What advice would you give to someone going to Korea (first duty station) who has never been out of the country before?

Most def do NOT have a lasting relationship or get a wife. These foreign women will straight up LIE and do who knows what to get out and into America through marriage. Yes, it RARELY works but in your case, it's not going to. She may be your perfect woman but once she's here she'll find any way to get out and take half your stuff.

Stay on main paths, use known routes only, keep a battle buddy.. and dont mess with those kids they will kick your azz sideways . so learn some martial arts there. preferrably Aikido screw tae kwon do its useless.

Don't hang around the bars on the ville dedicate some time to travel and learn about your host country, become a fitness nut and do some college, it will all pay off later.

Have fun, use protection and stay safe

Go to the library or book store and read/purchase some travel guides for that part of the world.

Follow the rules! Korea was my first duty station. It was great i was in Area 4 camp Carroll. It’s very depressing especially when you’re alone, but once you get over the hump go explore. Koreans are very nice. Try to just stay out of trouble. People tend to lose their rank over there. Just enjoy ur time. Explore Korea and travel! It’s a great country!

If you are off-base, and Korean Police tell you to stop . . . STOP IMMEDIATELY!!! They carry weighted batons and can bring you down at a distance of 100 yards! Might even break a leg or two!

Been a long time since I left the Land of the Morning Calm, but for what it is worth:
Never forget that you are not in the good old USA, but in a very old and honorable country, with customs that go back thousands of years. Take the opportunity to see the country and try to learn a little about it. There is never an excuse for bad manners (anywhere). And you will learn that what may not be bad manners here may be there.

And: Have fun!

When I was at Kunsan S. Korea they had a Korea/America club. It brought you into contact with Koreans and helped you understand their culture and language. If the Rec center has one of those clubs jump in and learn first hand. Above all remember what the cook from the Muppets Take Manhattan said, "Peoples is peoples. " They are not gooks, zipper heads, flat faces nor rice eaters. They are people with feelings and a proud heritage just like you. You will do well with the Korean people if you learn the customs and act respectfully. Actually you could use that anywhere you go. It served me well for 20 years in the USAF.

Study the culture. It is a must. I have traveled for 30 years to Korea on business. I have seen the American Klotzes stumbling around in Korea getting themselves into trouble instead of enjoying a country full of history and wonders.

Al