What tips, advice, or ideas do you have regarding what life is going to be like during my 12 months in Korea, most likely at Kunsan AFB?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 07:56:42 -0400

Im PCSing to Korea in March 2021, most likely going to be stuck at Kunsan AFB. Any tips, advice, or ideas of what life is gunna be like my 12 month there?

Response by SSgt Koree Copeland made Oct 13 at 2020 8:00 AM

SSgt Koree Copeland — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 08:00:45 -0400

Travel on weekends, don't just sit around on base, it's miserable if you do.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 13 at 2020 8:39 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 08:39:03 -0400

Duty stations are usually what you make them. Approach your new job and location with a positive attitude. Korea is a very old and beautiful country. The cities like Seoul are often busy and crowded. I always took cabs in Seoul because the traffic is crazy. The countryside is much nicer and a pleasant contrast to the cities.

The Korean people are friendly to Americans in general. Most appreciated our presence in their country.

Take advantage of programs offered on base to sight see and learn Korean history and culture. Try to get a visit to the DMZ.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2020 8:51 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 08:51:41 -0400

You could probably make a good amount of money off a couple trips to Japan and bring home car parts that are rare in the states and abundant in Japan - i.e. 90s and early 2000s Japanese sports cars.....

Response by SMSgt David A Asbury made Oct 13 at 2020 11:09 AM

SMSgt David A Asbury — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 11:09:55 -0400

It is been awhile since I was there and the base has change a lot. Don't stay on base , get out and see the country and history. Get to know the people and buy things and send gift home for birthdays, christmas gifts. Many things are hand made for you. Unless it has really change, take some thread of your favorite color. Our thread is better when you have clothes made for you. Sign up to get as many catalogs sent to you that can so you can have your clothes you like made. DON'T GET INVOLVED WITH THE BLACK MARKET.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 13 at 2020 12:14 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 12:14:56 -0400

Look at other previous discussions on this topic: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-advice-would-you-give-to-someone-going-to-korea-first-duty-station-who-has-never-been-out-of-the-country-before

What advice would you give to someone going to Korea (first duty station) who has never been out...