What are the top 5 reasons you would go back to Korea; conversely top five reasons you wouldn't?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 04:19:30 -0400

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 4:50 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 04:50:01 -0400

My original visits to South Korea were in 1971. Seoul was a much different city from the one it is today. I suspect my top six reasons to return would be K I M C H I !!!

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Aug 4 at 2016 5:07 AM

Capt Michael Greene — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 05:07:44 -0400

Biggest reason to go: Great shopping.
Biggest reason to not go: February.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Aug 4 at 2016 5:40 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 05:40:13 -0400

I don't know that I can give you 5 pluses or minuses, however, I have been to S. Korea on business and enjoyed the trip, the people, the food and learning about the country. I have met some wonderful people and still am in contact with several. On the down side, I am not fond of cold weather anymore. On a take it or leave it scale, I'll leave the cold.

I have also been to S. Korea on a leisure trip with my bride. We were even able to "step over" into the North briefly. My wife is Thai and until this point had only been to Singapore so the cold weather was a real shock to her. She honestly enjoyed it and was amused at seeing her own breath.

My wife enjoyed the trip and would welcome a return trip.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 4 at 2016 9:28 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 09:28:58 -0400

Kimchi, fresh seafood, countryside, one day suits, table tennis.

The stench, traffic, dust, everyone smokes, and the Sheriff of Pusan.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Aug 4 at 2016 11:09 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 11:09:11 -0400

Couldn't give 5 pro's and 5 con's. But I will give 1 each:
Pro- Good Training Environment
Con- All the changes with the rules and regulations suck the fun out of off duty time. If it were 25 years ago, then hell yeah I would go back.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 1:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:22:46 -0400

I love bulgogi
I love kimchi
I love the scenery
Got some great suits and jackets made there
Love living in Seoul

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2016 1:23 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 01:23:06 -0400

Currently down South so I can only comment based on my observations here at Walker. I think the food is pretty great and the people in general are amazing as well. Fairly safe with all the cameras and it seems like we always have some kind of holiday or day off. Lastly, as soon as you get here you're already short and it resets your dwell time.

As for the drawbacks I would say the drivers here are on par with those in DC. Curfew seems to hem people up, as well as rations being busted for those who drink, EDRE's can be a pain in the butt, and finally the OPTEMPO down on Walker can be fairly slow with lots of busy work done outside your primary MOS.