1 October 2024, NIICE Commentary 9626
Mira Rai

Armed Forces Day ( 국군의날) in South Korea is celebrated annually on First October. This day commemorates the founding of the Republic of Korea’s Armed Forces and honors the contributions and sacrifices of military personnel. The date commemorates South Korea’s 1950 breakthrough across the 38th parallel during the Korean War. South Korea’s Armed Forces Day showcases its modern military, inspiring smaller countries like Nepal to build strong, tech-savvy forces and international partnerships to address their own security challenges.

Armed Force Day in Korea and its Significance

Armed Forces Day plays a significant role in fostering national unity and patriotism. It also emphasizes South Korea’s military readiness considering ongoing tensions with North Korea. The event serves as a reminder to the South Korean people about the importance of national security and the sacrifices made by the military. The celebration features military parades and showcases defense technology, including armored vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels.

Moreover, these events are held in various cities, particularly in Seoul, and are attended by the public and dignitaries, including the president. It is a day to honor veterans, current military personnel, and those who lost their lives in service to the country. Over the years, the celebration of Armed Forces Day has evolved, and in recent times, it has also become an opportunity for the military to showcase its modernization and advanced defense technologies.

The Nepali Army and its Legacy

The Nepali Army, formerly known as the Gorkhali Army, is the land service branch of the Nepali Armed Forces. Established in 1560 following the founding of the Gorkha Kingdom, it was originally called the Gorkhali Army. After the unification of Nepal, it became known as the Royal Nepal Army, and in 2008, it was officially renamed the Nepal Army. 

Since 1744, unwavering patriotism and courage have defined the nation’s defense, exemplified by generations of brave servicemen and women. Its involvement has been crucial during times of national crisis, such as World War II, natural disasters like earthquakes, accidents, and other operational emergencies, where the army is always on the front lines. It is seen in areas ranging from building roads and playgrounds to organizing parades and enhancing national pride. Between 2002 and 2007, the Nepal Army expanded its personnel from 50,000 to 95,000, integrating former Maoist cadres for the purpose of national unity following the Nepalese Civil War. 

Beyond their defense responsibilities, the Nepal Army engages in various national development initiatives, including infrastructure construction, disaster management, and environmental protection, showcasing their dedication to the country’s progress. Thus, the Nepal Army has not only been a pillar of national defense but has also played an essential role in Nepal’s transformation, contributing to both “nation formation” and “nation building.”

South Korea and Nepal in Military Perspective

Although South Korea has a smaller land area compared to Nepal, it has emerged as a formidable force in the global military landscape. With an adaptive defense strategy, cutting-edge technology, and robust international alliances, Seoul has successfully developed a highly capable military to counter significant threats, particularly from North Korea. In contrast, while Nepal’s geographical and strategic context differs markedly, it can learn valuable lessons from South Korea’s military approach to enhance its own defense and national security capabilities.

For the 2024 annual GFP (Global Firepower) review, Nepal was ranked 128th out of 145 countries, holding a Power Index (PwrIndx) score of 2.8962. In contrast, South Korea ranks 5th with a PwrIndx score of 0.1416, where a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’. As of 2023, Nepal’s military consists of approximately 95,000 active troops, including a small air wing of around 500 personnel. South Korea, however, has about 360,000 ground troops facing North Korea’s 1.1 million soldiers along a heavily fortified border. Military service in South Korea is mandatory for men, with women serving voluntarily, while in Nepal, service is entirely voluntary for both genders, with about 7 percent of personnel being women (approximately 7,000).

Nepal’s military inventory primarily comprises older equipment from various sources, including Britain, China, India, Russia, and South Africa. Recently, it has received limited newer military hardware from China, Italy, and Russia. In contrast, South Korea has a larger and more formidable military, equipped with advanced weaponry and regularly conducts large-scale exercises. South Korean conscripted soldiers undergo six weeks of basic training and are drilled in martial arts and hand-to-hand combat. The Nepali Army prioritizes training as well, following King Prithivi Narayan Shah’s adage that soldiers’ abilities must always be polished. The Nepali Army provides professional and vocational training, having established the Nepali Army School in Chhauni in 1953.

South Korea plans to increase salaries for entry-level military officers and non-commissioned officers by up to 30 percent by 2027, aiming to improve troop conditions. For example, a new staff sergeant’s salary will rise to 49 million won (approximately USD 37,190). In contrast, the Nepali government did not raise salaries for Army officials in the fiscal year 2081/82. Nepal invests USD 419 million (1 percent of GDP) in its military, while South Korea allocates USD 47.9 billion (2.7 percent of GDP).

Lessons for Nepal from Seoul

Diplomatic relations between Nepal and South Korea are grounded in goodwill, friendship, and cooperation. Both countries have consistently supported each other in various international forums, including the United Nations, on issues of common concern. As Nepal marks 50 years of diplomatic relations with South Korea this year, it is essential for Nepal to acknowledge and identify potential lessons from South Korea’s military approach to strengthen its own armed forces. While Nepal is not currently involved in any conflict and its military capacity is not on par with South Korea’s, the historical legacy of the Nepalese Army is unique and of great importance due to the country’s strategic geographic position. Learning from a friendly and advanced nation like South Korea, whose military progress is exemplary, could be valuable and beneficial for Nepal’s future defense strategies.

Conclusion

South Korea celebrates its Armed Forces Day on October 1st, and similarly, Nepal also honors its military heritage with Army Day, which coincides with the festival of Mahashivaratri. This tradition dates back to 1935 AD, when Nepal first began observing Army Day. Since then, the ceremony has been attended by the head of state, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, high-ranking government officials, and the public. The Nepal Army organizes parades, cultural performances, and exhibitions showcasing various arms, ammunition, and military vehicles. Formerly known as the Gorkhali Sena and later as the Royal Nepal Army, the military is now proudly referred to as the Nepal Army. While both Korea and Nepal share similar traditions in celebrating Army Day to honor their military forces, there is still a gap in Nepal when it comes to fully recognizing the significance and roles of its army. Though Nepal still lacks advanced and modernisation of military systems because the Politics and bureaucracy have an inefficient and unproductive organizational culture, the Nepal Army plays a vital role in maintaining peace, security, and contributing to the nation’s independence and sovereignty.

Mira Rai is Research Associate at NIICE.