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

Be open minded and leave your biases and opinions to yourself. Especially if you come from a less tolerant racist/radical State. Korea is quite advanced now and you may find yourself in shock as to how different it is from where you are coming from. If you're a millennial it is recommended that you learn the local customs and make an effort to actually communicate with Koreans and not look at your smart phone while doing so. If not, It is suggested that you check your attitude at the door.

Don't hide in the barracks or spend your free time getting plastered wishing you were on the way back to the States. Get out and travel. Learn some of the Language. Enjoy the opportunities available.

Be respectful of the local people and their culture. Learn as much as you can about them, the language and their customs. Be kind. It will carry you much further than you would ever believe possible.

LTC Jason Mackay was right on with his list of does and don'ts for the most part. I was stationed at Camp Stanton, D Trp 4th Sqdn 7th Cav part of 2nd Infantry Div. Closest air unit to the DMZ. Went on alert almost once a month because of tunnels running north to south. But no big deal. Had a great time, try the food Bulgogee & rice, Ohm rice, Yakimondoo, great Kimchee not so much. Try to learn some of the language it will help immensely (shows respect). I agree make friends with the KATUSA (Korean augmentation to the United States Army) most of them are great guys (some jerks, just like the US Army). Get out from the bar towns, get to meet the real Koreans. Don't get married! and above all enjoy your self!

Okay, as someone who was stationed in Korea a couple of times and goes back annually on business, I'd say: Don't limit yourself to staying on post. Be adventurous and see the country. I knew a lot of guys who never left post because it was "foreign" and they felt uncomfortable because they couldn't speak Korean. I used every opportunity to go somewhere new and meet people. My first tour was 1982 and I still have friends from then. BTW, my wife is Korean and we've been married for 33 years. Just don't find a camp girl. :)

Korea is an exciting place. The culture, food and leisure time are well worth the tour. Get off the camps and visit the history of the land, you’d be surprised how accepted you are to the people just by learning simple phrases in everyday life, and yes, there’s even benefits that come along with trying to communicate. Young women your age is like any other in the world. They’re curious and want to experience new things. Just by simply demonstrating your curiosity into their culture, opens the door for some pretty wild rides, if you know what I’m talking about (wink, wink), besides they are beautiful, attractive and sexually charged women. So, kick back, learn a phrase or two and enjoy the Land of the Morning Calm.

Sit back and enjoy. Take every opportunity to sightsee. You may never again have a chance to see all that Korea has to offer. There many very old buildings throughout the country. Time allowing, hit Japan and Hong Kong. The far east is a different world and one to be absorbed, learned from and enjoyed. Korea is known as the Land of The Morning Clam. Once you are there for just a little time you may find that Calm. Koreans are extremely spiritual, especially in the less populated areas. I found Seoul interesting with many points of interest but exploring the remote countryside is where you will find the "real" Korea. Koreans are kind, loving people. Keep away from the G.I. villages, that is not Korea. Enjoy your time there and get the most culturally from your tour, you will regret not doing so.

Enjoy what the country has to offer. You will probably never go back.

All great advice for a first timer in a foriegn port. First and foremost remember that your an ambassador of the United States. In other words "be mindful of your actions, and respect the cultures of their people. Don't be a belligerent jerk, and if you enjoy cold beverages drink in moderation! The armed forces of today are not the same as in the 50's,60's and beyond. You can and will be discharged for over indulging with alchohol etc and in some cases with other than honorable conditions. Open your eyes and mind to an exciting cultural experience, there's more than booze and the hookers. Try foods you never imagined that you would eat , take in the countryside and above all go on as many tours as possible. The ignorance of one's actions back home, will not be tolerated by the Korean ROK. The won't just incarcerate people for stupid shit ,they'll provide you with a first hand lesson of kungfu and karate in the likes of which you never saw on a movie screen. It will be a oriental ass kicking with severe bodily injury. Be smart represent the United States well, and you will have a awesome tour of duty.

I recall once, hanging out with some buddies at a restaurant in Itaewon. We were being served by a beautiful, gorgeous South Korean waitress with very long hair. We were all speaking Spanish. Suddenly, one of my 'pals makes a comment in Spanish, " She ain't so hot, she's pretty damn ugly"! All of a sudden, she looked at him straight in the eye & pointing at him said, " You need to watch your damn mouth. I am offended. You are a guest here & in my country"! We were all flabbergasted in shock! I then asked her politely why did she speak such fluent Spanish. She told us that she was a full-time student at the University of Seoul majoring in Spanish hoping to work someday as a diplomat in a Spanish country. She just needed this little waitress job to help ends meet. We all apologize on behalf of our friend who just sat there with this dumb ass look in his face. Lessons learned: be respectful always when serving overseas !!