View source for Republic of Korea Navy

{{Short description|Naval warfare branch of South Korea's military}}
{{About|the South Korean navy|the North Korean navy|Korean People's Navy}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Republic of Korea Navy
| image                         = Emblem of the Republic of Korea Navy.svg
| image_size                    = 200px
| caption                       = Emblem of the Republic of Korea Navy
| dates                         = 
| country                       = {{flag|South Korea}}
| branch                        = 
| type                          = [[Navy]]
| role                          = [[Naval warfare]]
| size                          = ~70,000 active duty personnel including 29,000 marines {{small|(2022)}}<ref name=2022DWP>{{cite web|title=2022 Defence White Paper|date=December 2022|url=https://www.mnd.go.kr/user/mnd/upload/pblictn/PBLICTNEBOOK_202302161200208490.pdf|access-date=2023-02-16|archive-date=2023-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216075613/https://www.mnd.go.kr/user/mnd/upload/pblictn/PBLICTNEBOOK_202302161200208490.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<br />  ~140 ships and 60 aircraft<ref name=2022DWP/>
| command_structure             = {{Armed forces|South Korea}}
| garrison                      = Republic of Korea Navy HQ, Gyeryongdae complex, [[Gyeryong]]
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| nickname                      = 
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = ''바다로, 세계로''<br>{{small|("To the sea, to the world")}}
| colors                        = 
| colors_label                  = 
| march                         = ''Haegunga''<br>{{small|("Navy Anthem")}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io5KeF3SWk0|title=해군가|language=ko|publisher=YouTube|last1=Kim|first1=Chan-ho|last2=Lee|first2=Gyo-suk|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130222816/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io5KeF3SWk0|archive-date=November 30, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| mascot                        = 
| equipment                     = {{unbulletedlist|90 combatant ships|17 amphibious warfare ships|14 mine warfare ships|21 auxiliary ships|21 submarines}}<br>'''Total:150 ships'''
| equipment_label               = Fleet
| battles                       = {{bulletedlist|[[Korean War]]|[[Vietnam War]]|[[Operation Enduring Freedom]]|[[Combined Task Force 151]] (2009–present)}}
| anniversaries                 = 
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = 
| disbanded                     = <!-- Leadership -->
| website                       = {{URL|https://www.navy.mil.kr/|navy.mil.kr}}
| commander1                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the President of South Korea.svg|size=25px}} [[Lee Jae-Myung]]
| commander1_label              = [[President of South Korea|President]]
| commander2                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Korea.svg|size=25px}} [[Kim Seon-ho (general)|Kim Seon-ho]] (''acting'')
| commander2_label              = [[Ministry of National Defense (South Korea)|Minister of National Defense]]
| commander3                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag Chief of Naval Operations of the Republic of Korea Navy.png|size=25px}} [[Jiang (rank)#South Korea|Admiral]] [[Yang Yong-mo]]
| commander3_label              = [[Chief of Naval Operations (South Korea)|Chief of Naval Operations]]
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = [[Image:Flag of South Korea.svg|125px|border]]
| identification_symbol_label   = Ensign
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Flag of the Republic of Korea Navy.svg|125px|border]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Flag and jack
| identification_symbol_3       = [[File:Republic of Korea Navy commissioning pennant.png|200px|border]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = [[Commissioning pennant|Pennant]]
| identification_symbol_4       = [[File:Roundel of South Korea - Naval Aviation variant.svg|125px]]
| identification_symbol_4_label = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]
| identification_symbol_5       = [[Image:Logo of the Republic of Korea Navy.svg|125px]]
| identification_symbol_5_label = Symbol
| start_date                    = 11 November 1945<br />({{Age in years and months|1945|11|11}})
| native_name                   = {{lang|ko|대한민국 해군}}<br>{{transliteration|ko|Daehanminguk Haegun}}
}}

The '''Republic of Korea Navy''' ('''ROKN'''; {{korean|대한민국 해군|大韓民國海軍}}), also known as the '''ROK Navy''' is the [[naval warfare]] service branch of the [[Republic of Korea Armed Forces|South Korean armed forces]], responsible for naval and [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious operations]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/eng/subview.do?id=eng_010300000000|title=Duty & Function|website=www.navy.mil.kr|access-date=2019-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011938/http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/eng/subview.do?id=eng_010300000000|archive-date=2019-02-12|url-status=live}}</ref> The South Korean navy includes the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]], which functions as a branch of the Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rokmc.mil.kr/contents/view.do?sMenuKey=65&contentKey=14|title=대한민국 해병대|website=www.rokmc.mil.kr|access-date=2019-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622012205/http://www.rokmc.mil.kr/contents/view.do?sMenuKey=65&contentKey=14|archive-date=2018-06-22|url-status=live}}</ref> The ROK Navy has about 70,000 regular personnel including 29,000 Republic of Korea Marines. There are about 150 commissioned ships in the ROK Navy. The naval aviation force consists of about 70 fixed-wing and [[rotary-wing aircraft]]. The ROK Marine Corps has about 300 [[Continuous track|tracked vehicles]] including [[Assault Amphibious Vehicle|assault amphibious vehicles]].

The Republic of Korea Navy was established as the Marine Defense Group on November 11, 1945, after [[Korea]] was liberated from the [[Empire of Japan]] on August 15, 1945. Since the [[Korean War]], the [[South Korea]]n navy had concentrated its efforts on building naval forces to counteract hostilities of [[North Korea]]. As South Korea's economy grew, the ROK Navy was able to locally build larger and better equipped fleets to deter aggression, to protect the [[sea lines of communication]], and to support the nation's [[foreign policy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/navy/subview.do?id=navy_010400000000|title=해군의 역할|website=www.navy.mil.kr|access-date=2019-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114210420/http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/navy/subview.do?id=navy_010400000000|archive-date=2019-01-14|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of its mission, the ROK Navy has engaged in several [[peacekeeping|peacekeeping operations]] since the turn of the 21st century.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mnd.go.kr/cop/pblictn/selectPublicationUser.do?siteId=mndEN&componentId=51&categoryId=0&publicationSeq=777&pageIndex=1&id=mndEN_031300000000|title=Defense White Papers|website=www.mnd.go.kr|access-date=2019-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011508/http://www.mnd.go.kr/cop/pblictn/selectPublicationUser.do?siteId=mndEN&componentId=51&categoryId=0&publicationSeq=777&pageIndex=1&id=mndEN_031300000000|archive-date=2019-02-12|url-status=live}}</ref> The ROK Navy aims to become a [[blue-water navy]] in the 2020s.<ref>[https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/18/south-koreas-blue-water-ambitions/ "South Korea's Blue-water Ambitions"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110080353/https://thediplomat.com/2010/11/18/south-koreas-blue-water-ambitions/ |date=2013-11-10 }}. ''The Diplomat''. Retrieved June 21, 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/c54ee0a4-987f-4a66-800e-ef88de9381d1/The-Emerging-Republic-of-Korea-Navy--A-Japanese-Pe.aspx|title=The Emerging Republic of Korea Navy: A Japanese Perspective|work=Naval War College Review|access-date=8 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305191216/https://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/c54ee0a4-987f-4a66-800e-ef88de9381d1/The-Emerging-Republic-of-Korea-Navy--A-Japanese-Pe.aspx|archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref>

==Duties and objectives==
{{Blockquote|The main duties of the Navy shall be operations on the sea, including landing operations, and the main duties of the Marine Corps shall be landing operations, and the Navy and Marine Corps shall be formed and equipped for that purpose and shall provide education and training necessary therefor.||source=Act on the Organization of National Armed Forces<ref>{{cite book|title=Act on the Organization of National Armed Forces|year=2011|publisher=Republic of Korea National Assembly}}</ref>}}

The objectives of the ROK Navy as the main force for the national security and prosperity are:<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/navy/download/navy_guide_2.pdf|title=해군가이드북 1권 - '간편해'|website=Republic of Korea Navy Official website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011505/http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/navy/download/navy_guide_2.pdf|archive-date=2019-02-12|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20210823/1/BBSMSTR_000000010024/view.do|title=22년 만에 '해군의 목표' 개정|publisher=Kookbang Ilbo|date=2021-08-20|language=Korean}}</ref>
* To deter war
* To gain victory at sea
* To protect national interests
* To contribute to world peace

== History ==
{{main|History of the Republic of Korea Navy}}

===Origins===
{{Further|Naval history of Korea}}

[[File:TurtleShip1415.jpg|thumb|<span id="thispic"></span>Early 15th century Korean turtle ship in an illustration dating to 1795<ref name="Hawley 2005, 198">Hawley, Samuel: ''The Imjin War. Japan's Sixteenth-Century Invasion of Korea and Attempt to Conquer China'', The Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch, Seoul 2005, {{ISBN|89-954424-2-5}}, p.198</ref>]]
[[Korea]] has a long [[Naval history of Korea|history of naval activity]]. In the late 4th century during the [[Three Kingdoms of Korea|Three Kingdoms period]], [[Goguryeo]] defeated [[Baekje]], fielding amphibious forces of 40,000 men in the process. In 732, the [[Balhae]] navy "attacked the [[Shandong peninsula]] and destroyed the biggest seaport of the [[Tang Empire]] in the east – [[Penglai, Shandong|Dengzhou]]."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Alexander A |title=The problem of interpretation of war between the Tang Empire and Bohai in period 732-735 |url=https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/33088184 |website=dash.harvard.edu |publisher=Annales d'Université Valahia Targoviste, Section d'Archeologie et d'Histoire |access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> In the 9th century, Commissioner [[Jang Bogo|Chang Bogo]] of [[Unified Silla]] established a maritime base called [[Cheonghaejin]] on an island to foster trading with [[China]] and [[Japan]], and to eradicate pirates.

In 1380, naval forces of the [[Goryeo dynasty]] defeated 500 invading Japanese pirate vessels by deploying shipboard guns, devised by [[Ch'oe Mu-sŏn]]. This is reportedly the first use of shipboard guns in [[naval history]].  In 1389 and 1419, Korean naval forces invaded [[Tsushima Island]] to suppress Japanese piracy. In the early years of the [[Joseon dynasty]], the naval force reached its peak of 50,000 personnel, in order to combat the ongoing piracy issue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/navy/subview.do?id=navy_060401000000|title=역사속의 해군|website=www.navy.mil.kr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706124604/http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/navy/subview.do?id=navy_060401000000|archive-date=2018-07-06|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>

During the [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598)|Japanese invasions of Korea]] (the Imjin War) in the 16th century, the [[Joseon Navy|Korean naval force]] commanded by Admiral [[Yi Sun-sin]], who later became the head of the navy, cut off the invaders' naval lifeline and defeated the Japanese fleet, reversing the war in favor of Joseon.<ref>[http://www.barrystrauss.com/pdfs/yi-mhq.2.pdf "Korea's Legendary Admiral (PDF Format)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201195941/http://www.barrystrauss.com/pdfs/yi-mhq.2.pdf |date=2007-12-01 }}. <U>barrystrauss.com</U>. Retrieved May 1, 2007.</ref> Admiral Yi is also credited with the creation of the [[Turtle Ship]].

By the end of the 19th century, the Joseon navy had no significant naval force<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol49no1/html_files/first_attache_5.html "The First US Naval Attaché to Korea"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501022425/https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol49no1/html_files/first_attache_5.html |date=2017-05-01 }}. <U>Central Intelligence Agency Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 6, 2007.</ref> other than coastal defense fortresses. In 1893, the Joseon court requested the [[Walter Hillier|British Consul-General]] to dispatch a naval officer for organizing a naval school in an attempt to modernize the navy. In September 1893, the navy school was established in [[Ganghwa Island]]. [[Lieutenant (navy)|Lieutenant]] William H. Callwell, a retired British naval officer, and John W. Curtis, a gunnery instructor, served as instructors for 160 cadets and sailor recruits. However, the [[Korean Imperial Naval Academy|Royal Naval Academy]] was closed in November 1894, and the Joseon navy was brought to an end in 1895 due to the [[First Sino-Japanese War]] and the [[Gabo Reform]]. In 1903, the government of the [[Korean Empire]] purchased its first modern naval ship, [[KIS Yangmu|KIS ''Yangmu'']].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kim |first1=Jae-seung |title=A Hidden History of Royal Corean Navy (한국근대해군창설사) |date=2000 |publisher=Hye-an |location=Seoul}}</ref> Korean naval tradition was disrupted after Korea was annexed by the [[Empire of Japan]] in 1910. During [[Korea under Japanese rule|the Japanese occupation of Korea]], the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] (IJN) built a considerable naval base – [[Chinkai Guard District]] in southern Korea (at present-day [[Jinhae]]).

===Founding years and Korean War===
[[Image:Pak Tu San (PC-701).jpg|left|thumb|ROKS ''Baekdusan'' (PC 701), the first warship of the ROK Navy, undergoing refitting at Hawaii in March 1950]]
[[File:HN-SN-98-07198.JPEG|right|thumb|A ROKN sailor places a S. Korean naval ensign on a torpedo boat, after its transfer by the U.S. in the midst of the Korean War.]]
The Republic of Korea Navy was established as the Marine Defense Group on November 11, 1945. After Korea was liberated from the Empire of Japan on August 15, 1945, [[Sohn Won-yil]], a former merchant mariner and son of the [[Methodism|Methodist]] minister and independence activist Sohn Jung-do,<ref>[http://ki.warmemo.co.kr:8101/warmemo/jsp/data/view.jsp?type=2&pkey=625HM00015 "손원일 중장"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011031809/http://ki.warmemo.co.kr:8101/warmemo/jsp/data/view.jsp?type=2&pkey=625HM00015 |date=2007-10-11 }}. <U>War Memorial Museum Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 2, 2007.</ref> organized the Marine Defense Group in [[Seoul]]. The Group formed the Korean Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy at Jinhae, and the Korean Coast Guard acquired 36 patrol boats (mainly ex-[[Imperial Japanese Navy|IJN]] and [[United States Navy|USN]] [[Mine warfare vessel|minecraft]]) through the [[United States Army Military Government in Korea]]. After the [[First Republic of Korea|South Korean government]] was established on August 15, 1948, the Korean Coast Guard became the Republic of Korea Navy, and Sohn was appointed as the first [[Chief of Naval Operations (South Korea)|Chief of Naval Operations]] of the ROK Navy.<ref>[http://www.cnfk.navy.mil/history.html "Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea: The Early Years (1945 to 1957)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228064459/http://www.cnfk.navy.mil/history.html |date=2008-02-28 }}. <U>Commander U.S. Naval Forces Korea, U.S. Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 4, 2007.</ref> On April 15, 1949, the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]] (ROKMC) was founded at Jinhae.

