As the Republic of Korea's economic growth allowed the ROK armed forces to push ahead with a policy that boosts a self-reliant national defense, the ROK Army stimulated arms improvements, thus possessing and developing a variety of weapon systems.
The ROK Army formed new units to reinforce West Frontline and Rear Area defense capabilities through revision of its military structure. The founding of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command further strengthened ROK-US combined defense posture in Nov 1978.
Following the "5-Year Roadmap for Modernizing ROK Armed Forces", the ROK Army laid out a groundwork for domestic manufacturing of various weapons and equipments with the U.S. aid.
The ROK Army relocated its headquarter from Yongsan, Seoul, to Gyeryongdae in July 1989, setting the milestone for the ROK Army headquarter that serves as ROK Armed Forces' heart.
As the Republic of Korea hosted 'Seoul Olympics' in 1988, the ROK Army maintained the highest alert to ensure safety and security of the Olympics.