Mugunghwa-class corvette: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=DChS_Mugunghwa.png
|Ship image=DChS_Mugunghwa.png
|Ship caption=3-view image of ''Mugunghwa'' in her as-built layout.
|Ship caption=DChJ ''Mugunghwa'' as commissioned.
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
{{Infobox ship class overview
Line 9: Line 9:
* Kimhae Naval Yard
* Kimhae Naval Yard
|Operators=* [[Menghe]]  
|Operators=* [[Menghe]]  
|Class before= {{wp|Petya-class frigate|Jangmi-class corvette}}
|Class before= [[Banjihwa-class corvette]]
|Class after=
|Class after= * [[Sŏwicho-class corvette]]
* [[Mirun-class corvette]]
|Cost=
|Cost=
|Built range=1971-1984
|Built range=1971-1984
|In service range=1975-2009
|In service range=1975-2010
|Total ships building=
|Total ships planned=
|Total ships planned=
|Total ships completed=32
|Total ships completed=32
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships active=
|Total ships laid up=
|Total ships lost=1
|Total ships lost=1
|Total ships retired=31
|Total ships preserved=
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Header caption=Mugunghwa-class, as built
|Header caption=
|Ship type={{wp|Anti-submarine warfare|Anti-submarine}} {{wp|corvette}}
|Ship type={{wp|Anti-submarine warfare|Anti-submarine}} {{wp|corvette}}
|Ship displacement= * 1,260 tonnes standard
|Ship displacement= 1,260 tonnes full load
* 1,400 tonnes full load
|Ship length=* 86.4 m (waterline)
|Ship length=* 88.1 m (waterline)
* 91.5 m (overall)
* 91.7 m (overall)
|Ship beam=9.6 m
|Ship beam=10.6 m
|Ship draft=3.0 m (to keel)
|Ship draft=3.7 m (to keel)
|Ship power=
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion=* 3-shaft {{wp|combined diesel or gas|CODOG}}
|Ship propulsion=* 3-shaft {{wp|combined diesel or gas|CODOG}}
** 2 gas turbines (15,000 shp each)
** 2 gas turbines (15,000 shp each)
** 1 diesel engine (5,000 shp)
** 1 diesel engine (6,000 shp)
|Ship speed= 31 knots
|Ship speed= 32 knots
|Ship range= 2,200 nautical miles (4,000 km) at 12 knots
|Ship range= 2,200 nautical miles (4,000 km) at 12 knots
|Ship endurance= 15 days
|Ship complement= * 9 officers
|Ship complement= * 9 officers
* 93 enlisted crew
* 93 enlisted crew
|Ship time to activate=
|Ship sensors=
* HJ-331 air search radar
* MG-312 Titan sonar
* MG-311 Vychegda sonar
|Ship EW=
* Bizan-4B ESM radar system
|Ship armament=
|Ship armament=
*2 × {{wp|AK-762}} dual 76mm turret
* 2 × 2 76mm {{wp|AK-726}} dual-purpose gun
*2 × {{wp|RBU-6000}} depth charge projector
* 1 × 5 533mm torpedo tube
*1 × 4 {{wp|9K32_Strela-2|YDG-31}} or {{wp|HN-5#HN-5B|YDG-34}} SAM (8-12 reloads)
* 2 × [[HBDJ-21_series#HBDJ-21.2F12|HBDJ-21/12]] ASW rocket launcher
*1 × 5 533mm torpedo tube
* 28 mines
*150 mines
|Ship aircraft=
|Ship armor=
|Ship aircraft facilities=
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
|}
|}


The '''Mugunghwa-class corvettes''' were a group of 32 warships built in the [[Democratic People's Republic of Menghe]] during the 1970s and 1980s. They were initially classified as Medium Anti-Submarine Patrol Ships, and later reclassed as Small Anti-Submarine Patrol Ships. While inexpensive to build, they suffered from poor oceangoing seaworthiness and weak sensors. The last ships in the class were decommissioned in the 2000s.  
The '''Mugunghwa-class corvettes''' were a group of 32 warships built in the [[Democratic People's Republic of Menghe]] during the 1970s and 1980s as a follow-on to the [[Banjihwa-class corvette]]s. Compared with their predecessors, they had moderately improved range and endurance, an enclosed bridge for better visibility, longer-ranged torpedoes, and a dipping sonar. While relatively inexpensive to build and operate, they suffered, like their predecessors, from inadequate anti-air and anti-surface armament.  


