It looks like I will be stationed in Korea with 65th Medical. What can I expect or look forward to?

2015-11-14T11:17:23-05:00

Hello everyone, I am PV2 Matthews and I've recently been projected to be stationed in Korea attached to 65th medical and I was wondering does anyone have experience being there? Like if they enjoyed it (I think I'll enjoy it as my firs duty station) or if they were able to extent the tour from one year to two years?

Response by SPC Nick Lai made Nov 14 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-11-14T12:28:56-05:00

You will be hate it and enjoy it at the sametime.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-11-14T16:00:47-05:00

Korea was my first assignment, and I enjoyed every minute of it. If you enjoy shopping, Korea is the place for all your needs, especially Myeongdong. The food there is excellent, and the local populace are friendly. You will have to put up with a lot of different rules and what not because it's a different Army there, but as long as you do well and knee your nose clean you should be fine. When I left (early 2014) they had recently changed the rules for extending your tour to two years, saying you cannot extend unless you're no longer a first term soldier (meaning you've re-enlisted at least once). That may have changed, just talk to your team leader about it and he or she should point you in the right direction.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 14 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-11-14T16:01:33-05:00

My brother was in Korea and he really enjoyed it. Best of luck!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-11-14T19:26:46-05:00

I personally had fun there...it was my first duty station also..once you get off restriction make sure you go and visit as many places as you can a lot of people go over there and they stay in their rooms most of their tour...emerge yourself in the culture and take it for what it is...visit the DMZ and Jeju island of possible...have fun!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 8:52 PM

2015-11-14T20:52:05-05:00

I'm stationed here right now. As a 68C, you won't be able to extend your tour as of now. It's a fun place though.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-11-14T21:25:59-05:00

Where are they sending you to? I was stationed in Yongsan Garrison/Seoul for 16 months and I'm familiar with 65th MED BDE from my time working at ASAP.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 14 at 2015 11:13 PM

2015-11-14T23:13:01-05:00

In general, Korea is as good or as bad as you make it.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-11-15T12:27:19-05:00

Korea is what you make it. A lot of people don't understand that until they've been there. I can't guarantee how good your unit's morale will be, but there is always something to do, whether it be work or pleasure. Just don't waste a great opportunity sitting in your barracks room all 12 months. It is a great experience, I promise. I didn't do much, but I had a great time and would love to go back and do it all over again.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 12:30 PM

2015-11-24T12:30:57-05:00

Korea just like any duty station is all what you make of it. It is an assignment that not everyone gets. It will strengthen your ERB, boost your cultural awareness, and make you a more well rounded soldier. You can take opportunities to increase PT, go to school and otherwise advance your career.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-11-26T16:12:58-05:00

the smell, depending if you are going to the hospital, interesting assignments, I was there 13 months with the hospital there. You will spend a year there, and if you are married and wish to bring her over, then you will be with her for another year. She (I think) cannot go the first 12 months with you. I don't know how the MOS' are now, I was a 91c (army nurse) I'm sure they changed or did away with that MOS...I do not know, but I rather enjoyed it there. Being married was tough though knowing that her and the kids couldn't be there with me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-12-10T10:28:11-05:00

the smell! ahh the smell of kimchi in the morning, smells like...*vomits* expect weird weather, KATUSAS, and culture shock.

Response by SGT James (Jimmy) Crone made Jun 7 at 2017 8:09 AM

2017-06-07T08:09:32-04:00

It's not a bad duty station but I was stationed at Camp Casey that's where the tanks were