Vietnam War Park Chung-hee

park (third left) @ 1966 seato convention in philippines.

at request of united states, park sent approximately 320,000 south korean troops fight alongside united states , south vietnam during vietnam war; commitment second of united states. stated reasons maintain relations united states, prevent further advance of communism in east asia , enhance republic s international standing. in january 1965, on day when bill mandating major deployment passed national assembly (with 106 votes , 11 against), park announced time south korea wean passive position of receiving or suffering intervention, , assume proactive role of taking responsibility on major international issues.

although strengthen military alliance united states, there financial incentives south korea s participation in war. south korean military personnel paid united states federal government , salaries remitted directly south korean government. park eager send south korean troops vietnam , vigorously campaigned extend war. in return troop commitments, south korea received tens of billions of dollars in grants, loans, subsidies, technology transfers, , preferential markets, provided johnson , nixon administrations.