room, Boiler Room and Engine Room

Life at Sea and War and Peace exhibitions - Explore the history of HMS Belfast from launch in 1938 through the Second World War, Korean War, Cold War and becoming a museum in 1971

Visit Details

Suitable for: KS1 and above

Accessibility: Only two decks can be accessed without climbing or descending ladders – for more information see Accessibility

Duration: Minimum of 90 minutes

Cost: Free for children under 16, group adults are free on a ratio of 1:10, 1:1 supervisor adults are free. Additional adults £10.55 each. Students age 16 or over in a group of ten or more £9.25 each.

How do I book this session?

Make sure you read our Terms and Conditions

Complete our online visit request form

You will receive a response to your request within ten working days

Learning Resources

Image of children attending a learning session. Link opens in a new window.

From the World Wars to the Cold War, IWM gives teachers and students in UK schools everything they need to explore the course, causes and consequences of conflict from the First World War to today.

View our Learning Resources