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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Pretend you're a tourist that's well traveled (and you do this by reading what's already written below) and don't act like an ugly American. As previously mentioned it's NOT your country, act and think like a guest, treat the "locals" with dignity and respect, it will go a long way. Also I agree with the statement to learn some of the language, at least the basics of "please, thank you, etc.". Just don't come back and think that Korea is nothing but a bunch of smoky bars outside the gate - TRAVEL while you're there, go to the recreational office (MWR in the USN) and see about tours, outings, etc. take LEAVE in country or go to Japan, etc. - you'll have the rest of your life to explore the United States after you get out.
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Be polite to the Koreans you meet, whatever the circumstances in which you meet them. Leave any bigotry or racism in CONUS (if you can't purge yourself from it entirely) even in private conversations with other American service members. I was in 2ID 87-88. I was constantly embarrassed and angered by the way my some of my fellow soldiers referred to both civilians and KATUSA soldiers.
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SGT Charles Bartell
I agree with you 100%. The farter north the our people are the dummer they seem to think the Koren people are. I think it is the other way. The farther north the korean people are the more farming they do. It is nothing like Soul. In Soul there is so many of the world wide compnys like LG, KIA, Hyundai, Daewoo this compay is a major arms maker and cars, Dawoo electroincs. Most of these jobs are simple task inside safe work. Not the farmers. Most of them do not have the equment that the rest of the word does. Then there is all the old unexpleded ordence. When I was at Camp Garry owen Dec 2001-Dec 2002. I found Two Artillery not detanated 1 small one inside our moter pool that the rain had uncoverd net to a water run off dran. The the other at K.T.C. and one Anti Tank Mine. Then I the one's that freez and blow. Then of course the one's in the field that are found,befor some one is Killed and the one's that are not. Respect the Farmers they does the real hard work.
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Get out and see the country when you have free time. It's easy to fall into the trap of working and then in your off time to hang out in the clubs off base or post.
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it makes you a better soldier if you have good leadership you will learn more in that one year than most soldiers conus will in their first three years
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I was there 73-74, I here they have real buildings now, but be prepared for a culture shot.
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The 3 old army rules
1-The Bar girls are smarter than you.
2-It make look like monopoly money but it is real money.
3- Do not forget the lst 2
1-The Bar girls are smarter than you.
2-It make look like monopoly money but it is real money.
3- Do not forget the lst 2
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Enjoy Korea it's a beautiful country and most people are very friendly just show them respect and you'll be fine
If you shake someone's hand that's is an older Korean Male place left hand under your elbow firmly shake his hand while bowing is a sign of respect that will go far. (at least it did when I went to Korea)
If you shake someone's hand that's is an older Korean Male place left hand under your elbow firmly shake his hand while bowing is a sign of respect that will go far. (at least it did when I went to Korea)
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