On 25 June 1950 "Pukaki" was placed at the disposal of the UN Forces in Korea. In August "Pukaki" and sister-ship arrived at Sasebo to join the UN naval command. Initially attached to Task Group 96.5 for escort duties between Japan and Korea, in September she was transferred to Task Group 90.7 to support of landings by the US 1st Marine Division at Inchon, rejoining Task Group 96.5 in October to protect minesweeping operations prior to the landings at Wonsan. In November she was relieved by the frigate and returned to Auckland to refit, after which she was placed in reserve.