Following the war IS-2m tanks were exported to many soviet allies. This included a small number to the PRC in the early 1950s. Some chinese sources indicate that PLA IS-2m tanks were committed to fighting in Korea, but no US or UN sources validate this fact. Following the war however it is known that the PLA had four independent GHQ armoured regiments each organized with four T-34/85 companies and a single IS-2m 5-tank company stationed in Korea. What is interesting is the huge effect these forces had on western strategists. For example, the french forces fighting in indochina actually sent at least one ex-german Panther tank to the theater to counter the perceived threat of the IS-2m. When this Panther became completely unserviceable the french finally sent in M36 tank destroyers to replace it.
The last IS-2m tanks were retired from PLA service in the 1970s.
This is from a source that appears plausible but I cannot confirm: "The first action (in Korea) involved 10 T-34/85 and 8 IS-2, supported by PVA No.573 BN (attached to 64th Army), launched an attack against the british 1st Division. On November 5th the attack commenced when 60 pieces of artillery opened fire. The tanks led an assault against the british forward position and came under heavy attack by UN AF. 13 UN aircraft dropped 50 napalm and HE bombs against the attacking PVA tanks with 6 either being damaged or destroyed. Despite the loss, the PVA achieved their objective when the British decided to pull out of the area. PVA IS-2 crews from No. 482 and 310 tanks were awarded citations (No. 310 fired 24 rounds of HE and 15 rounds of APC destroying 3 enemy tanks and a bunker)." I would like to see some corroborating data on this engagement from the UN side.
-Desperado6
