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

STAY AWAY from the Bar girls, Some of the Filipino one's just might be Bar boy's.
Then their are the Russian Bar girls, You may think they are good looking.
Wait to you see them out side in the day light.
My experience with the Korean people was good for the most part.
Cab driver's are dicks and will ripe you off like the one's in the U.S.
Do not expect them to speak English. Some do, Not all.
The men think they run the country but (Agi-Ma) it is a term for the older women, Not old women.
Treat the Korean People with respect. Most of them are hard working real people.
There is a small homeless problem there but is not for the lack of the family's. They take good care of there own.
I my self love Korea for a few resins. If a Pedophile is caught. they will not have to worry about spending to much time in prison, They will not live that long that is if they get to prison.
Crime's against Koreans.
Real bad idea Their is a two prison system in Koreans, One for AMERICANS that make our systems look like you at a up scale hotel.
If you see Korean Police with long bamboo sticks go the other way. They are on there way to do some group ASS BEATING. If you get caught up in it just pull your legs and arms as close to you as you can, And cover your head.
That is just how it goes.
learn to speak Korean. The people as a whole are great.
The father South you are the better live is more stuff to do,Being able to go to Japan and things like that.
I have been told that the M.W.R. Program is great now, So check it out.

Then there is (So-Jew) There is NO quality control is the making of it. A cup can put you out for a few days or you can drink a gallon and nothing but a buzz. STAY AWAY FROM THAT SHIT.
If you have any rank this shit will make most people lose it fast.
Good place to shop.
Always haggle with them never pay what they want up front.

Have fun, travel the country there’s lots to see and do, depending on where you’re stationed, the food is awesome, hit up the Katusa snack bar for chow, always use the battle buddy system, Koreans have a mafia and they don’t play, don’t test the police they don’t have the same restrictions US cops do, they can beat you if you’re acting up and it’ll be your fault

Pay attention in the orientation class. You're not in America. Don't be the ugly American.

Beautiful country. Get off post/base and see some of the 3,000 years of history. Try to learn some of the language and customs and get to know the locals, (away from the base). DON'T be that "ugly American".

Beautiful, amazing country with over 3,000 years of history. Get off base/post and get to know the locals! Learn as much of the language as you can. DON'T be the "ugly American".

Never been to Korea, but this bit is pretty universal. First overseas duty station as a young single airman I wanted to me decent young ladies, not really interested in the bar districts and fast girls looking for the green card. I was advised to visit "that" pub where all the old guys hung out in the later afternoon drinking beer and talking. I did- best move I ever made. They helped me learn the language, the culture, how to stay out of trouble, and I got personal invites for dinner in several homes (I arrived first week of November and had Christmas dinner in a local home). And I really met a lot of nice people my age, including my first wife- as a result of being introduced by the grandpas.

Unlock your phone while you are stateside so once you get there youll just have to get a SIM card instead of a whole new phone! Get the google translate app and a t money card if you travel while over there.

I was stationed in Korea in 1993 so I have no idea what it is like now, but here are my pointers:
1. NEVER mess with curfews. When it's time its it's time.

2. Never go anywhere off post by yourself. Avoid all off area locations.

3. I was in 2nd Inf Div. On stationed on the DMZ for a year. We were only allotted a certain percentage of our unit on pass for the weekend to travel south. It averaged out to be about once a month. So I really can't say how Seoul is.

4. Get all the online and correspondence courses you can. Korea is a great place to better yourself mentally and physically. Again I didn't get off base very much and all we did was train and go to the gym.

5. Any female you run across in the club is looking out for herself only. She will love you and 50 other GIs if it makes her money and a possible green card.

6. Shopping is great. Whether you like shoes or clothes you will find it. If you like to wear suits Korea is the place to be. They can literally make anything from a picture in a magazine with your choice of cloth.

7. And like everyone else has said learn some basic language and phrases. It will go a long way out in the back 40 or in town.

8. Do not ever disrespect an elder on the street. Unlike our culture they have a lot of respect for their elders and will you as just another disrespectful american. Every where you go you represent the good old USA. Don't let us down.

9. Last but not least have fun and be safe.

Before I went to Korea (2ID, 81-82) I read a few books about the country and visited a friend who had recently returned from a tour of duty there. I learned a few basic words, and did what I could to prepare myself for a very foreign experience. And while the duty was tough, I loved the country. BTW if there's a Korean restaurant near you, check it out. Unlike other Asian restaurants in the US, they're mostly authentic.

Always cover the stump.
No Glove, No Love.