I am completing a Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet for a morale trip in Seoul. What are some risk factors I should be cognizant of?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 12:56:15 -0400

So far, I have:
-Risk of isolation (soldiers unfamiliar with area / language becoming separated from group)
-Risk of being struck by vehicle
-Risk of being caught in a protest
-Risk of adverse weather conditions
-Risk of loss of goods (pickpocketing)
-Risk of cultural insensitivity
-Risk of excessive inebriation of soldiers
-Risk of interaction w/ local LE
-Risk of loss of CAC/ ID card

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 1:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 13:52:43 -0400

Risk of feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, isolation trauma...
Risk of 'acting out' due to type of duty it is...(hardship)
Risk of excessive spending...(being on hardship, therefore sm spends too much, being over your head in debt too soon)
Risk of AWOL...

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 10 at 2016 2:02 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:02:44 -0400

- Risk of having a "Soju Experience"
- Risk of having a "juicy Girl Experience" concurrently or shortly after your "Soju Experience"
- Risk of getting caught out on the town after curfew
- Risk of getting on the wrong train and ending up in North Korea
;o)

Have fun in Seoul! It's a great city. I'm jealous....

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 10 at 2016 2:18 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:18:29 -0400

-Risk of a fight
-Risk of hooking up with a woman with a penis
-Risk of incarceration

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 2:18 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:18:34 -0400

Risk of a gnarly hangover from Oscar.

http://ourtastytravels.com/wp-content/uploads/oscar_blond_l.png

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 2:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:22:52 -0400

Protests and pick pocketing are very rare these days. As for weather, it is basically the same as New York City.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 2:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:24:16 -0400

Honestly, Seoul is a beautiful city, with few issues for travelers. If language is an issue, ask a teenager for help.

I will retire there.

Response by SFC Gary Edwards made May 10 at 2016 2:46 PM

SFC Gary Edwards — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:46:28 -0400

Sgt. Campbell, your risk assessment is pretty good and that is pretty awesome you considered it. I spent 30 months in the ROK. In that time I witnessed quite a bit. First, enlist the aid of one of your KATUSA's. Risk? Not being able to read the signs, getting lost or ask for help. If I was taking a large group of people on a trip in Korea I would keep my groups small, 3 people at most. So if you've got 12 soldiers attending your recon, 4 groups of 3 is manageable. Risk, a large group is intimidating. Also you risk not getting the opportunity to meet the indigenous folks as they will most certainly not approach you or your group. Koreans avoid them at all cost. Learn as much about the language, customs and practices before you travel. Risk, creating an international event over a trivial misunderstanding, you and your group are ambassadors of the U.S., your actions and mannerisms should reflect the best of who and what we are. Koreans will be pushy in line to get their tickets at the train or bus station. We see this as rude and react, do not react, just be cool. They do not mean to offend anyone, it is just their way. Risk, see previous comment. Likewise do not be offended if you get bumped or nudged. It is completely normal and acceptable to be pushy in line. It is unlikely but should any conflict occur, retreat but maintain eye contact. Risk, Koreans have a saving face thing going on and if you offend some younger men they may follow you. Older Koreans will be quite glad to see you, so make their acquaintance. Avoid the American fast food when it comes time to eat. There are too many local restaurants where you can get a great meal. Try the Kimchi, you might find you like it after all. Risk, spending a whole year there without being open to different types of food is a waste of time. Last, under no circumstance allow your group to drink alcohol. There will be plenty of other opportunities to drink back at the camp. Risk, accidents, fights, other related incidents that accompany drinking alcohol.

Response by CW5 Donna Smith made May 10 at 2016 2:56 PM

CW5 Donna Smith — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:56:10 -0400

There are always risks when visiting a foreign country but then there are risks visiting cities here in the US. The key is awareness of your surroundings and know the places to stay away from and the places to go. Seoul is an amazing place with lots to see and do. I spent 3 years in country and still didn't see all that was there to enjoy.

Response by LTC James Bozeman made May 10 at 2016 3:32 PM

LTC James Bozeman — Tue, 10 May 2016 15:32:21 -0400

Risk of getting separated or lost from the group - corrective action is a methodology for communicating with the command and an alternate way home.
Risk of STD exposure - condoms and advice to stay away from Juicy Girls/Guys.
Risk of purchasing of stolen goods -
Risk of food poisoning (low) but if not ready to deal with foods - have an evacuation/treatment plan.

Response by LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD made May 10 at 2016 10:39 PM

LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD — Tue, 10 May 2016 22:39:47 -0400

Nice start. You might add crossing the street! I used to think that statement a weak one...until I took my soldiers across a few! Ha...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2016 3:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 May 2016 03:24:28 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Excellent risk factors to consider but what happened to just saying look guys and girls, we are going out into town, don't do anything stupid, act like an adult and just have fun.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 5:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 17:27:16 -0400

I have been stationed in Korea 3x:
Soju Bad....
Juciy Girl Bad...
Pink Light District..if the windows glow pink and women are hanging out them your in a restricted Area
Have a backup plan or place to go if you can't get back to base before curfew.
Don't Take the Black and Gold Taxis... they cost more.
The Subway system is stellar and can take you anywhere you want to go....If you get lost South Koreans are very friendly and will help you get back.
Food is great... if you like spicy food....
If you do get in trouble....Show Police your Military/SOFA card and wait for MPs to come rescue you
SOJU BAD!!!