Born in Imnang-ri, raised in Japan, and — after liberation — shaped by the Korea Military Academy, the Korean War and a succession of posts in the army.
- 1927
Born in Imnang-ri, Jangan-myeon, Dongnae (today Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan), the eldest of six children of Park Bong-gwan and Kim So-sun (29 September by the lunar calendar).
- 1932age 5
His father, Park Bong-gwan, leaves for Japan.
- 1933age 6
He follows with his mother. He spends his childhood and school years in Japan.
As a middle-school student in Japan - 1945age 18
Enters the mechanical engineering department of Waseda University.
Around his entry to Waseda University - 1946age 19
Leaves Waseda in his second year.
- 1948age 21
While in training with the Busan constabulary, selected as a cadet in the 6th class of the Korea Military Academy. There he first meets Park Chung-hee, then a company commander teaching ballistics. Commissioned a second lieutenant on 28 July after the six-month course.
- 1950age 23
The Korean War breaks out. Ordered to withdraw from Miari south of the Han River, he retreats, and in August fights in the battle of the Hyeongsan River at Pohang. He advances north as far as Chongjin before joining the January 4th Retreat.
- 1953age 26
Awarded the Chungmu, Hwarang with Silver Star and Hwarang with Gold Star distinguished service medals during the war. Enters the Army College after the armistice.
Receiving a distinguished service medal - 1954age 27
Graduates first in his class and is appointed dean of academic affairs at the Korea Military Academy. Marries Jang Ok-ja on 20 December.
The newly married couple - 1955age 28
Promoted to colonel.
- 1956age 29
Enters the National Defense College; on completing the course, appointed professor in charge of its second programme, on national policy. Moves to the Ministry of National Defense in November as head of the personnel section.
As a professor at the National Defense College (front row, centre) - 1957age 30
Meets Park Chung-hee again in October, then chief of staff of I Corps.
- 1958age 31
As commander of the 71st Regiment, 25th Division, leads his unit in the Armed Forces Day parade. Appointed head of personnel administration at Army Headquarters.
- 1959age 32
Visits the United States as head of a study mission.
The study mission he led arriving at a U.S. airport (front row, centre) - 1960age 33
Serves as personnel officer to Park Chung-hee, commander of the Busan Logistics Base Command. After Park is demoted he travels to the United States a second time, for three months at the U.S. Army Adjutant General School.
※ For every period in one table, see the full chronology.