In October 1949, the ROK Navy purchased a 600-ton submarine chaser, the former {{USS|PC-823}} with funds raised among its personnel. She was renamed [[ROKS Baekdusan (PC 701)|ROKS ''Baekdusan'' (PC 701)]] after [[Baekdu Mountain|Paektu Mountain]], and became "the first significant [[warship]] of the newly independent nation".<ref>[http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/rok/roksh-mr/paktusn.htm "Pak Tu San (Submarine Chaser # PC-701, 1950-1960)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205014303/http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/rok/roksh-mr/paktusn.htm |date=2010-12-05 }} <U>Department of the Navy&nbsp;– Naval Historical Center official website</U>. Retrieved March 4, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.navy.go.kr/pds/navyhistory/history_2_1.jsp "한국해군50년사"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202182832/http://www.navy.go.kr/pds/navyhistory/history_2_1.jsp |date=2008-12-02 }}. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official website</U>. Retrieved March 4, 2007.</ref>

The [[Korean War]] started with the [[Korean People's Army|North Korean army]]'s surprise attack on Sunday, June 25, 1950. The ROK Navy confronted threats from the [[North Korean Naval Force|North Korean navy]]: "Perhaps the most aggressive and effective, if smallest, member of the South Korean armed services during the first year of the Korean War was the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). At the outset of the conflict, the 6,956-man ROKN, with [33]<ref>[http://www.navy.go.kr/servlet/Download?file=20031231192549453.pdf "6·25전쟁 발발 당일, 우리 해군의 함정 척수 및 병력"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201200001/http://www.navy.go.kr/servlet/Download?file=20031231192549453.pdf |date=2007-12-01 }}. <U>해군</U> vol. 2003 9-10. Republic of Korea Navy. Retrieved October 21, 2007.</ref> naval vessels of various types, was outnumbered by the 13,700 men and 110 naval vessels of the North Korean navy."<ref>[http://www.history.navy.mil/wars/korea/roknavy.htm "Republic of Korea Navy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212230048/http://www.history.navy.mil/wars/korea/roknavy.htm |date=2007-12-12 }}. <U>Department of the Navy&nbsp;– Naval Historical Center Official Website</U>. Retrieved September 25, 2007.</ref> With its [[UN]] allies, dominated by U.S. forces, the ROK Navy was able to gain control in the seas surrounding the country, as a task group of the UN Blockading and Escort Force (Task Force 95). On July 27, 1953, the three-year-long war was brought to an end when an armistice agreement was signed. During the war, [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Colombia]], [[Philippines]], [[France]], the [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], [[Thailand]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]] contributed naval vessels as UN allies; [[Denmark]] sent the hospital ship [[MS Jutlandia|''Jutlandia'']].<ref>[http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/allied.shtml "Allied Forces in the Korean War"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716130959/http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/allied.shtml |date=2007-07-16 }}. <U>Department of Defense&nbsp;– Korean War Commemoration Website</U>. Retrieved September 25, 2007.</ref> During the Korean War, the ROK Navy acquired 28 ex-USN ships including five [[Tacoma-class frigate|''Tacoma''-class]] [[frigate]]s.

In September 1953, the ROK Navy established the Republic of Korea Fleet, which was responsible for the operation and training of the ships.

===Building up the fleet===
[[File:1956년 호위 구축함 인수 (7438440952).jpg|thumb|left|Ex-USN ''Cannon''-class destroyer escorts transferred to the ROK Navy at Boston in 1956]]
[[File:Korean Marines prepare defensive positions near Tuy Hoa.jpg|thumb|ROK Marines prepare defensive positions near [[Tuy Hòa]], in S. Vietnam, {{circa|1965}}.]]

After the Korean War, the ROK Navy built up its surface fleet with [[World War II]]-era warships loaned from the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]]. From 1955 to 1960, the ROK Navy acquired 42 ex-USN warships including two [[Cannon-class destroyer escort|''Cannon''-class]] [[destroyer escort]]s. In May 1963, the ROK Navy acquired its first [[destroyer]], [[USS Erben (DD-631)|ROKS ''Chungmu'' (DD 91)]], a {{sclass|Fletcher|destroyer|2}}. Starting from 1972, nine former USN {{sclass|Allen M. Sumner|destroyer|0}} and {{sclass|Gearing|destroyer|2}}<nowiki/>s were transferred and added to the ROK Fleet inventory.

During the [[Vietnam War]], the ROK Navy dispatched the Naval Transport Group ("Seagull"), and the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]] sent the [[2nd Marine Division (South Korea)|2nd Marine Brigade]] ("Blue Dragon") to [[South Vietnam]]. In April 1975, just before the [[Fall of Saigon]], two ROKN [[Landing Ship, Tank|LSTs]] evacuated about 1,300 South Vietnamese and South Koreans from South Vietnam to South Korea.<ref>{{Cite book|title=베트남전쟁과 한국해군작전 (Vietnam War and ROKN Operations)|publisher=ROK Navy HQ|year=2014|location=South Korea|pages=254}}</ref>

On July 30, 1960, ROKS ''Gangwon'' (DE 72), formerly {{USS|Sutton|DE-771}}, sank the North Korean navy patrol craft ''PBS 371'' off the coast of [[Goseong County, Gangwon|Geojin]]. On January 19, 1967, [[ROKS Dangpo (PCEC 56)|ROKS ''Dangpo'' (PCE 56)]], the former USS ''Marfa'', was sunk by North Korean [[coastal artillery]] north of the demarcation line off the east coast of Korea.<ref>[http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m5/marta.htm "Marta"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026102811/http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m5/marta.htm |date=2007-10-26 }}. <U>Department of the Navy&nbsp;– Naval Historical Center Official Website</U>. Retrieved April 30, 2007.</ref> In June 1970, a Navy broadcast vessel (''I 2'') was captured and abducted by North Korean patrol craft in the vicinity of [[Yeonpyeongdo|Yeonpyeong Islands]] in the West Sea ([[Yellow Sea]]).<ref>[http://www.ceoi.org/8ceoi(text)/8ceoi(text21).htm "남북간의 해상전과 남한 방송선 피랍사건"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031072835/http://www.ceoi.org/8ceoi%28text%29/8ceoi%28text21%29.htm |date=2007-10-31 }}. <U>www.ceoi.org by O Wonchol</U>. Retrieved October 4, 2007.</ref>

On February 22, 1974, a Navy harbor [[Tugboat|tug]] (''YTL 30'') capsized off [[Tongyeong]], resulting in death of 153 Navy, [[Korea Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] recruits and 6 sailors.

===Indigenous warship building===
[[File:Port view of ROK ship Kyong Buk (FF 956) near San Diego, CA.jpeg|left|thumb|[[ROKS Gyeongbuk (FF-956)|ROKS ''Gyeongbuk'']] (FF 956), one of the Navy's first locally built ''Ulsan''-class frigates]]
[[File:South Korean sailors 1981.jpeg|thumb|right|ROKN seamen in the early 1980s; the lettering on their hats reads "Republic of Korea Navy" in Korean.]]
In the 1970s, through the [[Park Chung Hee]] Administration's  "''Yulgok'' Operation", a secret effort to strengthen domestic arms production,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kwon|first=Peter Banseok|date=2017|title=Beyond Patron and Client: Historicizing the Dialectics of US-ROK Relations amid Park Chung Hee's Independent Defense Industry Development in South Korea, 1968–1979|url=https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/252/article/684524|journal=Seoul Journal of Korean Studies|volume=30|issue=2|pages=185–216|doi=10.1353/seo.2017.0009|s2cid=149149026 |issn=2331-4826|url-access=subscription}}</ref> the ROK Navy began to establish a fleet of locally built warships. The Navy acquired shipbuilding capabilities by planning and building high-speed patrol craft such as ''Baekgu'' class and [[Chamsuri-class patrol boat|''Chamsuri'' class]] in the 1970s – in November 1972, the ROK Navy launched its first domestically built fast patrol craft to intercept North Korean spy boats. The lead ship (FF 951) of the 2,000-ton [[Ulsan-class frigate|''Ulsan''-class frigates]] was launched in 1980. The lead ship (PCC 751) of the 1,000-ton [[Donghae-class corvette|''Donghae''-class corvettes]] and the lead ship (PCC 756) of the updated [[Pohang-class corvette|''Pohang''-class corvettes]] were launched in 1982 and 1984 respectively. With local shipbuilders, the ROK Navy continued to carry out other shipbuilding programs for such as the [[Dolgorae-class submarine|''Dolgorae-''class]] [[midget submarine]], [[Go Jun Bong-class LST|''Kojunbong-''class]] [[Landing Ship, Tank|tank landing ship]], mine warfare ship ([[Wonsan-class minelayer|''Wonsan-''class minelayer]], ''Kanggyung-''class [[minesweeper]]), ''Cheonji-''class logistics support ship, and [[Cheonghaejin-class submarine rescue ship|''Cheonghaejin''-class]] [[submarine rescue ship]] in the 1980s and 1990s.

In November 1987, the Headquarters Republic of Korea Marine Corps was re-established; it was disbanded in October 1973 due to budget constraint.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.joins.com/article/1357353|title=해병대 사령부의 해체|date=1973-09-17|website=[[JoongAng Ilbo]]|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114153359/https://news.joins.com/article/1357353|archive-date=2019-01-14|url-status=live|access-date=2019-01-14}}</ref> In June 1993, the ROK Navy Headquarters was relocated from [[Seoul]] to the Gyeryongdae complex, the tri-service headquarters in [[Gyeryong]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.joins.com/article/2821066|title=해군본부 대방동시대 마감/33년만에... 육·공군과 함께 계룡대 합류|date=1993-06-17|website=[[JoongAng Ilbo]]|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011803/https://news.joins.com/article/2821066|archive-date=2019-02-12|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>

===From a coastal navy to a green-water navy===
[[File:ROKS Lee Sunsin (SS 068) arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.jpg|left|thumb|[[ROKS Yi Sun-sin|ROKS ''Lee Sunsin'']] (SS 068), one of the Navy's first locally built ''Chang Bogo''-class submarines]]
[[Image:2008년9월27일 해군 세종대왕함기동(2) (7193823222).jpg|right|thumb|The Navy's first locally built AEGIS destroyer, [[ROKS Sejong the Great|ROKS ''Sejong the Great'']] (DDG 991), in formation]]

Since the 1990s, the ROK Navy has been trying to build an ocean-going fleet to protect its [[sea lines of communication]]. In 1989, the Navy mentioned the "Strategic Task Fleet" (''Jeollyak-gidong-hamdae'') in the Joint Strategic Objectives Plan. The ROK Naval forces began to participate in [[Exercise RIMPAC|RIMPAC]] exercises from 1990. During Admiral An Pyong-tae's tenure as [[Chief of Naval Operations (South Korea)|CNO]], [[President of South Korea|President]] [[Kim Young-sam]] supported the Navy by approving a long-term shipbuilding plan for the ocean-going navy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sisajournal.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=81682|title=안병태 전 해군 참모총장 '분노의 전역사'|date=1997-04-17|website=[[Sisa Journal]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-03-09}}</ref> In 1999, the Navy developed its strategic vision for the 2020s as "Navy Vision 2020" that outlined the Navy's future Task Fleet, which includes [[light aircraft carrier]]s and [[ballistic missile submarine]]s.<ref name=":5">[http://donga.com/docs/magazine/new_donga/200007/nd2000070130.html "21세기 통일한국의 大洋해군 전략"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174601/http://www.donga.com/docs/magazine/new_donga/200007/nd2000070130.html |date=2016-03-03 }}. <U>Donga.com</U>. Retrieved March 8, 2007.</ref>

At the same time, the ROK Navy steadily upgraded its naval forces: In order to strengthen the [[surface combatant]]s, the ROK Navy launched the lead ship (DDH 971) of the [[Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyer|''Kwanggaeto the Great''-class destroyer]] in 1996 to replace the former USN destroyers. For building up a [[submarine]] force, the ROK Navy acquired its first submarine (other than midget submarines), [[Type 209 submarine|ROKS ''Chang Bogo'' (SS 061)]], from [[Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft]] of Germany in 1992. In order to replace its antiquated [[S-2 Tracker]] [[anti-submarine warfare]] aircraft, the ROK Navy purchased a squadron of [[P-3C Orion]] maritime patrol aircraft, which were delivered starting in 1995.

In October 1998, the ROK Navy hosted its first international fleet review in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Korea and its armed forces off of the coast of Busan and Jinhae.

In June 1999, the ROK and DPRK naval forces met in the [[First Battle of Yeonpyeong]] near the [[Northern Limit Line]] (NLL) in the vicinity of [[Yeonpyeongdo|Yeonpyeong Islands]]. On June 29, 2002, the two navies [[Second Battle of Yeonpyeong|engaged again]] in the same vicinity, resulting in the sinking of ROKS ''Chamsuri 357'' (PKM 357).

In 2002, the lead ship [[ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sunshin (DDH-975)|(DDH 975)]] of the 4,800-ton [[Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin''-class]] destroyers was launched.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Saunders RN |editor1-first=Commodore Stephen |title=Jane's Fighting Ships, 2003-2004 |date=2003 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0710625465 |page=427 |language=en}}</ref> In 2005, an 18,800-ton [[amphibious transport dock]], [[Dokdo class amphibious assault ship|ROKS ''Dokdo'']] (LPH 6111) was launched. In 2006, the ROK Navy launched the lead ship (SS 072), which was named after the first Chief of Naval Operations, of the 1,800-ton [[Type 214 submarine|''Sohn Wonyil''-class]] submarine equipped with an [[Air-Independent Propulsion]] (AIP) system. In May 2007, the ROK Navy launched the lead ship (DDG 991) of the 11,000-ton [[King Sejong the Great class destroyer|''Sejong the Great''-class]] destroyers, built around the American-made [[AEGIS combat system]] and the [[AN/SPY-1 radar|SPY-1D(v)]] multi-function phased array radar. In December 2008, the ROK Navy commissioned the [[Gumdoksuri-class patrol vessel|fast missile craft]] ROKS ''Yoon Youngha'' (PKG 711), which was named after the skipper of ROKS ''Chamsuri 357''.

From 2001 to 2003, a naval transport unit called ''Haeseong'' supported [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] and the [[Sangnoksu Unit|''Sangnoksu'' Unit]] in [[East Timor]]. In 2005, the Navy dispatched transport unit ''Jejung'' to supply aid in [[humanitarian response]] to the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newswire.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=25643|title=해군 '제중부대', 구호 장비 및 물품 싣고 1월 14일 부산항 출항|date=2005-01-11|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209232419/http://www.newswire.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=25643|archive-date=2019-02-09|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-09}}</ref> The ROK Navy hosted its second international fleet review off coast of Busan in October 2008 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the South Korean government.