==Development==
==Development==
The Mugunghwa-class corvettes were developed during the late 1960s as a replacement for the Jangmi-class corvettes, themselves license-built versions of the [[Letnia]]n {{wp|Petya-class frigate}}. In terms of their capabilities, the two classes were similar; the main aim of the program was likely to strengthen Menghe's domestic shipbuilding industry.  
The Mugunghwa-class corvettes were developed during the late 1960s as an evolutionary replacement for the Banjihwa-class corvettes, themselves license-built versions of the [[Letnia]]n {{wp|Petya-class frigate}}. Their design borrowed heavily from that of the Banjihwa class: the propulsion system was entirely identical, and the sonar was the same type. The hull design was also borrowed from the Banjihwa class, though it was not simply a stretched or plugged Banjihwa hull, as foreign analysts first believed: in fact, the hull was slightly widened and deepened, and followed a different profile forward of the "A" position 76mm turret. This larger hull allowed somewhat more comfortable living conditions and increased storage space, which together increased the ships' at-sea endurance.


==Characteristics (as built)==
==Characteristics (as built)==
Despite their different hull form, the Mugunghwa-class corvettes were similar in their internal layout to the Jangmi-class corvettes they succeeded. The powerplant was copied from the Letnian type, with two M-2 15,000 hp gas turbines for sprint operations and one diesel engine for cruising. Each engine was hooked up to a single propeller shaft; on gas turbine power, the diesel engine's centerline shaft would trail in the water with the propellers {{wp|Propeller_(aeronautics)#Feathering|feathered}}, and vice versa while cruising. The powerplant was relatively noisy in both modes, interfering in passive sonar detection and making it easy for submarines to avoid the ship.
Despite their different hull form, the Mugunghwa-class corvettes were similar in their internal layout to their predecessors. The powerplant was copied from the [[Letnia]]n type, with two M-2B 15,000 hp gas turbines for sprint operations and one diesel engine for cruising. Each engine was hooked up to a single propeller shaft; on gas turbine power, the diesel engine's centerline shaft would trail in the water with the propellers {{wp|Propeller_(aeronautics)#Feathering|feathered}}, and vice versa while cruising. The powerplant was relatively noisy in both modes, interfering in passive sonar detection and making it easy for submarines to avoid the ship.


The main anti-submarine armament of the Mugunghwa-class corvettes was a quintuple torpedo tube launcher mounted aft of the funnel. This was capable of launching wire-guided homing torpedoes. Forward of the bridge, the ships also carried two {{wp|RBU-6000}} depth charge rocket launchers, which could reload automatically from a magazine below decks. On the quarterdeck, the ships could mount depth charge racks over the ends of their mine rails, an anachronistic feature even for the 1970s. Anti-submarine sensors consisted of a hull-mounted MG-312 "Titan" sonar and a dipping sonar on the quarterdeck; the latter could only be deployed while stationary.
The main anti-submarine armament of the Mugunghwa-class corvettes was a quintuple torpedo tube launcher mounted aft of the funnel. This was capable of launching wire-guided homing torpedoes. Forward of the bridge, the ships also carried two {{wp|RBU-6000}} depth charge rocket launchers, which could reload automatically from a magazine below decks. On the quarterdeck, the ships could mount depth charge racks over the ends of their mine rails, an anachronistic feature even for the 1970s. Anti-submarine sensors consisted of a hull-mounted MG-312 "Titan" sonar and a dipping sonar on the quarterdeck; the latter could only be deployed while stationary.


