Korea: The Forgotten War

The Gamers, Multi-Man Publishing · Board game · 2003

— Ludopedia 8.0 BGG 2 · best 2 120–7200 min Weight 4.2/5

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— rating Ludopedia

8.0 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you're a fan of heavy wargames and crave deep historical immersion, Korea: The Forgotten War is a perfect fit, masterfully simulating a forgotten but crucial conflict.

Highlights

Detailed historical simulation
Deep strategic complexity
Multiple challenging scenarios
High replayability
Quality components

Keep in mind

Very long playing time
Steep learning curve
Two-player only

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into one of the 20th century's most complex conflicts with Korea: The Forgotten War, the ninth title in The Gamers' acclaimed Operational Combat Series (OCS). This high-complexity wargame transports you to the first year of the Korean War, from June 1950 to 1951, a period marked by intense troop movements and crucial strategic decisions. It offers a deep look into the first armed confrontation of the Cold War and the only time since World War II that two major military powers (the US and China) directly clashed. The game also explores diplomatic miscalculations and the early role of the United Nations on this world stage. With scenarios ranging from shorter operations to full campaigns, you'll have the chance to rewrite history or relive decisive moments, focusing on the most mobile phases of the conflict. Victory often hinges on controlling strategic positions on the peninsula. The 2014 edition, a reprint of the original 2003 version, incorporates errata corrections and updates to align the game with the latest OCS rules, ensuring an even more refined and precise experience for wargame enthusiasts.

Gallery

Box and component photos

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Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

In English

Rules Refresher - OCS and Korea BGG Watch on YouTube

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players

2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher The Gamers, Multi-Man Publishing

Designer Dean Essig, Rod Miller

Artist Dean Essig, Nicolás Eskubi

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,527owners

273wishlist

54want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions

How many players can play Korea: The Forgotten War?

This is strictly a two-player game, perfect for direct, strategic confrontations.

What is the average playing time?

Playing time can vary immensely, from 4 hours for shorter scenarios up to an impressive 100 hours for full campaigns. Be prepared for a long journey!

What is the complexity level of the game?

Korea: The Forgotten War is a highly complex game, with a BGG weight of 4.24/5. It is recommended for experienced wargamers seeking depth and realism.

Do I need a lot of space to play?

Yes, the game uses three 22 x 34-inch maps, so you'll need a large table to accommodate the entire battlefield, especially for multi-map campaigns.

Does the game have good replayability?

With 15 different scenarios, including 1, 2, and 3-map options, and the inherent complexity of the OCS series, replayability is very high. Each game can unfold in unique ways.

Is it possible to play solo?

Yes, the game has high solitaire suitability, which is common in simulation wargames. Many players enjoy controlling both sides to explore strategies.

What are the main components of the game?

The 2014 edition includes three full-color mapsheets, four dual-sided countersheets (560 1/2" counters), a 48-page OCS v4.1a rules booklet, a 40-page Korea v2.0 game-specific rules booklet, reference charts, and two 6-sided dice.