On March 26, 2010, [[ROKS Cheonan (PCC-772)|ROKS ''Cheonan'' (PCC 772)]], a ''Pohang''-class [[corvette]] [[Baengnyeong incident|was sunk by a North Korean torpedo]], resulting in the deaths of 46 sailors near [[Baengnyeong Island]], in the vicinity of the Northern Limit Line.<ref>{{cite news |author=Adam Brookes |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10129703.stm |title='North Korean torpedo' sank South's navy ship&nbsp;– report |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=2010-05-20 |access-date=2010-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530225440/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10129703.stm |archive-date=2010-05-30 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/05/19/south.korea.ship/index.html?hpt=T1 |title=North Korea denies sinking warship; South Korea vows strong response |publisher=CNN.com |date=May 20, 2010 |access-date=2010-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523165831/http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/05/19/south.korea.ship/index.html?hpt=T1 |archive-date=2010-05-23 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===From green water to blue water===
[[File:청해부대 Rep. of Korea Navy Activity of CheongHae Unit (7876689048).jpg|left|thumb|The ''Cheonghae'' unit of the multinational naval task force, [[Combined Task Force 151]]]]
[[File:2013.1.18. 해군 특수전전단 Rep. of Korea Navy Underwater Demolition Team (8400684032).jpg|right|thumb|[[Republic of Korea Navy Special Warfare Flotilla|ROK naval commandos]] in a mock assault. They rescued captured tanker's crew from Somali pirates in 2011.]]
In preparation for an ocean-going navy, the ROK Navy established a task force called Maritime Task Flotilla Seven in February 2010.

Since 2009, a [[Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin''-class]] destroyer from the task force is being deployed as the [[Cheonghae Unit|Escort Task Group (''Cheonghae'')]] in response to [[piracy]] off the coast of [[Somalia]]. On January 21, 2011, naval commandos of the task group carried out an [[Operation Dawn of Gulf of Aden|operation]], and succeeded in rescuing the crew of the hijacked [[MV Samho Jewelry|MV ''Samho Jewelry'']].<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|title=South Koreans pull off daring rescue of pirated ship|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/01/21/south.korea.pirate.rescue/index.html?hpt=T2|access-date=21 January 2011|newspaper=[[CNN]]|date=21 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109050447/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/01/21/south.korea.pirate.rescue/index.html?hpt=T2|archive-date=2012-11-09|url-status=live}}</ref> As a humanitarian operation, the unit was dispatched to evacuate South Koreans and foreign nationals from war-torn [[Libya]] in 2011 and 2014.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?art_id=201408172154375|title=리비아서 교민 449명 철수... 문무대왕함 파견 이송 완료|date=2014-08-17|website=[[Kyunghyang Shinmun]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-01-14}}</ref>

The ROK Navy completed a new naval base called [[Jeju Civilian-Military Complex Port]] in February 2016 on the southern coast of [[Jeju Island]] to protect the [[sea lines of communication]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://jeju.news1.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1054|title=[제주해군기지 준공] 대양해군 전초기지 역할 '톡톡'|website=jeju.news1.kr|date=26 February 2016 |language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124111/http://jeju.news1.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1054|archive-date=2019-02-09|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-08}}</ref> In order to support ocean-going operations, the ROK Navy commissioned the 10,000-ton logistics support ship, ROKS ''Soyang'' (AOE 51), and launched the first locally designed 3,000-ton submarine, ''Dosan Ahn Changho'' (SS 083) in September 2018.<ref name="Ahn">{{cite web|title=3천t급 잠수함 '도산안창호함' 진수식...2022년 1월 실전배치|url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2018/09/13/0200000000AKR20180913150000014.HTML|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |access-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914095254/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2018/09/13/0200000000AKR20180913150000014.HTML|archive-date=2018-09-14|url-status=live|date=2018-09-13}}</ref>

The ROK Navy continued shipbuilding programs to upgrade its fleet with local shipbuilders. In order to replace the aging [[Pohang-class corvette|''Pohang''-class]] corvettes and [[Ulsan-class frigate|''Ulsan''-class]] frigates, and to take over multi-role operations such as coast patrol and anti-submarine warfare, the ROK Navy commissioned six 2,300-ton [[Incheon-class frigate|''Incheon''-class]] frigates between 2013 and 2016, and the lead ship (FFG 818) of the 2,800-ton [[Daegu-class frigate|''Daegu''-class]] frigates in March 2018. Two ex-USN ''Edenton''-class [[salvage and rescue ship]]s were replaced with two locally built 3,500-ton ''Tongyeong''-class ships between 2014 and 2016. The Navy commissioned a 3,000-ton [[minelayer]], ROKS ''Nampo'' (MLS 570), in June 2017. The lead ship of the [[Gumdoksuri-class patrol vessel|PKX-B]] fast rocket craft, ROKS ''Chamsuri 211'' (PKMR 211), was commissioned in November 2017 to relieve the aging fleet of [[Chamsuri class patrol vessel|''Chamsuri''-class]] patrol craft. The ROK Navy commissioned four 4,500-ton [[Cheon Wang Bong-class LST|''Cheonwangbong''-class]] [[dock landing ship]]s between 2014 and 2018. In May 2018, the Navy launched the ''Marado'' (LPH 6112), which was the second ship of the [[Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship|''Dokdo''-class]] [[amphibious transport dock]]. In June 2018, the Navy launched a 4,500-ton training ship, the ''Hansando'' (ATH 81), which was also designed as a casualty receiving and treatment ship (CRTS).

In October 2018, the Navy hosted its third international fleet review off coast of [[Jeju Island]].<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=Republic of Korea Navy International Fleet Review 2018|url=http://ifr2018.navy.mil.kr/eng/index.html|publisher=Republic of Korea Navy|access-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923200538/http://ifr2018.navy.mil.kr/eng/index.html|archive-date=2018-09-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, the Navy updated its strategic vision for the 100th anniversary of the ROK Navy as "Navy Vision 2045". As part of the vision, Admiral Sim Seung-seob, the Chief of Naval Operations proposed to build an [[Information and communications technology|ICT]]-based, system-driven "Smart Navy".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20190207/1/BBSMSTR_000000010324/view.do|title=4차 산업혁명 기반 스마트 해군 도약에 통찰력|website=국방일보|access-date=2019-03-09|archive-date=2019-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325235158/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20190207/1/BBSMSTR_000000010324/view.do|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Aircraft carrier ambitions===
Since the 1990s, the ROK Navy has been planning to acquire an aircraft carrier force as part of its commitment to become a blue-water navy. The symbol of the ROK Navy that was introduced in 2000 depicts the Navy's aircraft carrier ambitions. In 2005 and 2018 the ROK Navy launched two 18,800-ton ''Dokdo''-class amphibious ships (LPH), equipped with a full-length flight deck and facilities for operating helicopters.

In August 2020, the [[Ministry of National Defense (South Korea)|Ministry of National Defense]] formally announced its intent to begin construction of a 30,000-ton light aircraft carrier. It is expected to purchase [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B]] aircraft from the United States for the carrier.<ref name="CNNAug2020">{{cite news |last1=Lendon |first1=Brad |last2=Seo |first2=Loonjung |title=South Korea is building its first aircraft carrier |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/12/asia/south-korea-aircraft-carrier-intl-hnk-scli/index.html |access-date=12 August 2020 |work=CNN |date=12 August 2020}}</ref> It was authorized as the [[CVX-class aircraft carrier|CVX program]] in February 2021.

==Organization==
{{Further|List of operating units and shore establishments of the Republic of Korea Navy}}
The Republic of Korea Navy includes the Republic of Korea Navy Headquarters, Republic of Korea Fleet, [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]], Naval Education and Training Command, Naval Logistics Command, and Naval Academy. The [[Chief of Naval Operations (South Korea)|Chief of Naval Operations]] (CNO) is the highest-ranking officer of the ROK Navy.

===Republic of Korea Navy Headquarters===
The ROK Navy is led by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). The Republic of Korea Navy Headquarters is located within the Gyeryongdae complex, the tri-service headquarters in [[Gyeryong]], includes the office of the Chief of Naval Operations and various agencies and staff functions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/eng/subview.do?id=eng_010200000000|title=Organization|website=www.navy.mil.kr|access-date=2019-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203202221/http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/eng/subview.do?id=eng_010200000000|archive-date=2019-02-03|url-status=live}}</ref>

The CNO is a four-star admiral and a member of the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff (South Korea)|Joint Chiefs of Staff]]. The CNO oversees the administration of organizing, recruiting, training, equipping, supplying, and mobilizing the ROK Navy. Despite the title, the Chief of Naval Operations does not have operational command authority over combat units (i.e. Republic of Korea Fleet, Republic of Korea Marine Corps). The CNO is an administrative position based in the Gyeryongdae complex, and exercises supervision of Navy organizations as the designee of the [[Ministry of National Defense (South Korea)|Minister of National Defense]]. Operational command of combat units falls within the purview of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who reports to the Minister of National Defense.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elaw.klri.re.kr/kor_service/lawView.do?hseq=26880&lang=ENG|title=Act on the Organization of National Armed Forces|website=KOREA LEGISLATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE|access-date=2019-03-15}}</ref>

===Republic of Korea Fleet (Navy Operations Command)===
[[Image:Southkoreamap.png|thumb|right|Map of South Korea]]
The Republic of Korea Fleet, the highest operational command of the ROK Navy, was established in September 1953. Headquartered at Busan Naval Base, the Commander Republic of Korea Fleet (formerly Commander-in-Chief Republic of Korea Fleet) is responsible for naval operations. COMROKFLT, a three-star admiral, also serves as the Commander Naval Component Command (CNCC) of the [[ROK-US Combined Forces Command]] (CFC).

The Republic of Korea Fleet has three numbered fleets each assigned to the seas east, west, and south of South Korea:
::*First Fleet ([[headquarters|HQ]]: [[Donghae City|Donghae]])
:::*Maritime Battle Group One
::*Second Fleet (HQ: [[Pyeongtaek]])
:::*Maritime Battle Group Two
:::*Incheon Naval Sector Defense Command (HQ: [[Incheon]])
::*Third Fleet (HQ: [[Mokpo]])
:::*Maritime Battle Group Three
For various types of naval operations, the ROK Fleet has a task force, a submarine force, a naval aviation [[wing (air force unit)|force]], a surface [[flotilla]], a [[special warfare]] force, and units for combat readiness and [[meteorology]]/[[oceanography]]:
::*Task Fleet (Task Squadron 71/72/73, Mobile Logistics Squadron 77)
::*Submarine Force Command<ref>{{cite web|title=작전권 갖춘 잠수함사령부 창설...세계 6번째|url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2015/01/30/0200000000AKR20150130128300043.HTML|website=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|access-date=25 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305051736/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2015/01/30/0200000000AKR20150130128300043.HTML|archive-date=2016-03-05|url-status=live|date=February 2015}}</ref>
::*Naval Air Command
::*Mine/Amphibious Flotilla Five (Mine Squadron 52, Amphibious Squadron 53, Naval Mobile Construction Squadron 59)
::*Battle Training Group Eight<ref>{{cite web|title='해군 전투훈련의 메카' 제8전투훈련단, 창설 1주년|url=http://www.changwonilbo.com/news/139328|website=창원일보|access-date=25 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828200239/http://www.changwonilbo.com/news/139328|archive-date=2016-08-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
::*[[Republic of Korea Navy UDT/SEAL|Naval Special Warfare Flotilla]] (including UDT/SEAL, [[Explosive ordnance disposal|EOD]], and Sea Salvage & Rescue Unit (SSU)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/08/01/2018080101846.html|title=[단독] 해군, UDT와 SSU 통합한다|date=2018-08-01|website=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802120545/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/08/01/2018080101846.html|archive-date=2018-08-02|url-status=live}}</ref>)
::*Maritime Intelligence Group
* '''Numbered fleets'''

In 1986, the ROK Navy reorganized its patrol forces into three fleets: the First Fleet, Second Fleet, and Third Fleet. The three numbered fleets, each is led by a rear admiral (upper half), are responsible for protecting the coastal water around South Korea: The First Fleet is for the eastern naval sector, the Second Fleet is for the western naval sector and the Third Fleet is for the southern naval sector including [[Jeju Island]]. Each fleet includes a Maritime Battle Group, Logistics Squadron, Base Squadron, and Training Squadron.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daily.hankooki.com/lpage/politics/201501/dh20150131133400137530.htm|title=해군함대사령부 예하에 3개전투단 창설...전투전대지휘|website=데일리한국|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811075645/http://daily.hankooki.com/lpage/politics/201501/dh20150131133400137530.htm|archive-date=2016-08-11|url-status=live|access-date=25 June 2016}}</ref> The Maritime Battle Group comprises squadrons of patrol forces composed of [[Gwanggaeto the Great class destroyer|''Kwanggaeto the Great''-class]] destroyers, [[Daegu-class frigate|''Daegu''-class]] and [[Incheon class frigate|''Incheon-class'']] frigates, [[Ulsan class frigate|''Ulsan''-class]] frigates, [[Pohang class corvette|''Pohang''-class]] corvettes, and patrol vessels ([[Gumdoksuri class patrol vessel|''Yoon Youngha-''class]] fast missile craft, ''Chamsuri 211-''class fast rocket craft, [[Chamsuri class patrol vessel|''Chamsuri-''class]] fast patrol boats).
* '''Task Fleet'''

Since the 1990s, the ROK Navy has been trying to build an ocean-going fleet to protect the [[sea lines of communication]]. In 2001, President [[Kim Dae-jung]] revealed that the Navy will have a task force called "Strategic Task Fleet" (''Jeollyak-gidong-hamdae''), which will "protect national interests in the five oceans and contribute to world peace."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pa.go.kr/research/contents/speech/index.jsp?spMode=view&catid=c_pa02062&artid=1309055|title=해군사관학교 제 55기 졸업 및 임관식 연설(21세기 대양해군으로 가는 길)|website=pa.go.kr (대통령기록연구실)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308003000/http://pa.go.kr/research/contents/speech/index.jsp?spMode=view&catid=c_pa02062&artid=1309055|archive-date=2019-03-08|url-status=live|access-date=2019-03-07}}</ref>

As part of the plan, the ROK Navy established a task force called Maritime Task Flotilla Seven on February 1, 2010, which evolved from the [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] Squadron 51 of the Component Flotilla Five. The Flotilla Seven was reorganized into the Task Fleet on February 1, 2025. It is led by a rear admiral (upper half), and headquartered at Jeju Naval Base in [[Jeju Island]]. The task force is responsible for the defense of South Korea against sea-borne threats and protection of its [[sea lines of communication]]. The Task Fleet includes four surface squadrons: The Task Squadron 71/72/73 are composed of three [[King Sejong the Great class destroyer|''Sejong the Great''-class]] [[Aegis Combat System|AEGIS]] [[Guided missile destroyer|guided-missile destroyers]] and six [[Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin''-class]] destroyers; the Mobile Logistics Squadron 77 is composed of [[ROKS Soyang (AOE-51)|''Soyang''-class]] and [[Cheonji-class fast combat support ship|''Cheonji''-class]] fast combat support ships.<ref>[https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/02/205_60079.html "Navy Activates 1st strategic Mobile Fleet"] . <u>Korea Times</u>. Retrieved February 1, 2010.</ref>

A [[Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin''-class]] destroyer of the Task Fleet is being deployed as the [[Cheonghae Unit|Escort Task Group (''Cheonghae'')]] in response to [[piracy]] in shipping lanes off the coast of [[Somalia]]. As a humanitarian operation, ROKS ''Munmu the Great'' (DDH 976) of the task group was dispatched to evacuate South Koreans and foreign nationals from war-torn [[Libya]] in 2014.<ref name=":1" />

The ROK Navy plans to equip the Task Fleet with 18 destroyers.<ref name=":4" />
* '''Submarine Force Command'''

Headquartered in Jinhae, the Submarine Force Command was established in February 2015. The ROK Navy's submarine unit had a humble beginning with three ''Dolgorae''-class midget submarines in June 1990. After acquiring ROKS ''Chang Bogo'' (SS 061), a Type 209-class submarine, the Submarine Squadron 57 of the Component Flotilla Five was upgraded to the Submarine Flotilla Nine in October 1995. Since then, it has been playing the role of the ROK Navy's core strength.

