Blockade of Wonsan

Blockade of Wonsan
Part of the Korean War

An explosion destroys North Korean supplies during the blockade of Wonsan.
DateFebruary 16, 1951 – July 27, 1953
(2 years, 5 months and 11 days)
Location39°09′N 127°26′E / 39.150°N 127.433°E / 39.150; 127.433
Result United Nations victory; successful blockade of Wonsan
Belligerents

United Nations

North Korea
China
Casualties and losses
41 killed
158 wounded
1 patrol boat sunk
2 minesweepers sunk
1 battleship damaged
2 cruisers damaged
16 destroyers damaged
3 frigates damaged
5 minesweepers damaged
1 LSD damaged
3 LSMRs damaged
Unknown
  • Many of the damaged American warships were struck more than once on different occasions.

The blockade of Wonsan, or the siege of Wonsan, from February 16, 1951, to July 27, 1953, during the Korean War, was the longest naval blockade in modern history, lasting 861 days. United Nations naval forces, primarily from the United States, kept the strategically important city of Wonsan from being used by the North Korean Navy.

The blockade diverted communist troops from the front line. North Korean artillery fired at the American fleet was mostly ineffective, and the city was heavily damaged by UN naval aircraft and warships.