The NZGSM 2002 (Korea) was instituted in 2008 to recognise New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel who have served in the Republic of Korea with the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) or the United Nations Command Honour Guard Company since 1 January 2001. The length of qualifying service is 30 days.

To date, more than 50 NZDF personnel have qualified for the award of the NZGSM 2002 (Korea).

The personnel recognised by these medals have worked to maintain military stability between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Approximately half of the people eligible have monitored military activity in the Demilitarised Zone and in other parts of the Korean peninsula where they have investigated alleged violations of the Korean Armistice Agreement. The 23 Honour Guard Company personnel provided personal security for the UNC Commander-in-Chief in 2001 and 2003.