What can I expect on my trip to, and when I arrive at Korea?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 20:03:22 -0400

I'm going to be graduating AIT in 6 weeks, then I'm heading to Korea and arriving at Osan. Any information I can get about Korea would be helpful. However I'm mostly concerned about what I need to know or expect, and how good or bad are the living conditions. I'm also very curious as to what the barracks will look like, and how the rooms are structured and/or if I'll have a room mate Thank you

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 13 at 2019 11:18 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 23:18:40 -0400

Keep your pants open

Response by SFC Michael D. made Aug 14 at 2019 7:47 AM

SFC Michael D. — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 07:47:36 -0400

All I can tell you is wear a condom. Trust me, I worked in the STD clinic.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2019 10:39 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 10:39:49 -0400

As a PFC, you're gonna have a roommate. And remember these important Preventive Medicine words:

Flies spread disease....so keep yours closed.

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made Aug 14 at 2019 11:08 AM

1SG Eddie Smith — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 11:08:47 -0400

You will have a SOJU experience! lol! but seriously, I had three different year-long assignments in South Korea and each was a great experience, had a great time. Get out and see the country and meet the people. Make as many trips to Seoul as possible. Living conditions are not bad at all for young Soldiers, but yeah, you will most likely have a roommate. I believe that in the past few years new barracks have been built at Camp Humphries.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Aug 14 at 2019 3:35 PM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:35:41 -0400

Best that you are not assigned to N Korea! But remember POTUS and KJN have fallen "in love".
You will enjoy this duty station as per some who served there.
Rich

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 14 at 2019 3:53 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:53:24 -0400

I have not been stationed in the Republic of Korea, but I have traveled there several times on TDY. It was one of the better TDY locations. Generally nice, polite people who don't hate Americans, good shopping, good food (some acquired tastes like Kimchee). As junior enlisted, you may not get a lot of time off. My perception was the Army units took their mission and training very seriously. On your days off check with your local "rec center" for tours and events. Also, take a trip to the DMZ--a real eye opener. The weather can be harsh summer and winter, but the Army should provide adequate clothing and equipment. If you can get away from Seoul, the country side can be quire beautiful. Even the bus trip from Osan to Seoul passes through some nice farmland. ROK isn't all high-rise apartment buildings and crowded streets. Don't drive in the cities! Take a cab. AAFES has its own cab service. Normally a good deal.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Aug 15 at 2019 2:39 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 14:39:25 -0400

I was in 2nd Division in the early 70s - The place had no trees, mountains (that we had to climb), house sized boulders that blocked fields of fire, narrow roads, rice paddies with narrower paths and honey wagons.
Went back in the late 80s with the Team Spirit Exercise - There were trees (that soldiers had hand-planted one by one during my first tour) but all else was the same. That was the working environment.
As for the off-duty environment - Wear rubbers, don't get locked up down in the ville, stay away from the black market (only thing I achieved in Korea was that I left the same rank I arrived with) and the fastest way (updated to today's information as of 2015) from Seoul to Camp Casey is to use the Kakao Taxi.