Posted on Mar 2, 2018
What advice would you give to someone going to Korea (first duty station) who has never been out of the country before?
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PCS
Korea
Suwon AB
Responses: 205
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Have fun (safe fun), and don't get married. I say again, DO NOT GET MARRIED, TO ANYBODY, FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC. Do not let Korea give you the negative impression that every assignment in the Army is like that country. Finish your tour and move on to your next assignment with a refreshed attitude. Stay motivated. I liked Korea, it's a dirty country, but the food and people were awesome.
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MAJ Louis Giamo
I don't know why you would say it's a dirty country. Back in the 80's, sure there were a lot of dirt roads, houses still had out house slit toilets, and farming was done by oxen. Now, it's a very modern, clean country. Especially in the cities. I love going back every year.
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SFC (Join to see)
MAJ Louis Guano, no garbage cans anywhere, causing people to toss their trash on the ground. The Ville outside of Humpreys stunk so badly. Food and people were wonderful, however the sanitation system was below standard. And I've been to many countries. Even Poland was cleaner. However, not everywhere in Korea was like this. I enjoyed my time there.
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1. Avoid the Ville. You'll only end up on extra duty.
2. Juicies don't love you, so don't fight your battle buddies over her.
3. Don't give the juicies money.
4. Don't risk missing curfew. Even if you're in line to get back in the gate and curfew strikes, you will be going to the MP station.
5. Soju is the devil and avoid it or you will regret it.
6. Casinos are everywhere including on post. Don't piss away your money.
7. You have an alcohol ration, going over it gets your ads in a sling.
8. Don't sell any goods to the locals. It's considered black market and you can go to prison for it.
9. Don't fight with the locals, SOFA will fuck you over even if you're fighting in self defense.
10. DON'T GET MARRIED!
2. Juicies don't love you, so don't fight your battle buddies over her.
3. Don't give the juicies money.
4. Don't risk missing curfew. Even if you're in line to get back in the gate and curfew strikes, you will be going to the MP station.
5. Soju is the devil and avoid it or you will regret it.
6. Casinos are everywhere including on post. Don't piss away your money.
7. You have an alcohol ration, going over it gets your ads in a sling.
8. Don't sell any goods to the locals. It's considered black market and you can go to prison for it.
9. Don't fight with the locals, SOFA will fuck you over even if you're fighting in self defense.
10. DON'T GET MARRIED!
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Make sure you get off in Korea and not Okinawa. Otherwise the Marines will just laugh at you. Seriously though, enjoy the assignment. Travel whenever you can while there: Inchon, Pusan, Chejudo Island, Japan. Don't drink too much. Beware the Soju Kettles. Don't be afraid of the 'Turtle Ditch'. And try not to fall in love. Enjoy your tour.
One more thing, if you're going to learn and speak Hangul, the Korean language, use the full word not made up slang. It's disrespectful.
One more thing, if you're going to learn and speak Hangul, the Korean language, use the full word not made up slang. It's disrespectful.
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Pay attention in the country orientation classes. Sign up for language lessons. Try to make friends with the local nationals but don't be pushy. They probably get tired of all the soldiers etc wanting to learn from them. Show them that you're serious by learning their language and customs. Travel, eat the food, stay away from the "GI joints" and red light areas as EVERYBODY has a video camera these days - believe it. If you are lucky enough to earn the love of a woman, it won't be because she's American, South Korean, Chinese, German or Estonian. It'll be because she's a woman and it's right for both of you.
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PV2 (Join to see) Advice? Hmmm. Buy Some Dried Squid and Ship It to Me. I Miss Korean Dried Squid. It's Yummy.
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SGT Carl Blas
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel - I love any food, by the way, my grandfather and his family are immigrants form Germany. He was a veteran of WWI and a POW in WWII, and retired Navy.
Some how he was in the pacific and met my grandmother, he was from Iowa where his family were farmers. His last name is Wolford, I remember him as a real good, giving man in the 60's, I never knew where his family was from in Germany.
All the Wolford family's here on Guam have at least one with the name Harland or Charles.
Some how he was in the pacific and met my grandmother, he was from Iowa where his family were farmers. His last name is Wolford, I remember him as a real good, giving man in the 60's, I never knew where his family was from in Germany.
All the Wolford family's here on Guam have at least one with the name Harland or Charles.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
SGT Carl Blas - I am the Product of the Great German Migration to Missouri that Started in the 1850's. Nagels, Weslings, Ronsieks, Millers, Lietzs.
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PV2 (Join to see) If nobody else has mentioned it - the first time(s) you go off post to a new place, take a buddy. And, be aware of your buddy's behavior - there are those who just can't wait to get the new guy into the soup - and that's not the buddy you want. Take full advantage of the cultural opportunities that the Korean assignment presents. And come home safely (and single).
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Embrace the culture, learn a little about it. Learn some Korean phrases so you can interact. Korea was my first duty station as well... good luck! Kapshi Kapshi-da!!
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I learn the following in the host country's language the instant my feet hit their ground: "Please" "Thank you" and "How do you say _____" It's been my experience they will ALWAYS bend over backwards to assist when they hear how sincere and respectful you are. Do not ever become an "Ugly American" demanding that THEY do things YOUR way - always remember you're the GUEST and not the other way round. And lastly, I have found that in every country I've visited, the people knew enough English to 'get by' so long as we weren't talking rocket science...so between the two of us we could communicate. Keep an open mind toward their customs and get out at every opportunity to learn and enjoy the experience!
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Be respectful of their culture and understanding of their almost destroyed livelihoods. As a military member who voluntarily stayed 3 tours married a Korean woman and have twin sons married 29 years respect is the best. If you can do that they will do the rest and you will have some great adventures and a view into a proud culture who really respect and love Americans Americans.
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