Self-defense armament consisted of two {{wp|AK-762}} twin 76mm turrets and one manually-aimed surface-to-air missile launcher. On early-production hulls this carried four {{wp|9K32_Strela-2|YDG-31}} missile tubes; it was later modified to carry {{wp|HN-5#HN-5B|YDG-34}} missile tubes. Both are heat-seeking {{wp|Man-portable_air-defense_system|man-portable air-defense system}}s, and do not rely on radar for guidance. Eight to twelve reloads are carried.
Self-defense armament consisted of two {{wp|AK-726}} twin 76mm turrets and one manually-aimed surface-to-air missile launcher. On early-production hulls this carried two {{wp|9K32_Strela-2|YDG-31}} missile tubes and four reloads; it was later modified to carry {{wp|HN-5#HN-5B|YDG-34}} missile tubes. Both are heat-seeking {{wp|Man-portable_air-defense_system|man-portable air-defense system}}s, and do not rely on radar for guidance. Eight to twelve reloads are carried in a box aft of the funnel.


==Refits and modifications==
==Refits and modifications==
''Juksun'', the 26th ship in the class, was completed in December 1981 as a trials ship for the [[YDG-36]] anti-ship missile. In place of her aft turret, she carried an eight-box traversing launcher and missile magazine, as well as a guidance radar. The dipping sonar was retained, and following trials ''Juksun'' has been seen on regular patrols, suggesting that the ship is still fully operational despite her unusual modified layout.
[[Image:DChJ_Juksun_1982_2022-10-26.png|300px|thumb|left|DChJ ''Juksun'' during trials in 1982. Note the large aft deckhouse and modified radar masts.]]
[[Image:DChS-637_Juksun_2002_2002-10-26.png|300px|thumb|left|DChS-637 ''Juksun'' during trials in 2002, this time armed with the [[Subisu CIWS]] aft.]]
[[Image:DChS-613_Chaegryŏk_1996_2022-10-27.png|300px|thumb|left|DChS-613 ''Chaegryŏk'', one of the first Mugunghwas to be rebuilt with a towed sonar array, after refits in 1996.]]
[[Image:DChS-620_Jangsu_2010_2022-10-27.png|300px|thumb|left|DChS-620 ''Jangsu'', the last Mugunghwa to be retired from Menghean Navy service.]]
''Juksun'', the 26th ship in the class, was completed in December 1981 as a trials ship for the [[YDG-36]] anti-ship missile. In place of her aft turret, she carried an eight-box traversing launcher and missile magazine, as well as a guidance radar. The dipping sonar, main sonar, and 533mm torpedo tubes were retained, and following trials ''Juksun'' has been seen on regular patrols, suggesting that the ship was still a fully operational ASW patrol ship despite her unusual modified layout.


''Yusu'', the 4th ship in the class, was modified in 1990 to carry a {{wp|towed array sonar}} of unknown origin, likely either domestic or copied from a foreign source. This required the deletion of the aft turret. The sonar handling equipment was left mostly exposed, suggesting that ''Yusu'' was testing a sonar system for a future corvette class rather than a prospective Mugunghwa upgrade.
''Yusu'', the 4th ship in the class, was modified in 1991 to carry a {{wp|towed array sonar}} of unknown origin, likely either domestic or copied from a foreign source. This required the deletion of the aft turret. The sonar handling equipment was left mostly exposed, suggesting that ''Yusu'' was testing a sonar system for a future corvette class rather than a prospective Mugunghwa upgrade.


