How was your experience being stationed in South Korea and do you miss it?

2015-07-18T01:15:04-04:00

How would you explain your experiences being stationed in South Korea and do you miss it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 1:16 AM

2015-07-18T01:16:43-04:00

I was stationed in Yongsan Garrison from March 2013 to July 2014, and I loved it. I lived in a high rise apartment behind Namsan Mountain and Seoul Tower.

Response by MSgt David Haupt made Jul 18 at 2015 7:02 AM

2015-07-18T07:02:40-04:00

Had a tour in 00 and loved it besides missing my family. As for going back maybe to visit.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jul 18 at 2015 7:34 AM

2015-07-18T07:34:26-04:00

I had two tours there, from 1998-2001 and 2008-2011 and I loved it. The two things I liked the most were driving and partying. Now come to think about it, I partied the first year of my first tour and the last year of my last tour... Odd... Lol. Great experience overall. I drove pretty much everywhere and still to this day I remember how to get everywhere if I were to comeback. Ok time to stop; sometimes I can't stop talking about Korea. Cheers.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jul 18 at 2015 9:33 AM

2015-07-18T09:33:46-04:00

It was one of my favorite tours. I was there twice during the same assignment - let me explain. I was on a "remote" one year tour and elected to bring my family (personal reasons). Lived off post which was a challenge at the time. I was on station for four months, sent back to the US for a four month school, and then sent back to complete my tour.

I was with the UN command and was partnered with a Korean officer who was a pleasure to work with. The military experience was remarkable - lots of stories for later postings.

I was assigned there during the first Gulf war. It was interesting conversation with the Koreans as we watched CNN report on the war while we sat on watch in a bunker. Upon my departure, I was given a granite boring taken from tunnel #4 dug by the North Koreans and recently discovered by the South.

Response by SMSgt David Zobel made Jul 18 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-07-18T21:06:08-04:00

Osan 75-76 & Kwangju 84-85. Loved most of it. I'd go back. At this point, I'd be hadabogee.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Jul 19 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-07-19T12:54:52-04:00

I explain that I was SENT there (not my choice) and my option to not go was via the option to separate (which I did).
Do I miss it?
Not hardly (although the environment has MASSIVELY improved from the 60s & 70s)

(Tours at Kwangju, Suwon, and Osan)

Response by SPC Lee Norman made Jul 19 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-07-19T14:23:40-04:00

I was there from Mar 87 to Jan 90 (I extended for two years when I re-enlisted in Feb 1988). I thoroughly enjoyed my time over there, and if I hadn't met my wife while home on leave, I wouldn't have minded staying longer.

Response by SPC Wade Griffiths made Jul 19 at 2015 3:15 PM

2015-07-19T15:15:29-04:00

I was a pissed on Private, and HELL NO!! I don't miss that place!!! I never did since the day I left there!! Also, F all who mistreated me regardless of their rank!!!!

Response by SSG Ernie Westby made Jul 19 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-07-19T15:19:01-04:00

I was stationed in the western corridor at Camp Garry Owen outside of Yung-ju-gol 80-83. Two tours back-to-back and never made it above E-3. Enjoyed the off-duty hours down range in the ville. Cav life was busy and we spent a lot of time in the field. Always looking for ways to break curfew without getting caught. "Heads" platoon, (maintenance) was quartered in a Quonset hut on top of the hill next to the kimchi shack. Some nights it was pretty difficult to walk up the hill. I had a hootch in the ville during the second tour..., was a great place to escape the daily rigors even though still had to be back on base before curfew. I would enjoy going back and spending some time there someday.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Jul 19 at 2015 5:51 PM

2015-07-19T17:51:55-04:00

Well... There was the good and the bad. It lived up to the name "Land of the Frozen Chosen,". But I wouldn't change the experiences I had. I grew up a lot while there. I was only eighteen and learned a lot about life. I don't miss Korea. I have been back as a civilian, but I have moved on. How about you?

