South Korea unveils future camouflage patterns and uniforms

Future camouflage patterns and uniforms for the Republic of Korea Army were unveiled at DX Korea 2018. A winning design will be implemented and distributed as part of the Warrior Platform project by 2022.

Photo Credit: Team Julu Korea

Background

ROK Army has used 1st generation single-color uniform (1948~1989), 2nd generation woodland pattern uniform (1990~2010), and 3rd generation granite pattern uniform (2010~present). However, warming climate and rapidly urbanizing terrain of the Korean peninsula prompted the army to improve upon its existing design and to implement the process into the Warrior Platform project. As such, extensive research has been conducted since August 2017 to develop 4th generation uniform that is the best suited for future battlefield and has greatly improved user comfort.

Examples on display at DX Korea are results of research conducted thus far and are prototypes. They will be further improved through additional research and field test.

South Korean soldier wearing 3rd generation "Granite-B" camouflage pattern uniforms.

Photo Credit: Defense Media Agency

Camouflage Patterns

Led by Sangmyung University, multiple universities formed a task force to research a total of three different camouflage patterns. After army's feedback, "Tiger" (호랑이),"Strong Rock" (강인한돌), and "Taegeuk" (태극) patterns were developed. Different colored variants of the same patterns are on display.

Example of Tiger pattern.

Example of Strong Rock pattern.

Example of Taegeuk pattern.

Photo Credits: DC Inside user "22nd"

Tiger pattern variant 1 & 2.

Tiger pattern variant 3 & 4 (post-army feedback).

Strong Rock pattern variant 1 & 2.

Strong Rock pattern varaint 3 (post-army feedback) & Taegeuk pattern variant 2 (post-army feedback).

Three proposed camouflage patterns.

Inspiration for Tiger and Strong Rock patterns.

Photo Credits: Team Julu Korea

Uniform Changes

In addition to camouflage patterns, new uniforms are also being researched. Two different types, Type A & B, are on display. Type A is proposed by university research team and is an improved version of the current-issue uniform. Type B is a post-feedback variant proposed by the army based on Type A. 

Besides greatly improving upon user comfort, new uniforms are also expected to decrease IR signature and reduce visibility by lowering saturation. The current-issue Granite-B pattern uniform reportedly has relatively high visibility due to strong saturation and high IR signature. Further research and testings will be conducted to reach optial performance.

Chest area of Type A uniform. The pattern is Strong Rock pattern variant 3

Zipper replaced buttons and chest pocket arrangement was altered over current-issue uniform for easier access while wearing load bearing vest or plate carrier.

Shoulder pockets was reintroduced after they were removed from current-issue uniform. Circular velcro meant for unit patch was removed in favor of square velcro.

Another look at Type A uniform. Note that shoulder straps have been removed.

Type A trouser.

Chest area of Type B uniform. Chest pockets can be accessed both horizontally and vertically.

Shoulder pocket on Tybe B uniform.

Type B uniform retains circular velcro of the current-issue uniform.

Type B retains buttons due to concern that zipper may cause injury while combat when it's damaged.

Button design was improved so uniform can be worn much quicker.

Type B trouser. Cargo pockets are directed inward with aim of improving maneuravability. This design is being tested by Akh Unit in United Arab Emirates.

Patrol cap will replace current-issue beret for both Type A and B uniforms.

Hot weather uniforms for overseas units are also being researched.

Photo Credits: Team Julu Korea

Future camo patterns applied on Warrior Platform.

Type A & B uniforms on display.

Taegeuk pattern on Warrior Platform & Tiger pattern variant 3.

Army cadet wearing Taegeuk pattern uniform.

Photo Credits: DC Inside

Photo Credits: Platoon Magazine

Tiger and Small Rock patterns on Warrior Platform.

Photo Credits: Defense Media Agency