The Submarine Force Command, which is led by a rear admiral (upper half), includes six Submarine Squadrons with [[Type 214 submarine]]s (''Sohn Wonyil'' class) and [[Type 209 submarine]]s (''Chang Bogo'' class). In September 2018, the ROK Navy launched the first locally designed 3,000-ton submarine, [[Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine|ROKS ''Dosan Ahn Changho'' (SS 083)]].

The Submarine Force Command offers the International Submarine Education & Training Program (ISETP) for submariners around the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kookbangWeb/view.do?ntt_writ_date=20180917&bbs_id=BBSMSTR_000000000005&parent_no=3|title=한국군 잠수함 운용 노하우 세계로|publisher=국방일보|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927204442/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kookbangWeb/view.do?ntt_writ_date=20180917&bbs_id=BBSMSTR_000000000005&parent_no=3|archive-date=2018-09-27|url-status=live|access-date=27 September 2018}}</ref>

* '''Naval Air Command'''

Headquartered in [[Pohang]], the Naval Air Command is responsible for the operation of [[naval aircraft]]. South Korean naval flying started in 1951, with the reconstruction of a former [[United States Air Force|USAF]] [[North American T-6 Texan|T-6 Texan]] for naval duties. In 1957, the ROK Navy established the Fleet Aviation Unit, which became the Fleet Air Wing in 1977 when the Navy strengthened its naval aviation force by acquiring [[S-2 Tracker|Grumman S-2 Tracker]] ASW aircraft and [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]] helicopters. In 1986, the Fleet Air Wing was renamed the Air Wing Six. In 2022, the ROK Navy upgraded the Air Wing Six to the Naval Air Command.<ref name=":4" />

The Naval Air Command has naval air stations in [[Pohang Airport|Pohang (K-3)]], [[Mokpo Airport|Mokpo (K-15)]], [[Jinhae Airport|Jinhae (K-10)]], and a detached unit at [[Jeju International Airport]]. The Naval Air Command, which is led by a rear admiral (upper half), includes three air groups, and operates about 70 fixed-wing and [[rotary-wing aircraft]] such as [[P-8 Poseidon]] [[maritime patrol aircraft]] and [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|AW159 Wildcat]] [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] helicopters.

* '''Mine/Amphibious Flotilla Five'''

Headquartered in Jinhae, the Mine/Amphibious Flotilla Five (formerly Component Flotilla Five) has been the matrix of various units conducting naval component operations such as [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW), mine warfare, [[amphibious warfare]], salvage and [[special operations]]. As a successor to the Flotilla One and Flotilla Two, the Component Flotilla Five was founded in 1986 with the ASW Squadron 51 (later to become Maritime Task Flotilla Seven), Mine Squadron 52, Amphibious Squadron 53, Service Squadron 55 (later Sea Salvage & Rescue Unit), and Special Warfare Squadron 56 (later Naval Special Warfare Flotilla). In 1990 and 2007, the Submarine Squadron 57 (later Submarine Force Command) and Training Squadron 509 (later Battle Training Group Eight) were established respectively. As of December 2018, the Flotilla Five was composed of the Mine Squadron 52, Amphibious Squadron 53, and Naval Mobile Construction Squadron 59. The Commander Mine/Amphibious Flotilla Five is a rear admiral (lower half).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20190712/1/BBSMSTR_000000100059/view.do|title=유일하고 완벽한 작전, 미래 해군 건설 선도한다|website=국방일보|access-date=2019-09-30|archive-date=2019-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930183750/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20190712/1/BBSMSTR_000000100059/view.do|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Republic of Korea Marine Corps===
{{main|Republic of Korea Marine Corps}}
[[File:2014.2.14. 2014 코브라골드 연합훈련2014 Cobra Gold Combined Exercise 14th, Feb, 2014 (12652073913).jpg|thumb|right| KAAV7A1 assault amphibious vehicles of the ROKMC at Cobra Gold 2014 in Thailand]]
The ROK Navy includes the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]], which functions as a branch of the Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.moleg.go.kr/lawinfo/lawAnalysis/nwLwAnList?pageIndex=507&csSeq=378794|title=법령해석 사례 - 해병대를 육ㆍ해ㆍ공군에 속하지 않는 독립된 군 조직으로 볼 수 있는지 여부|website=www.moleg.go.kr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209125118/http://www.moleg.go.kr/lawinfo/lawAnalysis/nwLwAnList?pageIndex=507&csSeq=378794|archive-date=2019-02-09|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-08}}</ref> The ROK Marine Corps is responsible for conducting amphibious operations with the ROK Navy. The Marine Corps, with 29,000 personnel, is organized into two divisions and two brigades under the Headquarters ROK Marine Corps. The Commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps is a three-star general. The ROK Marine Corps has about 300 tracked vehicles including [[Assault Amphibious Vehicle|assault amphibious vehicles]], [[main battle tank]]s, and [[self-propelled artillery]].

===Shore establishments===
* '''Naval Education and Training Command'''
Headquartered in Jinhae, the Naval Education and Training Command is one of the two major shore commands of the ROK Navy. The Command is responsible for training, education and professional development of the Navy's active duty Sailors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.edunavy.mil.kr:10003/themes/basic/sub1/2_2.jsp|title=임무 - 해군교육사령부|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011321/https://www.edunavy.mil.kr:10003/themes/basic/sub1/2_2.jsp|archive-date=2019-02-12|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref> One of its primary roles is to conduct the initial orientation and basic training for new recruits of the Navy and the [[Korea Coast Guard]]. The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) is under the Naval Education and Training Command. The Naval Education and Training Command is led by a vice admiral.
* '''Naval Logistics Command'''

The Naval Logistics Command is the other major shore command of the ROK Navy. It is located in Jinhae. The Command delivers logistics and support to the Navy, and is committed to the Navy's combat readiness. It includes the Naval Ship Yard, the Naval Supply Center, the Naval Ordnance Ammunition Center, and the Naval Technology Research Institute. The Naval Logistics Command is led by a rear admiral (upper half).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navylogicom.mil.kr/internet/gunsu/cons/organ.jsp|title=조직 – 해군군수사령부|website=www.navylogicom.mil.kr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011353/http://www.navylogicom.mil.kr/internet/gunsu/cons/organ.jsp|archive-date=2019-02-12|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>
* '''Republic of Korea Naval Academy'''
{{main|Korea Naval Academy}}
[[File:Midshipmen at the ROK Naval Academy graduation..jpg|thumb|right|Midshipmen stand in formation at the ROK Naval Academy graduation ceremony]]
The Republic of Korea Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational service academy located in Jinhae. It was established in 1946. Graduates are commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. The Naval Academy also hosts the Officer Candidate School (OCS), which provides training to become commissioned officers for civilian college graduates and candidates with military experience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.ac.kr/english/intro/intro_organization.jsp|title=Organization - Naval Academy Introduction Organization Page|website=www.navy.ac.kr|access-date=2019-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212070455/http://www.navy.ac.kr/english/intro/intro_organization.jsp|archive-date=2019-02-12|url-status=live}}</ref> The Superintendent of the ROK Naval Academy is a vice admiral.

===U.S. naval units in South Korea===
South Korea has a joint military partnership with the United States as outlined by the [[Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea|Mutual Defense Treaty]] signed in October 1953. The ROK Navy has worked closely with the U.S. Navy to promote regional stability.

Headquartered at Busan Naval Base,<ref>{{cite web|title=New Era of US, ROK Navy Alliance Begins in Busan|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=93194|website=Official Website of the United States Navy|access-date=25 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625144049/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=93194|archive-date=2016-06-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[Commander Naval Forces Korea|Commander U.S. Naval Forces Korea]] (CNFK) is a shore command of the United States Navy that serves as the shore support agency for all U.S. naval activity in South Korea. The U.S. Naval Forces Korea was established in July 1957, with headquarters in Seoul.

Originally established as the U.S. Naval Advisory Group Chinhae Detachment, the [[Commander Fleet Activities Chinhae]] (CFAC) is a U.S. Navy installation in Jinhae.

==Bases==
[[File:131105 청해부대 13진 입항 환영식-배준호 (4) (10717709876).jpg|thumb|right|[[Busan Naval Base]]]]
The ROK Navy operates several naval bases in South Korea: [[Jinhae]], [[Busan]], [[Donghae City|Donghae]], [[Pyeongtaek]], [[Mokpo]], [[Incheon]], [[Pohang]], [[Jeju Island]], [[Baengnyeong Island]]. Naval air stations are in Pohang, Mokpo, and Jinhae.

Situated in the southeastern coast of the [[Korean Peninsula]], Jinhae has been the major naval port in Korea since the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] built a [[Chinkai Guard District|naval base]] during the [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese occupation]] period. After Korea was liberated from the Empire of Japan, the Korean Coast Guard (later the ROK Navy) was formed in Jinhae. Jinhae Naval Base is the principal homeport of the Republic of Korea Fleet, and hosts vital naval facilities including the Naval Shipyard. The Jinhae Naval Base Command is responsible for protecting the area.

Located in South Korea's [[Busan|second most-populous city]] after Seoul, [[Busan Naval Base]] has become another major naval base for the ROK Fleet since its headquarters moved from Jinhae in 2007. The base can accommodate up to 30 naval ships as big as the [[Nimitz-class aircraft carrier]].

Donghae, Pyeongtaek, and Mokpo hosts the headquarters of the First, Second and the Third Fleet respectively. Incheon hosts the Incheon Naval Sector Defense Command under a one-star admiral responsible for protecting littoral waters close to [[Seoul]], the nation's capital. Pohang has a naval base for amphibious forces such as the 1st Marine Division ("Sea Dragon") located nearby.

===Jeju Naval Base===
In February 2016, the ROK Navy completed a new naval base on the southern coast of South Korea's largest island - [[Jeju Island|Jeju]], which lies in the [[Korea Strait]]. Jeju Naval Base was established to protect the [[sea lines of communication]] and to strengthen the Navy's control over the seas around South Korea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jejuopens.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3582|title=21세기 청해진'제주민군복합항 준공식, 26일 거행|website=제주광장|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811002511/http://www.jejuopens.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3582|archive-date=2016-08-11|url-status=live|access-date=25 June 2016}}</ref> It is home of the Maritime Task Flotilla Seven and the Submarine Squadron 93. The base is also known as [[Jeju Civilian-Military Complex Port]] because it was designed to be jointly used by military and civilians; there is a pier and terminal for cruise ships. The base can host up to 20 naval vessels and two 150,000-ton cruise ships at the same time.<ref>{{cite web|title=제주민군복합형관광미항|url=http://jejunbase.navy.mil.kr|publisher=ROK Navy|access-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522132746/http://jejunbase.navy.mil.kr/|archive-date=2018-05-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

Jeju Naval Base was the venue for the international fleet review 2018 in October 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Republic of Korea Navy International Fleet Review 2018|url=http://ifr2018.navy.mil.kr/eng/index.html|publisher=ROK Navy|access-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923200538/http://ifr2018.navy.mil.kr/eng/index.html|archive-date=2018-09-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Personnel==
The ROK Navy has about 70,000 personnel, including the 29,000 members of the ROK Marine Corps.

[[Conscription in South Korea|Military service is mandatory for all South Korean men]]. In the ROK Navy, all members are volunteers, with enlisted seamen serving for 20-month periods; commissioned officers, warrant officers, and petty officers serving longer terms than those of enlisted seamen, or as career. Women can volunteer as officers, warrant officers, or petty officers. In 2001, six female [[ensign (rank)|ensigns]], who had become commissioned officers through the Officer Candidate School, were assigned to serve on surface ships of the ROK Navy, for the first time.<ref>[http://www2.mogaha.go.kr/webapp/bbs/notice/view.action?serial=161024&sc_param=for_frame&listStatusStr=rO0ABXNyABpjb20uZ2VuMTI4LmRhdGEuTGlzdFN0YXR1c7sGCWct5HSSAgAESQAHbWF4U2l6ZUkABm9mZnNldEwACmNvbmRpdGlvbnN0ABNMamF2YS91dGlsL0hhc2hNYXA7TAAEc29ydHQAEkxqYXZhL2xhbmcvU3RyaW5nO3hwAAAADwAAAHhzcgARamF2YS51dGlsLkhhc2hNYXAFB9rBwxZg0QMAAkYACmxvYWRGYWN0b3JJAAl0aHJlc2hvbGR4cD9AAAAAAAAMdwgAAAAQAAAAAHh0AAZzZXJpYWw= "女해군장교들 첫 함정근무 (신문기사)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070531181047/http://www2.mogaha.go.kr/webapp/bbs/notice/view.action?serial=161024&sc_param=for_frame&listStatusStr=rO0ABXNyABpjb20uZ2VuMTI4LmRhdGEuTGlzdFN0YXR1c7sGCWct5HSSAgAESQAHbWF4U2l6ZUkABm9mZnNldEwACmNvbmRpdGlvbnN0ABNMamF2YS91dGlsL0hhc2hNYXA7TAAEc29ydHQAEkxqYXZhL2xhbmcvU3RyaW5nO3hwAAAADwAAAHhzcgARamF2YS51dGlsLkhhc2hNYXAFB9rBwxZg0QMAAkYACmxvYWRGYWN0b3JJAAl0aHJlc2hvbGR4cD9AAAAAAAAMdwgAAAAQAAAAAHh0AAZzZXJpYWw%3D |date=2007-05-31 }}. <U>Ministry of Government Administration and Home affairs Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 11, 2007.</ref>
* '''Commissioned officers'''
[[Image:2012 해군 여군 고속정 정장 임명 (7559205702).jpg|Three ROKN Lieutenants were appointed as the first female commanding officers of [[Chamsuri class patrol boat|''Chamsuri''-class patrol boats]] in 2012.|right|thumb]]
There are several paths to becoming a commissioned officer in the ROK Navy, including the Naval Academy, Officer Candidate School (OCS), and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). Officer Candidate School, located at the Naval Academy, Jinhae, provides training for candidates with current or prior enlisted experience in the military and civilian college graduates, which take majority in OCS.
* '''Warrant officers'''

The [[warrant officer]] rank in the [[Republic of Korea Armed Forces|South Korean armed forces]] falls in between that of non-commissioned and commissioned officers. In the ROK Navy, warrant officers are mostly former [[non-commissioned officers]] who had earned the rating of ''[[Sangsa]]'' (Chief petty officer) or ''[[Wonsa]]'' (Master chief petty officer) and who had been selected for and completed the warrant officer candidate program. Other routes include the naval aviation program and Air Intercept Controller (AIC) program; a small number of warrant officers serve as language officers who specialize in English translation and interpretation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kookbangWeb/view.do?ntt_writ_date=20131202&parent_no=2&bbs_id=BBSMSTR_000000000004|title=해·공군 女준위 첫 탄생|publisher=국방일보|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206143730/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kookbangWeb/view.do?ntt_writ_date=20131202&parent_no=2&bbs_id=BBSMSTR_000000000004|archive-date=2013-12-06|url-status=live|access-date=25 September 2018}}</ref>

Warrant officers mess in the [[wardroom]] with commissioned officers.
* '''Petty officers'''
[[Image:A South Korean navy petty officer.jpg|A South Korean navy petty officer aboard ROKS ''Munmu the Great'' (DDH 976) waves to onlookers pier side.|right|thumb]]
Petty officers originate from a petty officer candidate program, which trains military personnel and civilians who take majority - seamen experience is not required to become petty officers. In the ROK Navy, personnel with ranks of ''Hasa'' (Petty officer) through ''Wonsa'' are considered petty officers (i.e. [[non-commissioned officers]]). Those at ''Sangsa'' and ''Wonsa'' are further referred to as "CPO" ([[chief petty officer]]) collectively and considered a separate community within the Navy. "CPO"s have privileges such as separate dining and living areas.

