It was formed at Sukchon in either March or April 1950, raised from a cadre of veteran commissioned and non commissioned officers, and new recruits that were drawn from the 2nd Democratic Youth League Training Center in South P'yongan Province.

There, the division's infantry undertook a further month of training focusing on night fighting and mountain warfare, under the supervision of Soviet advisors.

[1] After completing its training, the division took part in the North Korean advance from Seoul to Taejon, reaching Tilksong on 10 August.

[1] After this it took part in The Great Naktong Offensive during the Battle of Pusan Perimeter, suffering heavy casualties before withdrawing in late September, leaving behind all its artillery.

[1][2] These losses hampered the division's actions when it returned to the fighting in the New Year and the only indirect fire support weapons it possessed at this time were mortars.