What Is 1st Battle of Naktong Bulge

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The First Battle of the Naktong Bulge occurred from August 5–19, 1950, during the Korean War, when North Korean forces crossed the Naktong River and attacked U.S. and South Korean troops near Yongsan. UN forces ultimately repelled the offensive, marking a critical moment in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter.

Key Facts

Fought from August 5–19, 1950, during the early phase of the Korean War
Part of the larger Battle of the Pusan Perimeter to prevent North Korea from overrunning South Korea
North Korean 4th Division crossed the Naktong River and established a 'bulge' in UN lines
U.S. 24th Infantry Division bore the brunt of the fighting and suffered heavy casualties
UN forces launched counterattacks involving the 27th Infantry Regiment and artillery support

Overview

The First Battle of the Naktong Bulge was a significant engagement during the Korean War, occurring between August 5 and 19, 1950. It was part of the larger North Korean push to break through the Pusan Perimeter, a defensive line held by United Nations forces in southeastern Korea.

North Korean forces, primarily the 4th Infantry Division, crossed the Naktong River and established a salient—dubbed the 'Naktong Bulge'—near Yongsan, threatening to split UN lines. U.S. and South Korean forces, including the U.S. 24th Infantry Division, launched fierce counterattacks to eliminate the bulge and restore the defensive perimeter.

Initial crossing: On August 5, 1950, North Korean troops launched a surprise assault across the Naktong River under cover of darkness, establishing a foothold in the west bank.
Strategic location: The bulge occurred near Yongsan, a key town on the southern flank of the Pusan Perimeter, making it a high-value target for both sides.
Forces involved: The North Korean 4th Division, numbering approximately 5,000 troops, faced the U.S. 24th Infantry Division and elements of the South Korean 1st Division.
Heavy resistance: U.S. troops, particularly the 27th Infantry Regiment, engaged in intense close-quarters combat to push back the North Korean advance.
UN victory: By August 19, 1950, UN forces successfully eliminated the bulge, inflicting heavy casualties and regaining control of the riverbank.

Combat Phases and Tactics

The battle unfolded in distinct phases, shaped by river crossings, infantry assaults, and artillery coordination. Commanders on both sides adapted quickly to shifting battlefield conditions, making this a fluid and dangerous engagement.

Initial infiltration: North Korean forces used inflatable rafts and boats to cross the Naktong under cover of night, achieving tactical surprise on August 5.
Establishing the bulge: By August 6, the enemy had secured a 3-mile-deep salient into UN lines, threatening supply routes and command centers.
U.S. response: The 24th Infantry Division launched immediate counterattacks, but initial efforts were hampered by poor coordination and communication breakdowns.
Artillery support: UN artillery units, including the 90th Field Artillery Battalion, bombarded enemy positions with 105mm howitzers to slow the advance.
Reinforcements: The U.S. 27th Infantry Regiment, known as the 'Wolfhounds,' was rushed to the front and played a decisive role in the counteroffensive starting August 10.
Final push: A coordinated assault from August 17–19, involving infantry, tanks, and air support, forced the North Koreans to retreat across the river with heavy losses.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the First Battle of the Naktong Bulge with other major engagements in the Pusan Perimeter campaign:

Battle	Dates	Forces Involved	Casualties (UN)	Outcome
First Naktong Bulge	Aug 5–19, 1950	U.S. 24th ID vs. NK 4th Div	~400 killed/wounded	UN victory
Battle of Taegu	Aug 5–20, 1950	U.S. 1st Cav vs. NK 3rd Div	~350 casualties	UN repelled attack
Battle of Masan	Aug 5–25, 1950	U.S. 25th ID vs. NK 6th Div	~500 casualties	UN held line
Second Naktong Bulge	Sep 1–15, 1950	U.S. 2nd ID vs. NK 9th Div	~600 casualties	UN victory
Great Naktong Offensive	Sep 1–15, 1950	Multiple NK divisions	~1,000 casualties	UN repelled

These battles were all part of North Korea’s coordinated late-summer offensive to collapse the Pusan Perimeter. While each engagement varied in scale and location, they shared common elements: river crossings, fierce infantry combat, and reliance on artillery. The successful defense at Naktong Bulge helped buy time for General MacArthur’s Incheon landing, which ultimately turned the tide of the war.

Why It Matters

The First Battle of the Naktong Bulge was a critical test of UN resolve during the darkest days of the Korean War. Its outcome helped solidify the Pusan Perimeter, preventing a total collapse of South Korean defenses.

Military significance: The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of combined arms tactics involving infantry, artillery, and air support under pressure.
Strategic delay: By holding the line, UN forces gained two crucial weeks for reinforcements and planning ahead of the Incheon landing.
Psychological impact: Success at Naktong boosted morale among U.S. and South Korean troops after a series of earlier defeats.
Logistical strain: The battle exposed weaknesses in supply chains and communication, prompting reforms in field operations.
North Korean losses: The NK 4th Division suffered over 2,000 casualties, weakening their offensive capability for future operations.
Historical legacy: The battle is studied in military academies as an example of defensive resilience in asymmetric warfare scenarios.

Ultimately, the First Battle of the Naktong Bulge was a turning point in the early Korean War, proving that UN forces could withstand and repel determined North Korean offensives. Its lessons in coordination, endurance, and tactical flexibility remain relevant in modern military doctrine.