There are the appointments of ''Juim-wonsa'' and ''Juim-sangsa'' equivalent to that of the U.S. Navy's [[command master chief petty officer]] (CMDCM). The positions are filled by senior ''Wonsa'' and'' Sangsa'' respectively and unlike their U.S. Navy counterparts, the ROK Navy ''Juim-wonsa'' and ''Juim-sangsa'' wear the same standard rate insignia of ''Wonsa'' or ''Sangsa'' with an identification badge.
* '''Seamen'''
[[Image:Two Republic of Korea Navy sailors find the time to relax RIMPAC 980708-N-2619S-002.jpg|Two South Korean navy seamen find the time to relax.|right|thumb]]
In the ROK Navy, seamen are referred to as "''Subyeong''" ({{langx|ko|수병}}; [[Hanja]]: 水兵). Normally the enlisted seamen serve in the Navy for 20 months; civilian recruits get initial trainings at the basic military training center in Jinhae as ''Ideungbyeong'' (Seaman 2nd class). After completing their military services as ''[[Byeongjang]]'' (Leading seaman), most of them are transferred from active duty to the naval reserve. Others continue the military service as ''Hasa'' (Petty officer) and may become career petty officers.<ref>{{cite web|title=해군 유급지원병 지원 '러시'|url=http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kookbangWeb/view.do?ntt_writ_date=20180425&bbs_id=BBSMSTR_000000000005&parent_no=5|publisher=국방일보|access-date=25 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130222816/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kookbangWeb/view.do?ntt_writ_date=20180425&bbs_id=BBSMSTR_000000000005&parent_no=5|archive-date=30 November 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Uniforms===
ROK Navy uniforms were influenced by US Navy uniforms with some notable differences. Petty officers, not just chief petty officers, wear uniforms identical to that of a commissioned officer's uniform except with different insignia, and petty officers wear a [[combination cap]] with a white cover and a gold [[wikt:chinstrap|chinstrap]]. Seamen wear dungaree trousers, chambray shirts and "dixie cup" hats as their work uniforms. Honor guards and musicians of the navy bands of seaman rates wear [[sailor cap]]s bearing "Republic of Korea Navy" in [[Hangul]] with the dress uniforms.

A new shipboard working uniform similar to the [[Navy Working Uniform|NWU]] Type I has been issued since 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20210219/2/BBSMSTR_000000010024/view.do|title=해군 신형 함상복·함상화 보급|publisher=Kookbang Ilbo|date=2021-02-18|language=Korean}}</ref>

===Ranks and rates===
{{main|Military ranks of South Korea}}

In the ROK Navy, as in the rest of the ROK Armed Forces, ranks fall into one of four categories: commissioned officer, warrant officer, petty officer (non-commissioned officer), and seaman, in decreasing order of authority. Commissioned officer ranks are subdivided into flag officers, senior officers (lieutenant commander through captain), and junior officers (ensign through lieutenant).

ROK Navy [[Commissioned officers|commissioned officer]] ranks have two distinct sets of rank insignia: On [[dress uniform]] a series of stripes similar to [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] naval ranks are worn; on service uniforms, working uniforms, and special uniform situations (combat utilities and flight suits), the rank insignia are the same as the equivalent rank in the Army or the Air Force. The warrant officer rank insignia is denoted by a gold-colored ''Sowi'' insignia, and a single broken stripe.

All three branches&nbsp;– the [[Republic of Korea Army|Army]], the Navy, and the [[Republic of Korea Air Force|Air Force]] of the ROK Armed Forces share the same rank insignia and the same names of ranks in Korean.

;Commissioned officer
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- style="background-color:#CCCCCC;"
! Rank group 
! colspan=10| Flag officers
! colspan=6| Senior officers
! colspan=8| Junior officers
|- style="text-align:center;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OF/South Korea}}
|}

;Warrant officer
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- style="background-color:#CCCCCC; text-align:center;"
! Rank group 
! Warrant officer
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan=2| '''{{naval|South Korea}}'''
| [[File:SouthKorea-Collar-WO.svg|100px]]<br />[[File:SouthKorea-Navy-WO (sleeve).svg|50px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| {{lang|ko|준위}}<br />{{lang|ko-Latn|[[Junwi]]}}
|}

;Enlisted
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- style="background-color:#CCCCCC; text-align:center;"
! Rank group 
! colspan=16| Petty officers
! colspan=20| Seamen
|- style="text-align:center;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/South Korea}}
|}

==International activities==
[[Image:USN MH-60S is landing on the flight deck of the ROKS Dokdo (LPH 6111).jpg|right|thumb|A U.S. Navy [[MH-60]]S landing on the flight deck of ROKS ''[[ROKS Dokdo|Dokdo]]'' (LPH 6111) during the Korean Interoperability Training Program]]
The ROK Navy frequently participates in multinational exercises and international activities. Also it has engaged in several peacekeeping operations since the turn of the 21st century.
* Cruise Training: since 1954, the ROK Navy has conducted the annual ocean-going training with the fourth year midshipmen (naval cadets) of the Naval Academy to provide on the job training before commissioning them and to foster relations with other navies around the world. In 1992, the ROK Navy ships - ROKS ''Chungnam'' (FF 953) and ROKS ''Masan'' (FF 955) of the Cruise Training Unit circumnavigated the world for the first time.
* Navy to Navy Talks: the ROK Navy holds regular naval conferences with its counterparts of [[Germany]], [[India]], [[Indonesia]], [[Japan]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]], [[Turkey]], the United Kingdom, and United States.<ref>[http://www.navy.go.kr/servlet/Download?file=navypictorial.pdf "해군소개자료집 (PDF Format)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327190057/http://www.navy.go.kr/servlet/Download?file=navypictorial.pdf|date=2009-03-27}}. <u>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</u>. Retrieved May 16, 2007.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20180914/2/BBSMSTR_000000010024/view.do|title=제1차 한-인도 해군 대 해군회의|website=국방일보|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011751/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20180914/2/BBSMSTR_000000010024/view.do|archive-date=2019-02-12|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>
* Pacific Reach: the ROK Navy has participated in the biannual submarine rescue exercise since 2000. In 2004, the ROK Navy hosted the exercise, which was the first multinational naval exercise the ROK Navy ever hosted.
* [[RIMPAC]]: the ROK Naval forces have participated in the biannual multilateral naval exercise since 1990.
* ROKN-JMSDF SAREX: the ROK Navy and [[Japan Maritime Self Defense Force]] (JMSDF) conducted the search and rescue exercise biannually since 1999.
* WP MCMEX/DIVEX: the mine warfare forces of the ROK Navy have participated in the Western Pacific Mine Counter Measure Exercise/Diving Exercise since 2004.
* [[Cobra Gold]]: together with the ROK Marines, the ROK Navy has participated in Cobra Gold since 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/02/25/2010022500936.html|title=해군 코브라골드훈련전대 귀항|website=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131201318/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/02/25/2010022500936.html|archive-date=2019-01-31|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1446222/thai-rok-us-amphibious-force-conducts-beach-assault-during-cobra-gold-2018/|title=Thai-ROK-US amphibious force conducts beach assault during Cobra Gold|website=Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065419/https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1446222/thai-rok-us-amphibious-force-conducts-beach-assault-during-cobra-gold-2018/|archive-date=2019-02-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ROK-US combined amphibious landing exercise: The ROK Navy and ROKMC together with the U.S. Navy and [[U.S. Marine Corps]] conduct the exercise annually in Korea.

===Counter-piracy operations===
{{Further|Piracy in Somalia}}
Since March 2009, the ROK Navy has deployed the [[Cheonghae Unit|Escort Task Group (''Cheonghae'')]] in response to [[piracy]] in shipping lanes off the coast of [[Somalia]]. The task group is composed of a [[Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin''-class]] destroyer and about 30 naval special warfare personnel. The group operates as part of the multinational task force, [[Combined Task Force 151]] of [[United States Fifth Fleet|Combined Maritime Forces]] (CMF).<ref>[http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2009/056.html "ROK Navy Task Group Chung-Hae Arrives in Bahrain"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414213421/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2009/056.html |date=2009-04-14 }}. <U>Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command</U>. Retrieved April 27, 2009.</ref> [[ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH-976)|ROKS ''Munmu the Great'']] was the first ship to be deployed as part of the unit to [[Somalia|Somali]] waters. On January 21, 2011, South Korean naval commandos of the task group carried out [[Operation Dawn of Gulf of Aden]], an operation to rescue the crew of the hijacked [[MV Samho Jewelry|MV ''Samho Jewelry'']] and succeed in rescuing the crew and killing or capturing all of the pirates on board.<ref name=CNN/>

As of March 2019, about 8,500 sailors were deployed to the [[Gulf of Aden]] in 28 Escort Task Groups, which had escorted about 22,000 ships since the first deployment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/04/205_265252.html|title=Navy's anti-piracy unit marks 10th anniversary|date=2019-03-12|website=[[The Korea Times]]|language=en|access-date=2019-04-28}}</ref>

===International fleet review===
[[File:Multinational ships steam in formation during an exercise at the RoK international Fleet Review 2018 - 181011-N-DK042-0154.jpg|right|thumb|Multinational ships steam in formation at the ROK international Fleet Review 2018]]
In October 1998, the ROK Navy hosted its first international fleet review in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Korea and its armed forces off coast of Busan and Jinhae. 21 ships from 11 countries (Australia, [[Bangladesh]], France, [[India]], Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, [[Philippines]], [[Singapore]], United Kingdom, United States) participated in the fleet review as well as 34 ships and 15 aircraft from South Korea.<ref>[http://weekly.hankooki.com/whan/last/981029/w61553.htm "{해군 국제관함식} 바다로, 세계로..."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170700/http://weekly.hankooki.com/whan/last/981029/w61553.htm |date=2016-03-03 }}. <U>THE HANKOOKILBO</U>. Retrieved March 10, 2007.</ref> The ROK Navy hosted its second international fleet review off coast of Busan in October 2008 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the South Korean government. 22 ships from 11 countries (Australia, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, [[Russia]], Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States) participated in the fleet review as well as 33 ships and 27 aircraft from South Korea.<ref>[http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_2&_id=155317217 "11개국 함정 50여척 힘찬 퍼레이드"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203233426/http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_2&_id=155317217 |date=2008-12-03 }}. <U>Republic of Korea Navy i-News</U>. Retrieved October 13, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=in_barracks&_id=155317947 "부산 관함식 경제 효과 1088억원"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203233324/http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=in_barracks&_id=155317947 |date=2008-12-03 }}. <U>Republic of Korea Navy i-News</U>. Retrieved October 13, 2008.</ref>

The Cruise Training Unit&nbsp;– [[ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great|ROKS ''Kwanggaeto the Great'' (DDH 971)]], [[ROKS Jeju (FF-958)|ROKS ''Jeju'' (FF 958)]] and [[ROKS Cheonji (AOE-57)|ROKS ''Cheonji'' (AOE 57)]] participated in International Fleet Review 2002 commemorating the 50th anniversary of [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|JMSDF]] in [[Tokyo Bay]]. The Cruise Training Fleet&nbsp;– [[ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin (DDH-975)|ROKS ''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin'' (DDH 975)]] and [[ROKS Cheonji (AOE-57)|ROKS ''Cheonji'' (AOE 57)]] – visited the United Kingdom in order to take part in the International Fleet Review for [[Trafalgar 200]] in 2005. In April 2009, [[ROKS Dokdo|ROKS ''Dokdo'' (LPH 6111)]] and [[ROKS Gang Gam-chan (DDH-979)|ROKS ''Gang Gam-chan'' (DDH-979)]] attended an international fleet review to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese [[People's Liberation Army Navy|People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy]] in [[Qingdao]]. In August 2009, the Cruise Training Flotilla&nbsp;– [[ROKS Choe Yeong (DDH-981)|ROKS ''Choi Young'' (DDH 981)]] and [[ROKS Daecheong (AOE-58)|ROKS ''Daecheong'' (AOE 58)]] participated in the Indonesian International Fleet Review, which commemorates the 64th anniversary of [[Proclamation of Indonesian Independence|Indonesian independence]].

The ROK Navy hosted its third international fleet review off coast of [[Jeju Island]] in October 2018. 15 ships from 9 countries ([[Australia]], [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[India]], [[Russia]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]], [[United States]], [[Vietnam]]) participated in the pass-in-review as well as 24 ships and 24 aircraft from [[South Korea]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20181015/4/BBSMSTR_000000010024/view.do|title=2018 대한민국 해군 국제관함식 성료, 세계 평화 기원하며 화합·상생의 장 '활짝'|website=국방일보|access-date=2019-04-25|archive-date=2019-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425181017/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20181015/4/BBSMSTR_000000010024/view.do|url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2019, [[ROKS Gyeonggi (FFG-812)|ROKS ''Gyeonggi'' (FFG 812)]] attended an international fleet review to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the [[People's Liberation Army Navy|PLA Navy]] in Qingdao.

