Korean Job Discussion Forums

Wurmwood · Joined: 13 Aug 2006

Does anyone know if veterans can get into the Army base in Yongsan? I served in Korea when I was in the Army about four years ago and, now that I'm going back to teach, I'd like to know if I can get back on the base and hopefully shop at the PX. Anyone know anything about it?

sojourner1 · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 3:02 am Post subject:

No, due to tight security, you are not allowed unless you are a dependent of a service member or a government worker there. In the good old days before 9/11, anyone could go on bases outside of America, shop, and gamble. This was a key factor in how the world got to know America and it's ideas throughout the 20th century. I remember being in Germany in the 1990's and there were no restrictions other than it required a ration card to buy alcohol and cigarettes. When the 2 embassies in Africa were bombed in 1998, security tightened to having gate guards checking ID's and taking foreign passports, but where I was at, the PX was separate from the base itself. They still let anyone on, if civilian, you just had to surrender your passport temporarily.

You can get on base as a guest with a service member or other authorized person, but you are not allowed purchase things at the PX, but you can eat out at Taco Bell. Of course, your host may buy things for you if you give them money. I met several soldiers in Itaewon and none were willing to do anything as they can lose rank, lots of money, and screw up their career if caught aiding outsiders with PX goodies. The Koreans working on base get lots of that stuff to sell in black markets who get away with it, but if soldier is doing it, oh, it's a very serious court martial and article 15 or even worse. It's just a double standard thing placed on soldiers as the expectations place on soldiers are the highest.

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

Only active duty and retired personnel and their dependents, as well as currently employed US Civil Service personnel assigned to the base and their dependents have access to the base. Without prior permission from the installation commander, such personnel (18 and older) may escorte up to 3 guest onto the base.

The guests must have a government issued ID (not a driver license) which will be held at the security checkpoint. If the guest wishes to use a passport as proof of identity, the guest may show the passport and leave a driver license at the gate. The maximum time permitted to remain on baseis 24 hours. Also, the guest is not authorized access to the PX or Commissary.

If you are a veteran but not retired, you do not have access on your own.

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

lastat06513 · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:05 am Post subject:

Thats very much true.......vets are not allowed onbase due to tight sucurity....but did you get a transition ID card? It is good for a certain amount of time and it is good as basepass.....mine was good for 3 years.....

But there are several ways to work on getting a basepass and now that you're in Korea, you can do it.

~ Do some volunteer work with the USO. If you do some kind of volunteer work with them for about 20 hours a month continuously for 10 months, you are entitled to apply for a basepass.

~ Or if you can arrange your school to be part of the "Good Neighbors Program." It is a program that allows local schoolchildren a chance to go onbase and get a glipse at life there. It would be a great idea, especially for your male students to convince them to do their military service as KATUSAs and not in ROKA......if you want the link to this program, PM me...

Wurmwood · Joined: 13 Aug 2006

I understand why they might decide not to let just anyone onto the base, but I was hoping that my veteran status would get me in. Oh well.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

They play poker on Yongsan on Wednesday night. Man, I had such an amazing 1/2 pound greasy hamburger and so many large potato slices they call 'fries'... delicious.

I was signed on though. Best dinner I've had all in Korea this year.

lastat06513 · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:31 pm Post subject:

From my understanding, it changed drastically after 9/11, but the transition was in the process long before that.....
I remember that if a person brought their passports and their DD214, they were allowed a temporary pass for the day they want to get onbase and that WAS only for veterans- that was in 1998-99

(I remember being a member of the U.P. guarding the gates of Camp Stanley when I was assigned up there and an American family wanted to get onbase to use the phone to report to the embassy that their passports and money was stolen.......I had to deny them access, even to use the phone because of the terrorism threat after the Khobar Towers blast).......sad Crying or Very sad