At the beginning of October the UN began its offensive into North Korea. At Kaesong the 1st Cavalry Division was ready to cross the 38th Parallel into North Korea. The 8th Cavalry Regiment, in the center, was to attack frontally from Kaesong to Kumch'on, north and along the main highway axis. The 5th Cavalry Regiment, Coursen's regiment, on the right, was to move east and then swing west in a circular flanking movement, designed to trap KPA forces south of Kumch'on. In the meantime, the 7th Cavalry Regiment, on the division's left, traversed the Ryesong River; advanced north on the road from Paekch'on to the small town of Hanp'o-ri, north of Kumch'on, where the main Pyongyang road crossed the Ryesong River; and established a blocking position. Defending the Kumch'on area north of Kaesong were the KPA 19th and 27th Divisions. The KPA 43rd Division, to the west, defended the Ryesong River crossing and the coastal area beyond the river.