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Jul 19 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-07-19T17:56:25-04:00

I spent 17 years avoiding a tour in Korea based on all the stories I had heard and was disappointed when my efforts to go to Iraq in 2006-2007 were thwarted by the Korea tour. However, my year in 2ID and CRC was great! I tour the country, learned some of the language, learned to eat a wide variety of that I had been missing, and taught English at a migrant workers center. Both work and play was fantastic. I was disappointed when my friends and subordinated for that matter refused to leave "American" soil. I have visited on leave a couple times and hope to visit again in the coming years.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Jul 19 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-07-19T18:42:21-04:00

I was there Feb 90 to Jun 91... 16 months due to Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

My professional experience was incredible. I started w/A-2/503rd (Camp Hovey) and when they deactivated went to A-5/20th (Camp Casey). I arrived as a SGT and was promoted to SSG.... and become a PSG. I spent 8 months on the DMZ... and I credit Korea at sharpen my leadership skills and my Infantryman skills.

Did I like it... not really. I made the most of the assignment as I could and never had a strong desire to return. If we werent on the Z.... we were in the field or at MPRC...

Response by SGT Luis Bonilla made Jul 19 at 2015 8:16 PM

2015-07-19T20:16:08-04:00

I was there from 99 to 00...camp Casey...2/72nd armor. First real over seas station...it was a new experience for me especially when my roommate was kutusa, but I really enjoyed it, made some good friends wish I would had stood in touch with. Enjoyed the different food and the couture...

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 19 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-07-19T21:07:41-04:00

16 months in a squad tent, a canvas cot w/ mosquito netting, fragrant Miticide insect repellant mopped onto the wooden tent floors and having our clothing dipped into the same Miticide, 4 hour tours on guard duty in the winter, walking a klic to the shower point, washing up and shaving in a metal wash bowl that was cleaned by each user scouring it with dirt, a 6 holer latrine, piss tubes right next to the MSR into Camp Casey. No, I don't miss it!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 8:31 AM

2015-07-20T08:31:26-04:00

I was stationed at Camp Red Cloud from 2000 to 2001. I spent a lot of time in the field, and learned my job and the value of good NCOs. I was promoted to SPC just before I left there, and when asked about going to the Board I declined because I thought that I was not ready to be promoted to SGT, as it is a very big deal. I made friends that were as close as family and we were fiercely protective of each-other. I was told when I got there "do not base your opinion of the Army on this place". I have never found anything of its like since so I guess it was true. to answer your question...I do miss it and would have no issues going back.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 20 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-07-20T09:28:02-04:00

Camp Greaves on the DMZ 91-92. Loved every minute of it even being in the field at least 1 week out of the month. Got to visit Pan Mun Jom - a once in a life time experience and the shopping was great.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-07-20T09:46:24-04:00

2 Tour 85-86 then 95-96, both times with HHB 1/15FA Bn FDC. 1st tour Cp Stanley 2nd Cp Casey. I remember Korea had its own way of doing things. I married a Korean and loved the trips to Busan her home town. Hated the atitude of army there, felt the way we treated the Korean people (ie workers, KATUSA's ) was disgracefull.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-07-20T10:21:31-04:00

I was stationed twice. Once in Yongsan, where I met my wife and completely enjoyed my two years there as I AIP'ed. I am currently here again at Camp Stanley which, although it isn't as good as being in downtown Seoul, it is still not a bad experience.

Response by 1SG Todd Sullivan made Jul 20 at 2015 4:23 PM

2015-07-20T16:23:21-04:00

I was stationed at Camp Liberty Bell, in A Co. 1/506 92-93.. I enjoyed it, met some great people and had awesome leadership. I had and would have no desire to go back if I was still a Soldier.

