South Korea is actively modernizing its surface warships and gradually decommissioning old warships
Although they are said to be outdated compared to the new generation of surface combatants
they are still sufficient for countries with limited resources
Over the years South Korean Pohang-class corvettes have been donated to a number of navies including Colombia, Peru, the Philippines and Vietnam
This is also a smart diplomatic move by South Korea to strengthen friendship.
Before the end of 2022, Korea continues to decommission eight warships after more than three decades of service for defense at sea
They will be replaced by more modern warships
These ships include two Ulsan-class frigates, two Pohang-class corvettes, and four Chamsuri-class patrol boats
All of which were retired from service on December 30, 2022 at the ROKN's Changwon Naval Base
South Korea's eight warships were all domestically built in the 1980s and early 1990s
The Ulsan-class and Pohang-class ships are being replaced by the Incheon-class and Daegu-class frigates
while the Chamsuri-class patrol boats are being replaced by the Gumdoksuri-class patrol vessels
Two Ulsan-class frigates, Jeonnam and Jeju, have a displacement of 1,500 tons; was commissioned in 1989, and served as core naval assets
The Jeonnam was deployed for major inter-Korean naval skirmishes, including the clash near the border island of Yeonpyeong in 1999
Jeju participated in the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise in 1996 and other key missions
Two Pohang-class corvettes, Sokcho and Yeongju, with a displacement of 1,000 tons, were commissioned in 1990
The Yeongju joined the Yeonpyeong battle in 1999 and played a key role in sinking a North Korean torpedo boat
for which it received the "Kill Mark" now inscribed on its bridge wing
Chamsuri-class patrol vessels entered service with the Republic of Korea Navy in the 1970s
and have since seen service with three other navies, of which the Philippine Navy is currently the largest import user
The boats, with a displacement of about 170 tons, were lightly armed for patrol duties
The disposition of these retired ships remains unclear, although they will be kept in reserve and used as training ships
They are believed to be of interest to a number of navies
It is possible that in the future some ships will be donated to friendly countries to strengthen friendship
This will be a great opportunity for countries with limited naval capabilities