The actual Mugunghwa upgrade first appeared in 1996, and used a variable-depth sonar of Menghean design. Unlike the old dipping sonar, this could be deployed while moving, and it was reportedly more sensitive in the active and passive modes. The sonar, sonar handling equipment, and sonar control room were placed in a large deckhouse aft, which covered the entire quarterdeck and required the removal of the aft turret. The air and surface search radar was also replaced with a newer type, and the torpedo tubes were modified to support the [[HŎ-2 Poksŏl]].
The actual Mugunghwa upgrade first appeared in 1996, and used a variable-depth sonar of Menghean design. Unlike the old dipping sonar, this could be deployed while moving, and it was reportedly more sensitive in the active and passive modes. The sonar, sonar handling equipment, and sonar control room were placed in a large deckhouse aft, which covered the entire quarterdeck but did not require the removal of the aft turret. The air and surface search radar was also replaced with a newer type, and the torpedo tubes and combat control system were modified to support the [[HŎ-2 Poksŏl]]. Only eight ships were rebuilt in this way; ships from DChS-621 ''Jangsu'' onward were directly retired when reaching the date for their mid-life refits.


In 2002, ''Juksun'' was seen with a Subisu {{wp|close-in weapon system|CIWS}} mount in place of the YDG-36 launcher. This may have been meant to test the ability of the Subisu to fit in the missile magazine of the YDG-36 system, or to test the Subisu's suitability for small combatants. The Subisu system was functional in this configuration, and was even tested against target drones, but the ship apparently suffered from serious weight distribution issues. She did not embark on any patrols in this configuration, and she was decommissioned in 2005.
In 2002, ''Juksun'' was seen with a [[Subisu CIWS]] mount in place of the YDG-36 launcher. This may have been meant to test the ability of the Subisu to fit in the missile magazine of the YDG-36 system, or to test the Subisu's suitability for small combatants. The Subisu system was functional in this configuration, and was even tested against target drones, but the ship apparently suffered from serious weight distribution issues. She did not embark on any patrols in this configuration, and she was decommissioned in 2005.


==Role==
==Operational service==
The Mugunghwa-class corvettes were originally intended as {{wp|Green-water_navy|green-water}} combatants, able to patrol areas within 500 kilometers of Menghe's coast. For this role, they had moderate autonomy given their size, and no onboard helicopter facilities, as they would rely on shore-based patrol aircraft. They did, however, carry variable-depth dipping sonar to detect targets below the {{wp|thermocline}}.
The Mugunghwa-class corvettes were originally intended as {{wp|Green-water_navy|green-water}} combatants, able to patrol areas within 500 kilometers of Menghe's coast. For this role, they had moderate autonomy given their size, and no onboard helicopter facilities, as they would rely on shore-based patrol aircraft. They did, however, carry variable-depth dipping sonar to detect targets below the {{wp|thermocline}}.


Due to their small displacement, low freeboard aft, and structurally weak stepped-deck design, they proved to be poor seaboats on the open ocean, especially in stormy weather. One ship in the class, ''Rŭngsohwa'', capsized in a typhoon in 1996, killing all on board. After this incident, Mugunghwa-class ships were mostly relegated to coastal patrol duties, and plans to decommission them were accelerated.
Due to their small displacement and low freeboard, they proved to be poor seaboats on the open ocean, especially in stormy weather. One ship in the class, ''Rŭngsohwa'', capsized in a typhoon in 1996, killing all on board. After this incident, Mugunghwa-class ships were mostly relegated to coastal patrol duties, and plans to decommission them were accelerated.
 