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Jul 20 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-07-20T21:24:26-04:00

I jumped at the chance to go to Osan in 1993. I wanted all overseas tours, and to my dismay was 'sentenced' to Wright-Patterson AFB. I worked the HTACC and was assigned to 603 ACCS and 621 ACS. I got along great with the locals. I often had them constantly lowering the prices of their goods without my ever bargaining with them. My friends would complain they could not get the Koreans to lower prices. I would tell them to come downtown with me, and it ended up with them getting items discounted simply for being with me. They also had a great Chapel as well as The Hospitality House off base. I was in three choirs, played piano, keyboards, and sang in both the chapel and Hospitality House. Outside of work, I had a great time at Osan. I got to visit other places as well. I'd love to go back.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-07-21T20:25:31-04:00

Well I have been here since OCT 2013 in Yongsan. It's been an experience for me being my first duty station and not doing my MOS, but over all I love it. A lot of my battles say they miss Korea and I leave in OCT

Response by SFC Daniel Alcivar made Jul 23 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-07-23T11:58:13-04:00

I was stationed at Pyonteak 78/79 249th mp det (the only correctional facility for bad boys) in Korea had great time.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 23 at 2015 12:01 PM

2015-07-23T12:01:49-04:00

I hear the bulgogi there is delicious.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-07-24T11:53:24-04:00

I thoroughly enjoyed it while being stationed there for 2 years in Daegu with my family. My job allowed me to travel to various military posts from the DMZ to Pusan. Loved the Blue train when available, shopping for Oriental home decor, and some of the food.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 8:32 PM

2015-07-24T20:32:32-04:00

I was stationed in Korea from 2001-2006; 1 1/2 years at Camp Essayons (2ID) and 4 years in Yongsan. Korea was one of my favorite assignments and I miss it all the time....ESPECIALLY the food! Also, as a Korean linguist, it was very rewarding using my target language on a daily basis, whether it was on mission or just talking with the KATUSAs. Great time and I hope to get one more tour before I retire.

Response by SGT Jim Perry made Aug 5 at 2015 12:15 AM

2015-08-05T00:15:36-04:00

I was there in 1964-65 and it had not recovered from the war. I spent a month at Pobwani and 11 months on Kimpo peninsula. I was in Hawk missile batteries with the 38th brigade as a CW radar repairman. Was assistant section chief as a PFC but still pulled guard duty 6 nights a week and worked 6 days a week. DMZ was not secured at this time and when they sent the Korean Marines to VietNam in June 1965 we had our hands full for five weeks until the 2nd Infantry moved in. My first full day in Korea I was taken to a TAC site for guard duty and the guy who relieved me was attacked with a 2x4 and his leg was so injured that he lost it. The other guard totally freaked so they sent me back out and I did not get relieved until 10 AM next day. The young 2nd LT was kicked out of the Army for failing to check the first aid kit (it was empty) and not knowing how to work the radio to call for help for that hurt kid. How did we win any war?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 5 at 2015 12:21 AM

2015-08-05T00:21:14-04:00

I miss being stationed South Korea. I was a good 12 months. It's not fun with one fool messes up and everyone is punished though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-12-12T15:54:40-05:00

I KIND of enjoyed it, I did a lot of Hash House Harrier runs with the group there. I missed my kids terribly. I got to go to an awful lot of different bases there as a nurse/medic so that was kind of nice. Don't miss the smells, but Yongsan was nice. Kind of miss it yeah.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 6:11 PM

2016-04-01T18:11:38-04:00

In SOME aspects I do, NOT missing the wife and kids though, I don't miss that feeling. I did an awful lot of running with the 'hash house harriers" I don't know if there is a separate group just for them, but I think there should be....That is what I miss, that group and working with my E7 closely and going all over korea as a 'medic-add-on' to the different brigades.

