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
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Relax, keep your head on a swivel and make sure you stay on the South Korean side. No excursions that might take you close to their border. Listen to your NCO or whoever you report to. Just one more thing, RESPECT THEIR CULTURE!
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That was me in 1989. Korea has changed a lot for the better I think. But you want advice from an old man who served there. Don’t live in the barracks. Don’t live in the Ville either. There are libraries, arts and crafts shops, gyms on every post, go find a new hobby or make a new friend and try their hobby. I played some tabletop war games (Squad Leader) I played some D&D, learned to play spades ( never trump your partner, he will draw a bayonet on you) I also made friends with the KATUSAs in my unit. That allowed me to travel to towns where the US posts are not present and buy Korean items not made to empty a GIs pocket. Take advantage of MWR tours, they were limited when I was there as I was close to the DMZ but I know guys who learned a lot of culture while they were there and had a lot of good times. As I’m writing this, my best friend from Korea is packing his rental to explore Northern Europe from my home in the Netherlands. Going to Korea as a 21 year old man gave me the courage to move here and live with my Dutch wife.
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Buy your own water filter attachments plus filter supply for the shower heads.
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Remember you home training and always remember you're never off duty and B bank in time when you need to be we don't have a pass back on base you bring your ass
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Don't be afraid to explore your new environment. Learn the language, try the food, and travel. Don't be a barracks rat and get drunk in the room. I did 2 tours over there and I loved it each time.
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Enjoy your tour of duty. Whenever you get the chance try to see as much of the country as you can. Learn while you are there. Respect the Korean people and their culture. Do your duty and soldier well.
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A lot depends on where you're stationed, whether it's north of Seoul, or Seoul and south.
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SSG Ken Gilder
When I was there, my unit (AFKN) was headquartered at Yongson. I was assigned to Radio Gypsy, at Camp Kaiser, almost on the DMZ. But things have changed. AFKN is now AFN Korea, and has moved its HQ between Osan, and Kunsan, to Camp Humphries.
I may catch a hop out of Travis, and take a look.
I may catch a hop out of Travis, and take a look.
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