==Ships in the class==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Hull no. !! Name        !! Builder  !! Launched  !! Commissioned !! Fate
|-
| DChS-612 || Mugunghwa  || Kimhae  || 1973-08-24 || 1975-03-07  || Refitted 1995-1996; decommissioned 2008; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-613 || Chijahwa    || Kimhae  || 1974-05-31 || 1975-09-18  || Refitted 1997-1998; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-614 || Chaegryŏk  || Gyŏngsan || 1974-09-29 || 1976-05-11  || Refitted 1995-1996; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-615 || Yusu        || Kimhae  || 1974-09-10 || 1975-12-27  || Refitted 1991 as sonar trials ship; decommissioned 2005; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-616 || Pianhwa    || Gyŏngsan || 1975-03-26 || 1976-11-18  || Refitted 1997-1998; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-617 || Sangsu      || Gyŏngsan || 1974-12-21 || 1976-05-18  || Refitted 1997-1998; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-618 || Baegryangsu || Kimhae  || 1975-07-20 || 1976-12-15  || Refitted 1998-1999; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-619 || Chajŏncho  || Kimhae  || 1975-12-04 || 1977-08-16  || Refitted 1997-1998; decommissioned 2010; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-620 || Jangsu      || Gyŏngsan || 1975-11-18 || 1977-03-20  || Refitted 1998-1999; decommissioned 2010; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-621 || Buyonghwa  || Gyŏngsan || 1975-11-26 || 1977-01-21  || Decommissioned 1997-01-31; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-622 || Gwisu      || Gyŏngsan || 1976-03-20 || 1977-11-06  || Decommissioned 1997-01-31; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-623 || Aenghwacho  || Kimhae  || 1976-06-17 || 1978-03-14  || Decommissioned 1997-01-31; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-624 || Rapalhwa    || Kimhae  || 1977-01-15 || 1978-09-19  || Decommissioned 1997-01-31; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-625 || Ogranhwa    || Gyŏngsan || 1976-11-09 || 1978-03-24  || Decommissioned 1998-05-15; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-626 || Hwangdu    || Gyŏngsan || 1976-11-23 || 1978-08-29  || Decommissioned 1998-05-15; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-627 || Baeksu      || Gyŏngsan || 1977-02-19 || 1978-10-31  || Decommissioned 1998-05-15; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-628 || Goryang    || Kimhae  || 1977-11-12 || 1979-02-03  || Decommissioned 1998-05-15; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-629 || Mopodong    || Gyŏngsan || 1977-10-17 || 1979-05-02  || Decommissioned 1998-10-02; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-630 || Rŭngsohwa  || Gyŏngsan || 1977-12-10 || 1979-04-18  || Capsized in typhoon 1996-09-16; all hands lost
|-
| DChS-631 || Bonganran  || Gyŏngsan || 1978-04-12 || 1979-10-14  || Decommissioned 1998-10-02; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-632 || Suguhwa    || Gyŏngsan || 1978-09-19 || 1980-02-12  || Decommissioned 2001-12-19; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-633 || Chasu      || Gyŏngsan || 1978-12-20 || 1980-07-03  || Decommissioned 2002-09-01; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-634 || Bongsŏnhwa  || Gyŏngsan || 1979-05-28 || 1980-12-15  || Decommissioned 2003-05-02; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-635 || Banghonghwa || Gyŏngsan || 1979-10-04 || 1981-04-26  || Decommissioned 2003-09-10; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-636 || Haedanghwa  || Gyŏngsan || 1979-12-29 || 1981-08-15  || Decommissioned 2004-09-05; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-637 || Juksun      || Gyŏngsan || 1980-07-12 || 1981-12-13  || Refitted with [[Subisu CIWS]] test rig in 2001; decommissioned 2004-12-28; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-638 || Yŏnchunhwa  || Gyŏngsan || 1980-11-09 || 1982-07-01  || Decommissioned 2004-03-04; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-639 || Hunyicho    || Gyŏngsan || 1981-02-23 || 1982-10-17  || Decommissioned 2005-09-12; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-640 || Jajuk      || Gyŏngsan || 1981-09-06 || 1982-12-20  || Decommissioned 2005-09-12; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-641 || Hwŏncho    || Gyŏngsan || 1980-11-09 || 1982-07-01  || Decommissioned 2006-04-17; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-642 || Bochunhwa  || Gyŏngsan || 1982-01-04 || 1983-05-18  || Decommissioned 2006-11-22; sold for scrap
|-
| DChS-643 || Tongcho    || Gyŏngsan || 1982-10-02 || 1984-03-07  || Decommissioned 2007-03-12; sold for scrap
|}