Response by MSgt Walter Thomason made Aug 6 at 2016 7:09 AM

2016-08-06T07:09:42-04:00

I had the pleasure of going TDY to Osan twice before I was stationed there. My AFSC at the time was Weather Equipment Specialist before it merged with Navigational Aids. I was stationed at Yokota AB, Japan at a Centralized Repair Activity (CRA) from 1981-1985 so my job was a depot level repair tech for the Pacific region. Part of the job was calibrating mercurial and mechanical barometers for airfield weather stations therefore anyplace that had a weather station in Korea, both Air Force and Army, I went to. Either by road, small airplane or helicopter. So, Osan, Kunsan, Yongsan, Camp Casey, Camp Humphries, Red Cloud, Teague, Koon-ni Range and a bunch of other bases I hit. For some reason, I was always at Camp Red Cloud during the NBA finals last game. I'd always watch the game in the waiting area. Those three years it was either the Lakers and the Celtics or the Pistons. Fast forward to 1991 when I was stationed at Osan and had to go TDY for equipment repair. I go into the waiting room and what was on TV? The Lakers and Bulls finals, last game.

Yes indeed. A lot of good/bad/bittersweet memories in Korea. A lot of memories such as the Sodemann Incident, The Great Flood, The Cloud-Burst Adventure, U-2 down, The Teague Adventure (may still be classified though), The Nut House Run, The Army Hit and Run Incident, Koon-ni Range adventures, The Yongsan Tales, The BJ Ally Incident (NSFW), The Lil' Weather dude, and on and on. So much stuff, I could write a book!

Response by SPC John Lebiecki made Sep 8 at 2016 6:29 PM

2016-09-08T18:29:54-04:00

Camp Humphreys 2011-2012 (I ETSd from there.)

Humphreys was a rather boring area. Everything is spread out. The ville was lame. I traveled often to get away from the area on the weekends (yes, by myself.)

My unit was a joke.

The country itself I miss. The military in Korea.....

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 29 at 2017 11:47 PM

2017-03-29T23:47:46-04:00

All three times were great but you can't go back

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 15 at 2017 12:48 AM

2017-04-15T00:48:28-04:00

I loved it. Unlike any other assignment I had it was soldiering. Living in Quansetts on the DMZ with our guns bunkered in, it was great. Met and married my wife, my son was born there. I could have stayed there forever but Vietnam called me

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 28 at 2017 6:51 PM

2017-05-28T18:51:50-04:00

I loved it, would have taken up homesteading but they wanted me in Vietnam

Response by SGT James (Jimmy) Crone made Jun 7 at 2017 8:07 AM

2017-06-07T08:07:07-04:00

There's good and bad but overall I do miss it

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Apr 7 at 2018 7:39 AM

2018-04-07T07:39:51-04:00

I had two tours in Korea - Yongson 1974, (UNMAC) Uijongbu 1976 (ROK/US Gp) Both tours were great, an upscale from Southeast Asia. Didn’t quite fancy the shitters they had, you had to squat to make a deposit. And trust me, after a few drinks you don't want any of that. I lost too many good pairs of shoes in those damn shitters, Papasan use to hang out by the shitters and whenever a GI lost his shoe, he'd throw the other one up against the shitter and walk away. Now Papasan being the shrewd entrepreneur that he was, would collect that shoe and stick it in his bag, he’d then walk over to the shitter, kneel down and reaching deep down in the steaming pungent lumpy goobly stew, retrieve the other shoe slinging shit and paper everwhere. He then would wash it off and shine the pair up and replace them in his bag. He stayed at that shitter for hours. I often wondered how many pair he got per day and what did with them. Either he gave them to family members, or simply sold the shoes at their flea market.

Response by SSgt Phil Sigman made Apr 14 at 2018 5:15 PM

2018-04-14T17:15:35-04:00

I did three short tours and one long tour between Kunsan and Osan. In fact, my profile photo was taken at Osan in 1989. I loved every minute of it except the sucking rubber part during alerts. Korea was a big part of my life and about half of my career was spent there, and I still miss the place. Especially the great food.

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made Jul 24 at 2018 7:46 AM

2018-07-24T07:46:13-04:00

I was in Pusan from March 1963 to September 1963 and November 1964 to November 1965.
i enjoy both tours.

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Oct 20 at 2019 4:10 PM

2019-10-20T16:10:42-04:00

I loved it. I miss it as well. In 1972-3 it was known as the G.I. paradise. Because of all the Ladies. I could go on but it might get dirty.