==Equipment==
There are about 150 commissioned ships with the ROK Navy (a total displacement of about 350,000 tonnes<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/e/publ/w_paper/pdf/2018/DOJ2018_Full_1130.pdf|title=DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2018|website=Japan Ministry of Defense|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202133929/http://www.mod.go.jp/e/publ/w_paper/pdf/2018/DOJ2018_Full_1130.pdf|archive-date=2018-12-02|url-status=live|access-date=2018-12-11}}</ref>). The naval aviation force consists of about 70 fixed-wing and [[rotary-wing aircraft]].

===Ships===
{{Further|List of active Republic of Korea Navy ships}}
{{See also-text|[[List of ships of the Republic of Korea Navy]] for a list of decommissioned ships of the South Korean navy}}

The vessels are categorized into four levels. A first-rate ship (''Sohn Wonyil''–class SS, DDG, DDH, LPH, MLS, and AOE) is commanded by a captain; a second-rate ship (SS, FFG, FF, PCC, LST, ATS, and ASR) by a commander; a third-rate ship (PKG, MSH, and MHC) by a lieutenant commander; and a fourth-rate craft (PKMR, PKM, and LSF) is commanded by a lieutenant or a warrant officer.

The ROK Navy employs the U.S. Navy–style letter based [[hull classification symbols]] to designate the types of its ships and [[hull number]]s to uniquely identify its vessels (e.g. DDH 975{{NoteTag|The ROK Navy does not use the number '4' when assigning hull numbers to their ships.}}). The names are that of the historical figures, Navy heroes, provinces, cities, counties, peaks, lakes, islands, and birds. The Chief of Naval Operations selects the names of ships.<ref name=":2" />

The [[ship prefix]] for all the commissioned ROK Navy ship is '''ROKS''' (Republic of Korea Ship) when the names of ships are written in English.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Class
! style="text-align:left;"|Image
! style="text-align:left;"|ROKN classification
! style="text-align:left;"|Displacement<br>(light/full tons)
! style="text-align:left;"|First deployment
! style="text-align:left;"|Commissioned
! style="text-align:left;"|Launched
! style="text-align:left;"|Note
|-
! colspan="8" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | '''[[Submarines]]'''
|-
| [[KSS-III submarine|''Dosan Ahn Changho'' class]] 
| [[File:ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho class submarine.png|180px]]
| SS: Submarine || 3,750 (submerged)
| 2021|| 3|| - || KSS-III Batch-I; 3 in batch
|-
| [[Type 214 submarine|''Sohn Wonyil'' class]] 
| [[File:2015.10.19. 2015대한민국해군 관함식 2차 해상사열 및 훈련시범 (22125537148).jpg|180px|ROKS Ahn Junggeun, a Sohn Wonyil-class submarine]]
| SS: Submarine || 1,860 (submerged)
|2007|| 9|| -
| SS-II (9 in class); Capable of launching cruise missiles<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/South_Korea_launches_guided-missile_submarine_999.html|title=South Korea launches guided-missile submarine|access-date=2016-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408174108/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/South_Korea_launches_guided-missile_submarine_999.html|archive-date=2016-04-08|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Jang Bogo-class submarine|''Chang Bogo'' class]] 
| [[File:US Navy 100707-N-7200S-207 ROKS Lee Eokgi (SS 071) leads a formation of U.S. and coalition forces during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises.jpg|180px|ROKS Lee Eokgi (SS 071)]]
| SS: Submarine || 1,290 (submerged)
|1993|| 9<ref>{{cite web|title=9번째 잠수함 '이억기함' 취역|url=http://legacy.www.hani.co.kr/section-003100002/2001/12/003100002200112022024011.html|publisher=[[The Hankyoreh]]|access-date=6 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621093245/http://legacy.www.hani.co.kr/section-003100002/2001/12/003100002200112022024011.html|archive-date=2018-06-21|url-status=live}}</ref> || -|| SS-I (Being upgraded)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/11/21/2016112101109.html|title=대우조선해양, 장보고급 잠수함 통합전투체계 성능 테스트 '통과'|date=2016-11-21|website=biz.chosun.com|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226173051/http://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/11/21/2016112101109.html|archive-date=2019-02-26|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-26}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="8" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | '''[[Destroyer]]s'''
|-
| [[Sejong the Great-class destroyer|''Sejong the Great'' class]] 
| [[File:2008년9월27일 해군 세종대왕함기동 (1) (7193823614).jpg|180px|ROKS Sejong the Great (Sejong the Great class)]]
| DDG: Destroyer Guided-missile || 7,650/10,600
|2008|| 4 <ref>{{cite web|title=3번째 '신의 방패' 서애류성룡함 취역|url=http://news.joins.com/article/9220216|publisher=[[JoongAng Ilbo]]|access-date=6 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207031614/http://news.joins.com/article/9220216|archive-date=2017-02-07|url-status=live|date=2012-09-03}}</ref> || - || 3 more planned as KDX-III Batch-II<ref>{{cite web|title=South Korea's DAPA Selects HHI for KDX-III Batch II Destroyer Design & Construction|date=29 May 2016 |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2016/may-2016-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4035-south-koreas-dapa-selects-hhi-for-kdx-iii-batch-ii-destroyer-design-a-construction.html|publisher=Navy Recognition|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215020954/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2016/may-2016-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4035-south-koreas-dapa-selects-hhi-for-kdx-iii-batch-ii-destroyer-design-a-construction.html|archive-date=2017-02-15|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin'' class]]
| [[File:ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH 976).jpg|180px|ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH 976), a Chungmugong Yi Sunshin-class destroyer]]
| DDH: Destroyer Helicopter || 4,500/5,520
|2003|| 6<ref>{{cite web|title=6번째 한국형 구축함(DDH-II)인 '최영함'(4천200t급) 취역|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/09/04/2008090401208.html|publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|access-date=6 February 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207112537/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/09/04/2008090401208.html|archive-date=7 February 2017}}</ref> || -|| DDH-II; To be followed by [[KDDX-class destroyer|KDDX]]
|-
| [[Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyer|''Kwanggaeto the Great'' class]] 
| [[File:2009년5월15일 해군 1함대훈련 (7193824738).jpg|180px|ROKS Kwanggaeto the Great (DDH 971), the Navy's first indigenously built destroyer]]
| DDH: Destroyer Helicopter || 3,200/3,900
|1998|| 3 || - || DDH-I
|-
! colspan="8" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |'''[[Frigate]]s'''
|-
| [[Chungnam-class frigate|''Chungnam'' class]]
| 
| FFG: Frigate Guided-missile || 3,600/4,300
|2024|| 1 || 1 || FFG-III (FFX Batch-III; 6 in batch)
|-
| [[Daegu-class frigate|''Daegu'' class]]
| [[File:ROKS Seoul (FFG-821) underway in the Yellow Sea during the commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Incheon on 14 September 2023 (cropped).jpg|180px|ROKS Seoul (Daegu class)]]
| FFG: Frigate Guided-missile || 3,100/3,650
|2018|| 8 || - || FFG-II
|-
| [[Incheon-class frigate|''Incheon'' class]]
| [[File:20130626 대한해협 전승행사 (4) (9460603621).jpg|180px|ROKS Incheon (Incheon class)]]
| FFG: Frigate Guided-missile || 2,500/3,251
|2013|| 6 || - || FFG-I
|-
|[[Ulsan-class frigate|''Ulsan'' class]]
| [[File:2009년5월15일 해군 1함대훈련2 (7193824422).jpg|180px|ROKS Busan (Ulsan class)]]
| FF: Frigate || 1,446/2,350
|1981|| 2 || - || To be replaced by FFG
|-
! colspan="8" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |'''[[Corvette]]s'''
|-
| [[Pohang-class corvette|''Pohang'' class]]
| [[File:2010. 3. 해군 PCC함의 일상 Rep. of Korea Navy (7548298946).jpg|180px|ROKS Bucheon (Pohang class)]]
| PCC: Patrol Combat Corvette || 950/1,220
|1984|| 3 || - || To be replaced by FFG
|-
! colspan="8" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |'''[[Patrol vessels]]'''
|-
| [[Gumdoksuri-class patrol vessel|''Yoon Youngha'' class]]
| [[File:2012. 9. 서해 NLL해상경계 Rep. of Korea Navy NLL Maritime Security in the western sea (8031753530).jpg|180px|ROKS Hyun Sihak (Yoon Youngha class)]]
| PKG: Patrol Killer Guided-missile || 440/570
|2008||18<ref>{{cite web|title=유도탄고속함 '전병익함' 취역|url=http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kookbangWeb/view.do?ntt_writ_date=20180112&parent_no=2&bbs_id=BBSMSTR_000000000005|publisher=국방일보|access-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116101744/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kookbangWeb/view.do?ntt_writ_date=20180112&parent_no=2&bbs_id=BBSMSTR_000000000005|archive-date=2018-01-16|url-status=live}}</ref>|| - || -
|-
|[[Gumdoksuri-class patrol vessel|''Chamsuri'' (PKMR 211) class]]
| -
| PKMR: Patrol Killer Medium Rocket || 210/250
|2017|| 16 || - || PKX-B Batch-I (16 in batch), Batch-II (18 in batch)
|-
| [[Chamsuri-class patrol boat|''Chamsuri'' (PKM 268) class]]
| [[File:2010. 7. 동해 한미연합 훈련 Rep. of Korea Navy korea us combine training (7554655104).jpg|180px|A Chamsuri-class patrol craft and a Sohn Wonyil-class submarine on background]]
| PKM: Patrol Killer Medium || 151/170
|1978|| 26 || - || To be replaced by PKG & PKMR
|-
! colspan="8" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |'''[[Amphibious warfare ships]]'''
|-
| [[Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship|''Dokdo'' class]]
| [[File:해군 독도함 (7438321572).jpg|180px|Amphibious transport dock, ROKS Dokdo (LPH 6111)]]
| LPH: Landing Transport Helicopter<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=170&aid=0000000062&sid1=001|title=독도함 정확한 명칭은 '대형수송함(LPH)'|website=news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>|| 14,550/19,000
|2007|| 2 || -|| -
|-
| [[Cheon Wang Bong-class LST|''Cheonwangbong'' class]]
| [[File:2013. 9. 천왕봉함 진수식 Rep. of Korea Navy ROK Ship Chunwangbong Launching Ceremony (9732841805).jpg|180px|Christening ceremony of ROKS Cheonwangbong (Cheonwangbong class)]]
| LST: Landing Ship Tank || 4,900/8,000
|2014|| 4<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20181204/4/BBSMSTR_000000010024/view.do|title=신형상륙함 4번함 '노적봉함' 취역기 펄럭~|work=Kookbang Ilbo|access-date=2018-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214065707/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20181204/4/BBSMSTR_000000010024/view.do|archive-date=2018-12-14|url-status=live}}</ref>|| - || LST-II
|-
| [[Go Jun Bong-class LST|''Kojunbong'' class]]
| [[File:ROK LST682 behind a LCAC.jpg|180px|ROKS Birobong (Gojunbong class)]]
| LST: Landing Ship Tank || 2,900/4,900
|1993|| 4 || - || -
|-
| [[LSF-II 631|''Solgae'' (LSF 631) class]]
| [[File:ROKS LSF 632 launched from the ROKS Dokdo (LPH 6111).jpg|180px|ROKS Solgae 632 (Solgae 631 class)]]
| LSF: Landing Ship Fast || 95/155
|2007|| 4 || 2 ||LSF-II (locally-built [[Landing Craft Air Cushion|LCAC]])
 |-
| [[Tsaplya-class LCAC|''Solgae'' (LSF 621) class]]
| [[File:2011.4.7 해병2사단 적국지도발대비훈련 (7633940020).jpg|180px|ROKS Solgae 623 (Solgae 621 class)]]
| LSF: Landing Ship Fast
|132/149
|2005
|3
| -
|Assault [[hovercraft]] ([[Tsaplya-class LCAC|Project 12061E Murena-E]]) transferred from [[Russia]]<ref>[http://www.rusarm.ru/cataloque/navy_cataloque.html "Navy Catalog" (PDF Format)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917094214/http://www.rusarm.ru/cataloque/navy_cataloque.html|date=2008-09-17}}. <u>Rosoboronexport State Export Corporation Official Website</u>. Retrieved March 22, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://article.joins.com/article/article.asp?total_id=2481487 "러시아제 공기부양정 동원"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104132007/http://article.joins.com/article/article.asp?total_id=2481487|date=2006-11-04}}. <u>Joins.com</u>. Retrieved April 5, 2007.</ref>
|-
! colspan="8" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |'''[[Naval mine|Mine warfare ships]]'''
|-
|[[Nampo-class minelayer|''Nampo'' class]]
| 
| MLS: Mine Layer Ship || 3,000/4,240
|2017|| 1<ref>{{cite web|title=차기 기뢰부설함 '남포함' 해군 인도...내년초 실전배치 - 연합뉴스|url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2017/06/09/0200000000AKR20170609032700014.HTML|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |access-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923162936/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2017/06/09/0200000000AKR20170609032700014.HTML|archive-date=2018-09-23|url-status=live|date=2017-06-08}}</ref>|| - || MLS-II
|-
| [[Wonsan-class minelayer|''Wonsan'' class]]
| [[File:2013. 11. 한미 연합 기뢰전 훈련 Republic of Korea Navy (10917179044).jpg|180px|ROKS Wonsan (Wonsan class)]]
| MLS: Mine Layer Ship || 2,500/3,300
|1997|| 1 || - || MLS-I
|-
|[[Yangyang-class minesweeper|''Yangyang'' class]] 
| rowspan="2" | [[File:2012. 9. 인천상륙작전 전승행사 Rep. of Korea Navy 62th Anniversary of Incheon Landing Operation (7998836744).jpg|180px|ROKS Ongjin (Yangyang class) and ROKS Goryeong (Ganggyeong class) on background]]
| MSH: Mine Sweeper Hunter || 730/880
|1999|| 6<ref>[http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_1&_id=65081998& "최신예 국산 소해함 '해남함' 취역"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028143638/http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_1&_id=65081998& |date=2007-10-28 }}. <U>Republic of Korea Navy i-News</U>. Retrieved March 10, 2007.</ref>||  || -
|-
|[[Ganggyeong-class minehunter|''Kanggyung'' class]] || MHC: Mine Hunter Coastal || 470/520
|1986|| 6 || - || -
|-
! colspan="8" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |'''[[Auxiliary ship]]s'''
|-
| ''Hansando'' class 
| -
| ATH: Training Ship Helicopter || 4,500/6,000
|2020|| 1<ref name="2020-10-23_DN">[https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2020/10/22/south-koreas-first-training-ship-enters-naval-service/ South Korea's first training ship enters naval service], Brian Kim, [[DefenseNews.com]], 2020-10-23</ref> || - ||Training ship and Casualty Receiving & Treatment Ships (CRTS)
|-
| ''Soyang'' class 
| [[File:ROKS Soyang in Busan Naval Base.jpg|180px|Republic of Korea Navy Fast Combat Support Ship "Soyang"(AOE-51) berthed at Busan Naval Base in Jan 2020.]]
| AOE: Fast Combat Support Ship || 10,600/23,000
|2018|| 1<ref>{{cite web|title=국내 최대 군수지원함 '소양함' 취역...올해 연말 임무 투입|url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2018/09/18/0200000000AKR20180918101200051.HTML|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |access-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918083724/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2018/09/18/0200000000AKR20180918101200051.HTML|archive-date=2018-09-18|url-status=live|date=2018-09-17}}</ref>|| - || AOE-II
|-
|[[Cheonji-class combat support ship|''Cheonji'' class]]
| [[File:ROKS Hwacheon in counter-terror training October 2015.jpg|180px|ROKS Hwacheon (AOE 59) in counter-terror exercise]]
| AOE: Fast Combat Support Ship || 4,200/9,200
|1991|| 3 || - || -
|-
| ''Tongyeong'' class 
| [[File:2012. 9. 통영함 진수식 Rep. of Korea Navy Launching ceremoney of ATS2 (7998812649).jpg|180px|Christening ceremony of ROKS Tongyeong (Tongyeong class)]]
| ATS: Salvage and Rescue Ship || 3,500/4,710
|2014|| 2<ref>{{cite web|title=해군 차기 수상함구조함(ATS-II) 2번함 광양함이 정식으로 해군 함정으로 배치|url=http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4666778|publisher=CBSi|access-date=6 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107010155/http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4666778|archive-date=2017-11-07|url-status=live|date=2016-10-10}}</ref>|| - || ATS-II
|-
|[[Ganghwado-class submarine rescue ship|''Ganghwado'' class]]
| -
| ASR: Submarine Rescue Ship || 5,600/6,800
|2023|| 1 || - || ASR-II
|-
|[[Cheonghaejin-class submarine rescue ship|''Cheonghaejin'' class]]
| [[File:2014.4 세월호 구조 작전 (13979529595).jpg|180px|ROKS Cheonghaejin (Cheonghaejin class)]]
| ASR: Submarine Rescue Ship || 3,200/4,300
|1996|| 1 || - || To be followed by ASR-II
|-
| ''Singiwon'' class 
| -
| AGS: Surveying Ship || 3,500/4,600
|2014|| 1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/1118373|title=해군 도입 계획 무인항공기, GPS 전파교란에 무방비|publisher=CBSnocutnews|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127080252/http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/1118373|archive-date=2016-01-27|url-status=live|date=2013-10-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2015091708417691998|title=해군 정보함 '신기원함' 무인항공기 추가도입사업 '꼼수'|date=17 September 2015 |publisher=MONEYTODAY|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130090605/http://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2015091708417691998|archive-date=2016-01-30|url-status=live}}</ref>|| - || AGX-II
|-
| ''Sinsegi'' class 
| -
| AGS: Surveying Ship ||2,850/3,700
|2003|| 1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?nNewsNumb=201101100011 |title=서해 5도 감시용 정보수집함은 鎭海 기지에서 '쿨쿨'... 연평도 포격 탐지는 '감감' |publisher=[[Monthly Chosun]] |access-date=8 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127132222/http://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?nNewsNumb=201101100011 |archive-date=27 January 2016 }}</ref>|| - || AGX-I
|-
|''Mulgae'' (LCU 87) class
| -
|LCU: Landing Craft Utility
|540/940
|2010
|3
| -
|500-ton LCU for logistics support
|-
|''Mulgae'' (LCU/L 79) class 
| -
| LCU/L: Landing Craft Utility Minelayer || 235/442
|1998|| 7 || - || Littoral transport, logistics and mine warfare support
|-
|}

