Do all South Koreans have to join the army?

No. Only males 18 years or older has to serve in the military service. There are exceptions, such as: * Having two or more children at a young age (probably before 25). * Being a graduate from a special “genius school. read more

All Korean men must serve for 2 years. Generally they are conscripted into the Army, but only the hardest become ROK Marines. That is the only branch that does not accept guys who are drafted; they must volunteer and pass all the training and requirements. read more

Us South Koreans serve in the military for 21 months to 2 full years depending on the branch. Army is the shortest with 21 months of service, and the rest is 2 years. Because of this mandatory military conscription, South Korean military has over 630,000 troops. read more

If you purposely evade the military duty, you will get jail time. The service is mandatory mainly because our relationship with North Korea. After things got intensified after the Korean War, there was a need for an active force for the South Koreans, so the military can always be ready. I served the Korea military between the years of 2009 and 2011. read more