Skip to main content
NZGSM 2002 (Korea)

The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Korea)

Overview

The NZGSM 2002 (Korea) was instituted in 2008 to recognise New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel who have served in the Republic of Korea with the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) or the United Nations Command Honour Guard Company since 1 January 2001. Service on NZDF's Operation Monitor continues today. These personnel work to maintain military stability between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The UNCMAC personnel have monitored military activity in the Demilitarised Zone and in other parts of the Korean peninsula, where they have investigated alleged violations of the Korean Armistice Agreement. The Honour Guard Company personnel provided personal security for the United Nations Command Commander-in-Chief in 2001, 2003, and more recently.

In June 2025, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced expanded criteria for the NZGSM 2002 (Korea)(external link).  Specified operational areas and types of eligible service now include operations since 22 April 2018, supporting the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Between 2018 and June 2025, there have been 19 rotations of Operation Whio involving approximately 350 NZDF personnel, including seven deployments of P-3K2 Orion and P-8A Poseidon aircraft, aircrew and support personnel, and the deployment of HMNZS Aotearoa in 2024. The aircraft and ship conducted and supported maritime patrols to detect and deter evasions of United Nations Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against North Korea. The other rotations were of small numbers of staff officers in headquarters roles.

The length of qualifying service for the medal for all qualifying roles is 30 days.

Description

The medal is silver in colour and is circular in shape. On the obverse is the Effigy of the Sovereign surrounded by the legend 'ELIZABETH II QUEEN OF NEW ZEALAND'. On the reverse, the inscription 'THE NEW ZEALAND GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL' within a wreath of New Zealand flora (fern fronds, pohutukawa, and kowhai blossom) ensigned by a Royal Crown.  The wreath of New Zealand flora adds a distinctive New Zealand appearance to the medal. 

The ribbon colours for the NZGSM 2002 (Korea) are light blue, yellow, and red, which were the colours of the ribbon of the British Korea Medal awarded for service by Commonwealth forces during the Korean War of 1950-1953. Light blue also alludes to the United Nations. Red and blue are used in the flags of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. 

There are no clasps or bars for this medal.

Eligibility

Members of the NZDF who have served 30 days or more, continuous or aggregated:

  • In qualifying roles on or after 1 January 2001 as a member of a New Zealand Government contribution to the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) or the United Nations Command Honour Guard Company.
  • In qualifying roles since 22 April 2018, supporting the United Nations Security Council's sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea with Operation MONITOR or Operation WHIO, including service on the HMNZS Aotearoa deployment of 17 August - 25 September 2024.

For full details:

Royal Warrant for the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002(external link)

Regulations for the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Korea)(external link)

2025 Amendment Regulations for the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Korea)(external link)

Recipients

To date, more than 220 NZDF personnel have qualified for the award of the NZGSM 2002 (Korea) for service with the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission or the United Nations Command Honour Guard Company. About 350 NZDF personnel have qualified through service supporting the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this medal

    The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Korea) is worn as a campaign medal in the New Zealand Order of Wear.  Campaign medals are worn in order of date of participation in the campaign, operation, or peacekeeping mission for which the medal was awarded.  This includes United Nations, NATO mission, and European Union mission medals.  As a result, different individuals may mount their medals in different orders depending on the time served in theatre.

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Applying for this medal

    NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) issues war, operational and service medals to current and former NZDF members.

    If you or someone you know may be eligible, you can apply through our application page.

    Apply for unclaimed medals

  • Checking if this medal was issued

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.

    Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page. 

    Request a service record