===Aircraft===
The Air Wing Six operates about 70 fixed-wing and [[rotary-wing aircraft]] including P-3CK Orion maritime patrol aircraft and AW159 Wildcat ASW helicopters. These aircraft operate from bases throughout South Korea, as well as from the ROK Navy's ships.

The ROK Navy had operated about 30 [[Grumman S-2 Tracker|S-2]] [[anti-submarine warfare]] aircraft from 1976 to 2001. From 1977 to 1979, the Navy had acquired 12 [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]] helicopters for [[shipboard helicopter operations]] with ex-USN [[Gearing-class destroyer|''Gearing''-class]] destroyers. The ROK Navy had acquired eight [[P-3 Orion|P-3C]] aircraft by 1996, and eight more [[P-3 Orion|P-3CK]] maritime patrol aircraft (ex-USN P-3B) were delivered to the ROK Navy by 2010 after undergoing extensive refurbishment and modernization. The Navy took delivery of the first batch of 12 Mk.99 [[Westland Lynx|Lynx helicopters]] in 1991; a second batch of 13 Mk.99A Super Lynx helicopters began delivery in 1999. In 2016, the Navy took delivery of eight AW159 Wildcats helicopters. Six [[P-8 Poseidon]] [[maritime patrol aircraft]] were acquired in 2024.

{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align:left;"|Image
! style="text-align:left;"|Type
! style="text-align:left;"|Variant
! style="text-align:left;"|First deployment
! style="text-align:left;"|In service
! style="text-align:left;"|Note
|-
! colspan="7" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | '''[[Fixed-wing aircraft]]'''
|-
|[[Boeing P-8 Poseidon]] 
|
|[[Anti-submarine warfare#Modern warfare|ASW]]/[[Maritime patrol aircraft]]
|P-8A
|2023
|6<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=8004091&ref=A|title=‘잠수함 사냥꾼’ 포세이돈 6대 해군에 인도…내부 공개|trans-title=The Posideon, "submarine hunter" all 6 has been handed over to the Navy ...Internal disclosure|date=4 July 2024|publisher=KBS}}</ref>
|
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[Lockheed P-3 Orion]]
|rowspan="2"|[[File:P-3 ROK-Jakarta.JPG|180px|A ROKN P-3 Orion taking part in searching for Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501]] 
|rowspan="2"|[[Anti-submarine warfare#Modern warfare|ASW]]/[[Maritime patrol aircraft]]
|P-3CK
|2010
|7<ref>{{cite web |title=Lockheed P-3 Orion - South Korea |url=http://www.amarcexperience.com/ui/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&catid=8&Itemid=159 |website=AMARC Experience |access-date=1 March 2021}}</ref>
|8 ex-USN P-3B sent from AMARC for modernization by [[Korea Aerospace Industries|KAI]]; 1 additional spare aircraft used for parts and remaining hull scrapped in [[Tucson, Arizona]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.amarcexperience.com/ui/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&catid=8&Itemid=159 | title=The AMARC Experience - Lockheed P-3 Orion - South Korea }}</ref>
|-
|P-3C
|1995
|8
|Updated<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2016/07/13/0200000000AKR20160713033900014.HTML|title=레이더와 소노부이 등을 최신장비로 교체한 P-3C 해상초계기가 지난 11일 해군에 처음 인도|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714155553/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2016/07/13/0200000000AKR20160713033900014.HTML|archive-date=2016-07-14|url-status=live|access-date=6 February 2017|date=2016-07-12}}</ref>
|-
|[[Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan II]] 
|[[File:Reims F406 Caravan II, France - Army AN0632367.jpg|180px|A French Reims F406]]
|light utility aircraft
|F406
|1999
|5<ref name="Defence2016">{{cite book|title=ROK Military Weapon Systems (2016-2017)|date=2016|publisher=Defense Times Korea}}</ref>
|[[Target tug]]
|-
! colspan="7" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | '''[[Rotorcraft|Rotary-wing aircraft]]'''
|-
|[[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat]] 
|[[File:Royal Navy Wildcat Helicopter MOD 45158434.jpg|180px|A Royal Navy Wildcat]]
|[[Anti-submarine warfare#Modern warfare|ASW]] helicopter
|AW159
|2017
|8<ref>{{cite web|title=英 "한국 해군 '와일드캣' 작전헬기 첨단 성능 부럽다"|url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2017/02/21/0200000000AKR20170221145500009.HTML|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |access-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010134907/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2017/02/21/0200000000AKR20170221145500009.HTML|archive-date=2018-10-10|url-status=live|date=2017-02-20}}</ref>
| -
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[Westland Lynx]] 
|rowspan="2"|[[File:2012. 9. 인천상륙작전 전승행사 Rep. of Korea Navy 62th Anniversary of Incheon Landing Operation Rep.of Korea Navy (7998834439).jpg|180px|A ROKN Lynx ASW helo]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Anti-submarine warfare#Modern warfare|ASW]] helicopter
|Super Lynx Mk.99A
|1999
|12<ref>{{cite web|title=추락 링스헬기 잔해 발견...해군, 운용중인 링스헬기 20여대 '운행중단'|date=27 September 2016|url=http://www.segye.com/content/html/2016/09/27/20160927000907.html|publisher=[[Segye Ilbo]]|access-date=6 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207192408/http://www.segye.com/content/html/2016/09/27/20160927000907.html|archive-date=2017-02-07|url-status=live}}</ref>
| -
|-
|Lynx Mk.99
|1991
|11
| -
|-
|[[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]] 
|[[File:해군 해난구조대 혹한기 내한훈련.jpg|180px|A ROKN UH-60P supporting SSU training]]
|utility transport helicopter
|UH-60P
|1994
|8<ref name=Defence2016 />
|Built by [[Korean Air#Aerospace research and manufacturing|KAL-ASD]]
|-
|}

===Weaponry===
{{main|List of Republic of Korea Navy weaponry}}The ROK Navy, the [[Defense Acquisition Program Administration]] (DAPA), and the [[Agency for Defense Development]] (ADD) have been developing naval weaponry with local defense companies.

==Future acquisitions==

===Ships===
* '''Korean Submarine (KSS)'''
{{main|Korean Attack Submarine program}}
The KSS program was a three-phased program to build up the ROK Navy's [[submarine]] forces. Before the KSS program, the submarine fleet of the ROK Navy consisted of ''Dolgorae''-class [[midget submarines]], which had limited capabilities for inshore operations.

Through the first phase, KSS-I, the ROK Navy acquired nine 1,200-ton {{Sclass|Chang Bogo|submarine}}. For the second phase, KSS-II, the ROK Navy planned to acquire nine 1,800-ton [[Type 214 submarine|''Sohn Wonyil''-class submarines]] with Air-Independent propulsion (AIP) system;<ref name="korea1">[http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_2&_id=155166300 "방사청, 英 구조잠수정 1척 도입키로"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026084953/http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_2&_id=155166300 |date=2007-10-26 }}. <U>Republic of Korea Navy i-News</U>. Retrieved March 11, 2007.</ref> the lead boat of her class, ROKS ''Sohn Wonyil'' (SS 072) was launched at a shipyard of Hyundai Heavy Industries on June 9, 2006. The Type 214 submarine is expected to play a key role in safeguarding the country's maritime interests. For the third phase of the program, the lead boat of KSS-III, the ''Dosan Ahn Changho'' (SS 083) was launched in 2018. A total of nine 3,000-ton KSS-III submarines are expected to be built in South Korea with indigenous technologies (i.e. not going under license as the previous KSS-I and KSS-II submarines).<ref>[http://article.joins.com/article/article.asp?ctg=10&Total_ID=2641821 "3000t급 잠수함 개발 연내 착수"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030102645/http://article.joins.com/article/article.asp?ctg=10&Total_ID=2641821 |date=2007-10-30 }}. <U>Joins.com</U>. Retrieved March 7, 2007.</ref>

The KSS-III submarines will be able to fire [[submarine launched ballistic missile]]s (SLBMs): Prompted by North Korea's development of the [[Pukguksong-1]] (KN-11) SLBM, a vertical launching pad will be installed on the submarines for a missile expected to be developed by 2020.<ref>[http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3019321 South will develop its own type of SLBM: source] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602031010/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3019321 |date=2016-06-02 }} - Koreajoongangdaily.com, 30 May 2016</ref> KSS-III submarines will have six vertical missile launch tubes that could house [[Hyunmoo-2]]B [[short-range ballistic missile]] with a range of {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2016/12/14/0301000000AEN20161214003100315.html S. Korea starts building new 3,000-ton submarine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221035407/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2016/12/14/0301000000AEN20161214003100315.html |date=2016-12-21 }} - Yonhapnews.co.kr, 14 December 2016</ref>

South Korea has long sought the acquisition of [[nuclear-powered submarine]]s, and the 2021 [[AUKUS]] announcement to supply them to Australia has renewed this desire.<ref name=38north-20211209>{{cite news |url=https://www.38north.org/2021/12/what-aukus-means-to-north-korea/ |title=What AUKUS Means to North Korea |last=Panda |first=Jagannath |publisher=The Henry L. Stimson Center |work=[[38 North]] |date=9 December 2021 |access-date=10 December 2021}}</ref>

* '''Aircraft Carrier Experimental (CVX)'''
{{main|CVX-class aircraft carrier}}
The ROK Navy initially planned to build an amphibious assault ships capable of operating the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II#F-35B|F-35B]] as the [[LPX-II-Class Aircraft Carrier|LPX-II]] program. In August 2020, the Ministry of National Defense formally announced its intent to begin construction of a 30,000-ton light aircraft carrier, and it was authorized as the CVX program in February 2021. The ROK Navy plans to acquire an aircraft carrier by 2033.<ref>{{cite web |title=S. Korean defense ministry to move forward with light aircraft carrier program amid controversy |url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/984186.html |website=[[The Hankyoreh]] |access-date=1 March 2021}}</ref>

* '''Korea Destroyer Experimental (KDX)'''
{{main|Korean Destroyer eXperimental}}
The KDX program was a three-phased program to modernize the surface fleet by developing and constructing new [[destroyer]]s for the ROK Navy with advanced combat systems and weaponry. The outcomes of this program include the [[Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyer|''Kwanggaeto the Great''-class destroyer]] destroyers, which are the first ROK destroyers to be armed with [[surface-to-air missile]]s; the [[Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin''-class]] destroyers; and the powerful {{Sclass|Sejong the Great|destroyer}}, which are equipped with the sophisticated [[AEGIS combat system]] for air-defense and anti-missile operations. These new destroyers replaced antiquated destroyers that had been transferred from the U.S. Navy decades ago.

