Korea’s Post-War Recovery and Reconstruction
Discover the recovery and reconstruction efforts of the United Nations in the aftermath of the Korean War
UNKRA’s Activities for South Korea’s Reconstruction (1957) by National Film WorksNational Archives of Korea
UNKRA's Activities for the Reconstruction of Korea
UNKRA (United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency) is a UN organization established by the UN General Assembly in 1950 to support the reconstruction of Korea. UNKRA led aid activities in war-ravaged Korea.
President Syngman Rhee’s Speech at the Opening Ceremony of UNKRA (1951) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
In December 1950, the United Nations (UN) established the UN Korean Reconstruction Agency (UNKRA) to aid South Korea’s relief efforts. UNKRA initially focused on emergency relief for civilians.
Disability Rehabilitation Program of UNKRA Government Report on UNKRA’s Plans (1952) by Office of the Prime MinisterNational Archives of Korea
This document details UNKRA’s rehabilitation project for disabled veterans during the war, specifically the establishment of a rehabilitation center in Busan’s Dongnae-gu.
Disability Rehabilitation Program of UNKRA Organizational Chart for the Dongnae Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Veterans (1952) by Office of the Prime MinisterNational Archives of Korea
The chart labeled “Organizational Chart for the Dongnae Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Veterans“ shows a total of 109 positions, including 16 foreign staff and 93 local staff.
UNKRA’s Reconstruction Efforts (1953) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
In June 1954, UNKRA signed an agreement with South Korea on the Korean Economic Aid Plan. Along with providing relief supplies, UNKRA engaged in the reconstruction of industry, transportation, communication, housing, healthcare, and education.
View of the National Maritime College Building Constructed with UNKRA Funds (1955) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
In November 1955, a new building for the National Maritime College was constructed in Busan with financial support from UNKRA.
Completion of the Incheon Glass Factory (1957) by National Film WorksNational Archives of Korea
With UNKRA’s support, the first factory in South Korea to produce plate glass using domestic materials and technology was completed in Incheon in 1957.
Aerial View of the Mungyeong Cement Factory (1957) by The Bureau of Public InformationNational Archives of Korea
South Korea’s first cement factory was established in Mungyeong in 1957 with support from UNKRA, marking the agency’s largest construction project.
UNKRA’s Closure and Future Plans (1958) by Ministry of Government AdministrationNational Archives of Korea
On June 30, 1958, UNKRA concluded its major activities, and this document outlines the South Korean government’s plan to manage the remaining funds and projects.
Textbook Printing Plant Under Construction in Yeongdeungpo (1954) by unNational Archives of Korea
This photograph shows a textbook printing plant under construction at Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, funded by UNKRA. UNKRA’s activities officially ended in 1960. Although short-lived, its contributions were crucial in laying the foundation for South Korea’s post-war recovery.
Continue to explore the impact of the U.S. and international development aid on Korea's economic revival. Find out how Korea transformed from an aid-recipient country to a donor country.