{{Menghean postwar warship classes}}
{{Menghean postwar warship classes}}


[[Category:Menghe]]
[[Category:Menghe]]

Latest revision as of 13:28, 27 October 2022

Mugunghwa class
DChS Mugunghwa.png
DChJ Mugunghwa as commissioned.
Class overview
Name: Mugunghwa class
Builders:
  • Gyŏngsan Songsu-do Naval Yard
  • Kimhae Naval Yard
Operators: Menghe
Preceded by: Banjihwa-class corvette
Succeeded by:
Built: 1971-1984
In service: 1975-2010
Completed: 32
Lost: 1
Retired: 31
General characteristics
Type: Anti-submarine corvette
Displacement: 1,260 tonnes full load
Length:
  • 86.4 m (waterline)
  • 91.5 m (overall)
Beam: 9.6 m
Draft: 3.0 m (to keel)
Propulsion:
  • 3-shaft CODOG
    • 2 gas turbines (15,000 shp each)
    • 1 diesel engine (6,000 shp)
Speed: 32 knots
Range: 2,200 nautical miles (4,000 km) at 12 knots
Endurance: 15 days
Complement:
  • 9 officers
  • 93 enlisted crew
Sensors and
processing systems:
  • HJ-331 air search radar
  • MG-312 Titan sonar
  • MG-311 Vychegda sonar
Electronic warfare
& decoys:		 Bizan-4B ESM radar system
Armament:
  • 2 × 2 76mm AK-726 dual-purpose gun
  • 1 × 5 533mm torpedo tube
  • 2 × HBDJ-21/12 ASW rocket launcher
  • 28 mines

The Mugunghwa-class corvettes were a group of 32 warships built in the Democratic People's Republic of Menghe during the 1970s and 1980s as a follow-on to the Banjihwa-class corvettes. Compared with their predecessors, they had moderately improved range and endurance, an enclosed bridge for better visibility, longer-ranged torpedoes, and a dipping sonar. While relatively inexpensive to build and operate, they suffered, like their predecessors, from inadequate anti-air and anti-surface armament.

Development

The Mugunghwa-class corvettes were developed during the late 1960s as an evolutionary replacement for the Banjihwa-class corvettes, themselves license-built versions of the Letnian Petya-class frigate. Their design borrowed heavily from that of the Banjihwa class: the propulsion system was entirely identical, and the sonar was the same type. The hull design was also borrowed from the Banjihwa class, though it was not simply a stretched or plugged Banjihwa hull, as foreign analysts first believed: in fact, the hull was slightly widened and deepened, and followed a different profile forward of the "A" position 76mm turret. This larger hull allowed somewhat more comfortable living conditions and increased storage space, which together increased the ships' at-sea endurance.

Characteristics (as built)

Despite their different hull form, the Mugunghwa-class corvettes were similar in their internal layout to their predecessors. The powerplant was copied from the Letnian type, with two M-2B 15,000 hp gas turbines for sprint operations and one diesel engine for cruising. Each engine was hooked up to a single propeller shaft; on gas turbine power, the diesel engine's centerline shaft would trail in the water with the propellers feathered, and vice versa while cruising. The powerplant was relatively noisy in both modes, interfering in passive sonar detection and making it easy for submarines to avoid the ship.

The main anti-submarine armament of the Mugunghwa-class corvettes was a quintuple torpedo tube launcher mounted aft of the funnel. This was capable of launching wire-guided homing torpedoes. Forward of the bridge, the ships also carried two RBU-6000 depth charge rocket launchers, which could reload automatically from a magazine below decks. On the quarterdeck, the ships could mount depth charge racks over the ends of their mine rails, an anachronistic feature even for the 1970s. Anti-submarine sensors consisted of a hull-mounted MG-312 "Titan" sonar and a dipping sonar on the quarterdeck; the latter could only be deployed while stationary.