As follow up programs, the ROK Navy plans to build three additional AEGIS destroyers (KDX-III Batch-II) by 2028,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/2017/madex-2017/5699-madex-2017-what-we-learned-on-the-rok-navy-future-kdx-iii-batch-ii-aegis-destroyers.html|title=MADEX 2017: What we Learned on the ROK Navy Future KDX-III Batch II Aegis Destroyers|website=www.navyrecognition.com|date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111175704/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/2017/madex-2017/5699-madex-2017-what-we-learned-on-the-rok-navy-future-kdx-iii-batch-ii-aegis-destroyers.html|archive-date=2019-01-11|url-status=live|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref> and six 8,000-ton destroyers ([[KDDX-class destroyer|KDDX]]) by 2030 as successors of the [[Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin''-class]] destroyers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/indomarine-2014/2160-dsme-showcasing-its-next-generation-kddx-destroyer-for-rok-navy-at-indo-defence-2014.html|title=DSME showcasing its next generation KDDX Destroyer for ROK Navy at Indo Defence 2014|website=www.navyrecognition.com|date=5 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111232622/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/indomarine-2014/2160-dsme-showcasing-its-next-generation-kddx-destroyer-for-rok-navy-at-indo-defence-2014.html|archive-date=2019-01-11|url-status=live|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsis.com/view/?id=NISX20181226_0000513293|title='미니 이지스함' 차기 구축함(KDDX) 국내연구 개발 확정|last=NEWSIS|date=2018-12-26|website=[[Newsis]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111175602/http://www.newsis.com/view/?id=NISX20181226_0000513293|archive-date=2019-01-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Frigate Experimental (FFX)'''
{{main|Incheon-class frigate}}
The FFX program aims to replace the ''Ulsan''-class frigates and ''Donghae''/''Pohang''-class corvettes with new frigates. The total number of the ships to be built is 26 (FFX batch-I batch-II batch-III batch-IV).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/132-republic-of-korea-navy-vessels-ships-and-equipment/rok-navy-frigates-a-destroyers/1184-incheon-class-frigate-ffx-republic-of-korea-rok-navy-gyeonggi-hyundai-heavy-industries-hhi-dsme-south-korea-datasheet-pictures-photos-video-specifications.html|title=Incheon Class Frigate FFX Republic of Korea Navy|website=www.navyrecognition.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011606/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/132-republic-of-korea-navy-vessels-ships-and-equipment/rok-navy-frigates-a-destroyers/1184-incheon-class-frigate-ffx-republic-of-korea-rok-navy-gyeonggi-hyundai-heavy-industries-hhi-dsme-south-korea-datasheet-pictures-photos-video-specifications.html|archive-date=2019-02-12|url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref> These frigates will be armed with the American-made [[Phalanx CIWS|Phalanx CIWS system]] and the [[Rolling Airframe Missile|rolling airframe missile system]], and they will each carry an [[anti-submarine warfare]] helicopter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/113_46597.html|title=New S. Korean Frigate to Carry US Armament|date=10 June 2009|access-date=2009-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902082802/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/113_46597.html|archive-date=2012-09-02|url-status=live}}</ref>

Six {{Sclass|Incheon|frigate|3}}s (FFX Batch-I) were commissioned by 2016. The [[lead ship]] ([[ROKS Daegu (FFG-818)|FFG 818]]) in a class of eight in the {{Sclass|Daegu|frigate|2}} (FFX Batch-II) was commissioned in 2018. As follow-up, six {{Sclass|Chungnam|frigate|2}} (FFX Batch-III) are planned, and the lead ship is to be delivered in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=ROK Navy's FFX Batch III Frigate to be equipped with the future Long-Range Naval L-SAM |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/june/8658-rok-navy-s-ffx-batch-iii-frigate-to-be-equipped-with-the-future-long-range-naval-l-sam.html |website=Navy Recognition |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=1 March 2021}}</ref>

* '''Patrol Killer Experimental (PKX)'''
{{main|Gumdoksuri-class patrol vessel}}
Through the PKX program, the ROK Navy plans to build a fleet of a next generation [[patrol craft]] with [[Cooperative Engagement Capability]] and enhanced weaponry such as 76&nbsp;mm guns and the KSSM anti-ship missiles. There are two variations: PKX-A and PKX-B. The PKX-A is a 570-ton patrol craft with anti-ship missiles; PKX-B is a 200-ton patrol craft. 18 PKX-As and 34 PKX-Bs are planned.

On 28 June 2007, the lead ship of PKX-A, PKG 711 named, ROKS ''Yoon Youngha'', captain of PKM 357 at the [[Second Battle of Yeonpyeong]] was launched at the shipyard of [[Hanjin Heavy Industries]] in [[Busan]]. All 18 PKGs were commissioned by 2018 to replace the aging [[Chamsuri class patrol vessel|''Chamsuri''-class]] patrol craft. The lead ship of PKX-B, ROKS ''Chamsuri 211'' (PKMR 211), was commissioned in 2017.

* '''Landing Transport Experimental (LPX)'''
{{main|Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship}}
The LPX program was the ROK Navy's new [[amphibious assault ship|amphibious warfare ship]] program for which Hanjin Heavy Industries has provided the general design package. The ROK Navy's requirements for the new amphibious warfare ships were to enhance Korea's current amphibious operation capability, both in terms of assault and [[military operations other than war]] (MOOTW) type operations.

On 12 July 2005, the lead ship (LPH 6111) of the 14,500-ton [[Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship|''Dokdo''-class]] [[amphibious transport dock]] was launched at the shipyard of Hanjin Heavy Industries in [[Busan]]. The first [[Air-cushioned landing craft|air-cushion landing craft]] of LSF-II (ROKS ''Solgae 631'') was delivered for ROKS ''Dokdo'' in April 2007. In October 2009, the ROK Navy revealed a plan to commission another LPX around 2018.<ref>[http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kdd/HearTypeView.jsp?writeDate=20091014&menuCd=3004&menuSeq=1&kindSeq=4&menuCnt=30911 "해군 2019년 5600톤급 차기구축함 확보"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002184135/http://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/kdd/HearTypeView.jsp?writeDate=20091014&menuCd=3004&menuSeq=1&kindSeq=4&menuCnt=30911 |date=2011-10-02 }}. <U>Korea Defense Daily</U>. Retrieved October 20, 2009.</ref> The ''Marado'' (LPH 6112) was launched in May 2018.

* '''MSH phase II'''
The ROKN plans to build and commission three more ''Yangyang'' class mine warfare ships. The lead ship, ''Namhae'' was launched in April 2020.

* '''ASR-II'''
The ROK Navy plans to commission a new submarine rescue ship around 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2017/12/15/0200000000AKR20171215030100014.HTML|title=방사청 "차기 잠수함구조함 건조해 2022년 해군에 인도"|date=2017-12-14|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923124429/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2017/12/15/0200000000AKR20171215030100014.HTML|archive-date=2018-09-23|url-status=live|access-date=23 September 2018}}</ref> [[Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering|Daewoo S&ME]] (DSME) will build the ship, and [[United Kingdom|UK]]-based underwater systems developer JFD will deliver a [[deep-submergence rescue vehicle]] (DSRV) for the ROK Navy in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/economy/marketing/873488.html|title=대우조선해양, 해군 신형 잠수함구조함 1척 수주|date=2018-12-07|website=[[The Hankyoreh]]|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114210439/http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/economy/marketing/873488.html|archive-date=2019-01-14|url-status=live|access-date=2019-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://navaltoday.com/2019/01/24/jfd-to-deliver-submarine-rescue-system-for-new-rok-navy-ship/|title=JFD to deliver submarine rescue system for Korean Navy's ASR-II ship|website=Naval Today|date=24 January 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-11}}</ref>

===Aircraft===
* '''Maritime Patrol Aircraft-II'''
The ROK Navy had acquired eight [[P-3 Orion|P-3C]] aircraft by 1996 through the Maritime Patrol Aircraft-I phase I.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=001&oid=001&aid=0004047353|title=對潛초계기 P-3C기 8대 도입완료|date=1996-01-22|website=news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-02-26}}</ref> Through the phase II, eight more [[P-3 Orion|P-3CK]] maritime patrol aircraft, modified from retired [[United States Navy|USN]] P-3B had been delivered to the ROK Navy by 2010 after undergoing extensive refurbishment and modernization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=078&aid=0000007864&sid1=001|title=해상초계기 2차 사업 사업자 선정|date=2004-12-14|website=news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-02-26}}</ref><ref>[http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_2&_id=155077012 "성능개량 예정 해상초계기 8대 도입"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028143643/http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_2&_id=155077012 |date=2007-10-28 }}. <U>Republic of Korea Navy i-News</U>. Retrieved March 23, 2007.</ref>

In May 2013, it was announced that the [[Defense Acquisition Program Administration]] (DAPA) was commencing a {{KRWConvert|1|t|year=2013|showdate=no}} procurement program to acquire up to 20 new anti-submarine warfare aircraft to replace the existing fleet of 16 P-3Cs. While possible candidates include the [[EADS CASA C-295|C-295 MPA]], [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|P-8 Poseidon]] and the [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|SC-130J Sea Hercules]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2013/05/116_136357.html|title=Korea to but 20 anti-sub aircraft|publisher=[[The Korea Times]]|author=Kang Seung-woo|date=26 May 2013|access-date=27 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062747/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2013/05/116_136357.html|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=live}}</ref> DAPA was considering a plan to procure 12 to 20 ex-USN [[S-3 Viking]]s for the ROKN.<ref>{{cite web|title=South Korea to pave way for further S-3 Viking sales|url=http://www.janes.com/article/59161/fidae-2016-south-korea-to-pave-way-for-further-s-3-viking-sales|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=25 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606090115/http://www.janes.com/article/59161/fidae-2016-south-korea-to-pave-way-for-further-s-3-viking-sales|archive-date=2016-06-06|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, the ROK Navy canceled plans to purchase refurbished and upgraded S-3 Viking aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Perrett|first1=Bradley|last2=Kim|first2=Minseok|title=S. Korea Eyeing P-8, Swordfish As S-3 Upgrade Dropped|url=http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/s-korea-eyeing-p-8-swordfish-s-3-upgrade-dropped|website=Aviation Week|access-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171019084626/http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/s-korea-eyeing-p-8-swordfish-s-3-upgrade-dropped|archive-date=19 October 2017|location=Melbourne, Australia and Seoul|date=16 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Waldron|first1=Greg|title=ADEX: Big MPAs hunt for Seoul maritime requirement|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/adex-big-mpas-hunt-for-seoul-maritime-requirement-442267/|website=FlightGlobal|access-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171019084538/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/adex-big-mpas-hunt-for-seoul-maritime-requirement-442267/|archive-date=19 October 2017|location=Seoul|date=18 October 2017}}</ref> In March 2019, the South Korean government ordered six [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|P-8A]] aircraft from [[Boeing]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/86946/poseidons-for-south-korea-and-new-zealand-placed-under-contract|title=Poseidons for South Korea and New Zealand placed under contract {{!}} Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2019-05-11}}</ref>

* '''Maritime Helicopter-II'''
Through Maritime Helicopter-I, the ROK Navy took delivery of the first batch of 12 Mk.99 [[Westland Lynx|Lynx helicopters]] in 1991;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=001&aid=0003568729|title=영국제 對潛헬기 4대 이달초 도입|date=1991-04-18|website=news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-02-26}}</ref> a second batch of 13 Mk.99A Super Lynx helicopters began delivery in 1999. The first Lynx batch was later upgraded to the same standard as the second batch; the changes included the adoption of a new radar, FLIR, and ESM systems.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2000/2000-1%20-%201995.html "Republic of Korea Navy."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226234114/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2000/2000-1%20-%201995.html |date=2019-02-26 }} ''Flight International'', 4 December 2000. p. 87.</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202164.html "Indecision hurts Korean Lynx Bid".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226234137/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202164.html |date=2019-02-26 }} ''Flight International'', 24 October 1987, p. 18.</ref>

On 15 January 2013, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced the selection of the [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|AW159 Wildcat]] to fulfill a requirement of the ROK Navy for a maritime helicopter, winning out against the [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|MH-60R Seahawk]]. The batch of eight aircraft were chosen to perform search-and-rescue missions, anti-submarine warfare and surveillance. On 13 June 2016, the Navy took delivery of four Wildcats. The helicopters operate from the Navy's [[Incheon-class frigate|''Incheon''-class guided missile/coastal defense frigates]]. The remaining four were delivered in late November 2016.

In December 2020, the South Korean government ordered 12 MH-60 Seahawk helicopters to further strengthen the Navy's anti-submarine capabilities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20201215007500325?section=search|title=S. Korea to buy MH-60R Seahawk to boost Navy's anti-submarine capabilities|publisher=Yonahp News Agency|date=15 December 2020}}</ref>

* '''Mine Countermeasure Helicopter'''
The ROK Navy had planned to acquire new mine countermeasure helicopters by 2012 with a budget of 480 billion won. AgustaWestland [[EH-101]], NHIndustries [[NH-90]], and Sikorsky [[MH-60S]] were considered as possible candidates for the acquisition program<ref>[https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/06/205_26068.html "S. Korean Navy to Buy 4 Mine Sweeper Choppers by 2012"] . <U>Korea Times</U>. Retrieved November 16, 2007.</ref> before it delayed the program due to the [[2008 financial crisis]].

* '''Basic Training Helicopter'''
On 17 May 2022, [[Defense Acquisition Program Administration]] orders 40 [[Bell 505]] helicopters cost of 170 billion won (US$133.75 million). It will be used as basic training, delivery will start from 2025. These helicopters will be used by both ROK Navy and [[ROK Army]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20220516027000504?input=1195m|title=육·해군 훈련용 헬기로 '벨 505' 결정…40여대 1천700억에 도입|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|date=16 May 2022|language=Korean}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/214507-republic-of-korea-selects-bell-505-as-its-new-military-helicopter-trainer|title=Republic of Korea Selects Bell 505 as its New Military Helicopter Trainer|publisher=Bell Helicopter|date=17 May 2022}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Chief of Naval Operations (South Korea)]]
* [[Korean People's Navy]]
* [[Republic of Korea Coast Guard]]

== Explanatory notes ==
Romanization is according to [[Revised Romanization of Korean]] (adopted in 2000), with exceptions of personal names. Names of ships commissioned before 2000 might have been romanized according to [[McCune–Reischauer]]. Examples of changes ([[McCune–Reischauer|M-R]] → [[Revised Romanization|RR]]): Chinhae → [[Jinhae-gu|Jinhae]]; Inchon → [[Incheon]]; Kangnung → [[Gangneung]]; Kimpo → [[Gimpo]]; Pusan → [[Busan]]; Taegu → [[Daegu]].

{{NoteFoot}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last1=Bowers|first1=Ian|title=The Modernisation of the Republic of Korea Navy: Seapower, Strategy and Politics|year=2019|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-3-319-92290-4}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Republic of Korea Navy}}
* [http://www.navy.mil.kr/ Republic of Korea Navy official website (Korean)] [http://www.navy.mil.kr/mbshome/mbs/eng/index.do (English)]
* [https://navaltoday.com/tag/rok-navy/ ROK Navy] NavalToday.com

===Video clips===
* {{YouTube|user=MsRoknavy|Republic of Korea Navy}}

{{South Korean armed forces}}
{{Asia topic|Navy of|title=Navies of Asia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Republic of Korea Navy| ]]
[[Category:Military of South Korea]]
[[Category:1945 establishments in Korea]]