PCSing to Korea (Kunsan)

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:25:48 -0500

I will be PCSing there in a few months, and would like to know more about it. How is the base? I know the base is mostly Air force, with very few soldiers. Is the area nice? nightlife?

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Jan 23 at 2014 2:22 PM

SFC Robert Trodahl — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:22:28 -0500

Been stationed near the border.  Korea like anywhere else is what you make of it.  Hope on a train or taxi and see the sights.  Its a beautiful country once you leave the immediate vincinity of a military base.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Apr 13 at 2014 8:43 AM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 08:43:21 -0400

Never visited Kunsan, was to far south to go. I spent all my 13 years north of Ujongbu/Seoul. Know more about the DMZ then Kunsan! ;-)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 11:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 23:13:19 -0400

Check out the amusement parks - Seoul Land, Lotte World. Shop for gifts for your loved ones. I bought more than a few jewelry boxes. Don't get too caught up in the nightlife. Everyone drinks. There's more to Korea though. Visit the villes of the other bases - Casey, Osan, Suwon, Yongsan, Humphreys, etc.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Jun 1 at 2014 6:41 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 18:41:22 -0400

A couple years ago my wife and I stayed in lodging at Kunsan. The village there is quiet small and only a couple of clubs/restaurants outside the gate. Kunsan is fairly isolated. Taking a pass away every month would give add some excitement.

Response by CPT Vance Walden made Jun 2 at 2014 12:45 PM

CPT Vance Walden — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:45:57 -0400

I spent 2 tours in Korea..the first was in 81-83 at Camp Casey/TDC in 2ID. My 2nd was in Yongson 87 to 89. I went briefly back for 2 weeks in 91 to Seoul for personal business. The best way to see Korea is to make friends with local Koreans. During my first tour, I became good friends with our divisional liaison officer and we spent some off duty time(did not have a lot of that though) together off base for some sight seeing and friendship. During my 2nd tour, I was involved in a local Korean chapter for conversational language practice and became close friend with 2 Korean businessmen and their families. To this day, we are still connected and close. They took me skiing, camping, sightseeing, clubbing(just the guys) and just hanging out. I have watched their children grow up. My Korean friends were very generous, kind, loyal and thoughtful. Keep away from "touristy" spots, go off the beaten path and you will truly appreciate the character of the Korean culture. Others have said it and it's true, any assignment is what you always decide to make it and since you are there, you might as well have a good time.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 3 at 2014 8:52 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 20:52:53 -0400

Go to Pan Mun Jom. You'll never have a better opportunity. 1LT Bill Otto and 2LT yours truly "in North Korea" 1991