@article{ART003388139},
author={Inseung Kim},
title={A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions},
journal={military history},
issn={1598-317X},
year={2026},
number={140},
pages={159-196}
TY - JOUR
AU - Inseung Kim
TI - A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions
JO - military history
PY - 2026
VL - null
IS - 140
PB - Military History Institute, MND
SP - 159
EP - 196
SN - 1598-317X
AB - Airpower is inherently dependent on ground bases, as even basic takeoffs and landings are impossible without airfields equipped with appropriate facilities. Consequently, a significant portion of air operations is inevitably dictated by the condition and availability of airbases. This characteristic of airpower was clearly demonstrated throughout the course of the Korean War. In particular, due to underdeveloped runway conditions and rapidly shifting wartime situations, efforts to develop and utilize the few airfields located within South Korea were bound to be intensely competitive.
During the Korean War, Daegu Air Base(K-2) was one of the primary sites where the U.S. Air Force concentrated its airfield development efforts. In the early stages of the war, it was virtually the only airfield capable of deploying and operating U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft. Accordingly, under the leadership of the U.S. Aviation Engineer Battalions, continuous efforts were made throughout the war to restore, improve, and ultimately modernize the runway at Daegu Air Base. Despite its significance, however, research in this specific area remains highly limited.
The purpose of this study is to examine the restoration and improvement efforts conducted on the runway of Daegu Air Base during the Korean War, driven by the U.S. Aviation Engineer Battalions. To this end, the study first investigates the construction process and outcomes of Daegu Airfield during the Japanese colonial period. Subsequently, it traces the evolution of the emergency runway restoration efforts undertaken jointly by the Republic of Korea and U.S. Air Forces immediately upon the outbreak of the war. Finally, it analyzes the series of runway modernization processes and their outcomes aimed at utilizing Daegu Air Base as a core hub for jet aircraft operations.
KW - Daegu Air Base; Runway; Aviation Engineer Battalions; Jet Fighter Aircraft; Air Superiority
DO -
UR -
ER -
Inseung Kim. (2026). A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions. military history, 140, 159-196.
Inseung Kim. 2026, "A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions", military history, no.140, pp.159-196.
Inseung Kim "A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions" military history 140 pp.159-196 (2026) : 159.
Inseung Kim. A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions. 2026; 140 : 159-196.
Inseung Kim. "A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions" military history no.140(2026) : 159-196.
Inseung Kim. A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions. military history, 140, 159-196.
Inseung Kim. A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions. military history. 2026; 140 159-196.
Inseung Kim. A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions. 2026; 140 : 159-196.
Inseung Kim. "A Study on the Process of Runway Restoration and Improvement at Daegu Air Base During the Korean War: Focusing on the Activities of the US Aviation Engineer Battalions" military history no.140(2026) : 159-196.