Self-defense armament consisted of two AK-726 twin 76mm turrets and one manually-aimed surface-to-air missile launcher. On early-production hulls this carried two YDG-31 missile tubes and four reloads; it was later modified to carry YDG-34 missile tubes. Both are heat-seeking man-portable air-defense systems, and do not rely on radar for guidance. Eight to twelve reloads are carried in a box aft of the funnel.

Refits and modifications

DChJ Juksun during trials in 1982. Note the large aft deckhouse and modified radar masts.
DChS-637 Juksun during trials in 2002, this time armed with the Subisu CIWS aft.
DChS-613 Chaegryŏk, one of the first Mugunghwas to be rebuilt with a towed sonar array, after refits in 1996.
DChS-620 Jangsu, the last Mugunghwa to be retired from Menghean Navy service.

Juksun, the 26th ship in the class, was completed in December 1981 as a trials ship for the YDG-36 anti-ship missile. In place of her aft turret, she carried an eight-box traversing launcher and missile magazine, as well as a guidance radar. The dipping sonar, main sonar, and 533mm torpedo tubes were retained, and following trials Juksun has been seen on regular patrols, suggesting that the ship was still a fully operational ASW patrol ship despite her unusual modified layout.

Yusu, the 4th ship in the class, was modified in 1991 to carry a towed array sonar of unknown origin, likely either domestic or copied from a foreign source. This required the deletion of the aft turret. The sonar handling equipment was left mostly exposed, suggesting that Yusu was testing a sonar system for a future corvette class rather than a prospective Mugunghwa upgrade.

The actual Mugunghwa upgrade first appeared in 1996, and used a variable-depth sonar of Menghean design. Unlike the old dipping sonar, this could be deployed while moving, and it was reportedly more sensitive in the active and passive modes. The sonar, sonar handling equipment, and sonar control room were placed in a large deckhouse aft, which covered the entire quarterdeck but did not require the removal of the aft turret. The air and surface search radar was also replaced with a newer type, and the torpedo tubes and combat control system were modified to support the HŎ-2 Poksŏl. Only eight ships were rebuilt in this way; ships from DChS-621 Jangsu onward were directly retired when reaching the date for their mid-life refits.

In 2002, Juksun was seen with a Subisu CIWS mount in place of the YDG-36 launcher. This may have been meant to test the ability of the Subisu to fit in the missile magazine of the YDG-36 system, or to test the Subisu's suitability for small combatants. The Subisu system was functional in this configuration, and was even tested against target drones, but the ship apparently suffered from serious weight distribution issues. She did not embark on any patrols in this configuration, and she was decommissioned in 2005.

Operational service

The Mugunghwa-class corvettes were originally intended as green-water combatants, able to patrol areas within 500 kilometers of Menghe's coast. For this role, they had moderate autonomy given their size, and no onboard helicopter facilities, as they would rely on shore-based patrol aircraft. They did, however, carry variable-depth dipping sonar to detect targets below the thermocline.

Due to their small displacement and low freeboard, they proved to be poor seaboats on the open ocean, especially in stormy weather. One ship in the class, Rŭngsohwa, capsized in a typhoon in 1996, killing all on board. After this incident, Mugunghwa-class ships were mostly relegated to coastal patrol duties, and plans to decommission them were accelerated.

Ships in the class

Hull no. Name Builder Launched Commissioned Fate
DChS-612 Mugunghwa Kimhae 1973-08-24 1975-03-07 Refitted 1995-1996; decommissioned 2008; sold for scrap
DChS-613 Chijahwa Kimhae 1974-05-31 1975-09-18 Refitted 1997-1998; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
DChS-614 Chaegryŏk Gyŏngsan 1974-09-29 1976-05-11 Refitted 1995-1996; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
DChS-615 Yusu Kimhae 1974-09-10 1975-12-27 Refitted 1991 as sonar trials ship; decommissioned 2005; sold for scrap
DChS-616 Pianhwa Gyŏngsan 1975-03-26 1976-11-18 Refitted 1997-1998; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
DChS-617 Sangsu Gyŏngsan 1974-12-21 1976-05-18 Refitted 1997-1998; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
DChS-618 Baegryangsu Kimhae 1975-07-20 1976-12-15 Refitted 1998-1999; decommissioned 2009; sold for scrap
DChS-619 Chajŏncho Kimhae 1975-12-04 1977-08-16 Refitted 1997-1998; decommissioned 2010; sold for scrap
DChS-620 Jangsu Gyŏngsan 1975-11-18 1977-03-20 Refitted 1998-1999; decommissioned 2010; sold for scrap
DChS-621 Buyonghwa Gyŏngsan 1975-11-26 1977-01-21 Decommissioned 1997-01-31; sold for scrap
DChS-622 Gwisu Gyŏngsan 1976-03-20 1977-11-06 Decommissioned 1997-01-31; sold for scrap
DChS-623 Aenghwacho Kimhae 1976-06-17 1978-03-14 Decommissioned 1997-01-31; sold for scrap
DChS-624 Rapalhwa Kimhae 1977-01-15 1978-09-19 Decommissioned 1997-01-31; sold for scrap
DChS-625 Ogranhwa Gyŏngsan 1976-11-09 1978-03-24 Decommissioned 1998-05-15; sold for scrap
DChS-626 Hwangdu Gyŏngsan 1976-11-23 1978-08-29 Decommissioned 1998-05-15; sold for scrap
DChS-627 Baeksu Gyŏngsan 1977-02-19 1978-10-31 Decommissioned 1998-05-15; sold for scrap
DChS-628 Goryang Kimhae 1977-11-12 1979-02-03 Decommissioned 1998-05-15; sold for scrap
DChS-629 Mopodong Gyŏngsan 1977-10-17 1979-05-02 Decommissioned 1998-10-02; sold for scrap
DChS-630 Rŭngsohwa Gyŏngsan 1977-12-10 1979-04-18 Capsized in typhoon 1996-09-16; all hands lost
DChS-631 Bonganran Gyŏngsan 1978-04-12 1979-10-14 Decommissioned 1998-10-02; sold for scrap
DChS-632 Suguhwa Gyŏngsan 1978-09-19 1980-02-12 Decommissioned 2001-12-19; sold for scrap
DChS-633 Chasu Gyŏngsan 1978-12-20 1980-07-03 Decommissioned 2002-09-01; sold for scrap
DChS-634 Bongsŏnhwa Gyŏngsan 1979-05-28 1980-12-15 Decommissioned 2003-05-02; sold for scrap
DChS-635 Banghonghwa Gyŏngsan 1979-10-04 1981-04-26 Decommissioned 2003-09-10; sold for scrap
DChS-636 Haedanghwa Gyŏngsan 1979-12-29 1981-08-15 Decommissioned 2004-09-05; sold for scrap
DChS-637 Juksun Gyŏngsan 1980-07-12 1981-12-13 Refitted with Subisu CIWS test rig in 2001; decommissioned 2004-12-28; sold for scrap
DChS-638 Yŏnchunhwa Gyŏngsan 1980-11-09 1982-07-01 Decommissioned 2004-03-04; sold for scrap
DChS-639 Hunyicho Gyŏngsan 1981-02-23 1982-10-17 Decommissioned 2005-09-12; sold for scrap
DChS-640 Jajuk Gyŏngsan 1981-09-06 1982-12-20 Decommissioned 2005-09-12; sold for scrap
DChS-641 Hwŏncho Gyŏngsan 1980-11-09 1982-07-01 Decommissioned 2006-04-17; sold for scrap
DChS-642 Bochunhwa Gyŏngsan 1982-01-04 1983-05-18 Decommissioned 2006-11-22; sold for scrap
DChS-643 Tongcho Gyŏngsan 1982-10-02 1984-03-07 Decommissioned 2007-03-12; sold for scrap
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