Korean Job Discussion Forums

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

I read in the Chosun an article that 90 homes are on the verge of being demolished in the Pyongtaek area for base construction. 2 weeks ago, President Noh and his cabinent had come to agreement with the US command for Korea to gain war-time control in 2009.

What's the latest? Am I missing something?

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

I read that too on CNN.com. Personally, I think the American army is stupid for doing that. They are downsizing, but the higher ups needed a new operations centre, so let's bulldoze a villiage and move everyone (even with compensation). This will not help relations. And while relations are bad due to, in my opinion, childish immaturity on Korea's part, this seems pretty stupid on America's part.

Seriously, what the hell would an American town do if Korea suddenly came by and said they wanted to bulldoze it down for a military base, even if that military base was helping to keep them safe from terrorists? They wouldn't be very happy, and with good cause. I can't believe they couldn't come up with another solution.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Hmm.. you seem to have heard the overreactive Korean student protestor version of this.

The full story is Korea has been pressuring the US government forever to give up that valuable land in the city of Seoul.

A lot of discussion took place.. and the US military looked at Pyeongtaek. Then among the Koreans (this was suppose to all be confidential).. word got out.. and everyone you could imagine started buying up the land down there so they could become quasi-millionaires after they sold it to the U.S.

Most of the dispute as far as I know is not so much with the farmers, but its more with the korean investors who can't seem to rape the US military enough for the farmland that they bought from the farmers.

The thing that gets me the most however.. is the US military is doing a favor to the Korean government by moving from Seoul (valuable property, location, etc.) and choosing somewhere in the boondocks. But somehow that bites them in the ass as moving out of Seoul means they'll take up valuable farmland. Rolling Eyes

Benicio · Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 7:26 pm Post subject:

You guys really aren't looking at the bigger picture.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I think the big picture is that Koreans have to live on this peninsula. The Cold War is a smaller picture. It's hard to say "We're here to protect you. Now get out of your home because we're going to demolish it."

In defense of the Americans, they're not bulldozing these homes. That's the Korean government's responsibility, even if it is for an American base.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Well, what's the 2009 thing? 2 weeks ago this was big news. Has this been rejected by the powers at be?

USFK �Shelves Headquarters Move to Pyeongtaek�

The U.S. has shelved plans to move its forces headquarters in Korea from Seoul�s Yongsan to Pyeonbgtaek after deciding to cede sole wartime operational control of Korean troops to Seoul, it emerged Thursday. The handover will make changes to the �master plan� for moving the base inevitable since it will mean dissolving Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command.

A diplomatic source in Seoul said some 20 experts have been called in to help with the move of the U.S. Forces Korea to the nearly 1.3 million sq.m base at Pyeongtaek, but a directive to put the plan on hold was issued as talk of handing over wartime control intensified.

"The plans for the Pyeongtaek base were worked out on the premise that the CFC would be maintained for a substantial period," the source said. "But if the Korean military ends up exercising independent wartime control, the CFC will be dissolved and one of the main buildings at the Pyeongtaek base will not be needed, so a reworking of the plans seems in order." In April, the USFK said the building, with Korean-style roofs, would house the CFC, USFK Command and UN Command.

The freeze on the project will likely remain until after the Security Consultative Meeting in Washington this October, where a roadmap for the forces control handover is to be hammered out along with the precise role of a new �Military Cooperation Center� that will replace the CFC.

Many fear the halt of the master plan will mean further cuts to the USFK. Another diplomatic source said perhaps the U.S. Defense Department, seeing a major change in the alliance as inevitable after the return of wartime control, shelved the plans to be prepared for any contingency �including further cuts in troop numbers."

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200608/200608310019.html

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

If the Americans are to cede wartime control to another military structure I question whether they will remain to have their forces commanded by outsiders.

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye

Matthews world signature reads..

Beej · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Location: Eungam Loop

Wishmaster · Joined: 06 Feb 2003

Gee..Wangja...yeah, the US is going to give up wartime control and just take orders from Koreans Rolling Eyes

Yeah, the most powerful country in the world is going to take its directives from a country that is so in control of its emotions and displays such flawless logic. Emotions and logic. No, I think it is safe to say that the US is telling the Koreans to go to hell and deal with the North themselves. About time...I, like many others, am all for it....

Guri Guy · Joined: 07 Sep 2003 Location: Bamboo Island

It's a good thing. Time for Korea to stand on it's own two feet. It will be damn expensive though to maintain their own military. If the story of the Korean investors is true hopefully they lose money trying to sell the property back. That would be sweet.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

For the two posters above, the article said there was only 29500 soldiers in Korea. That's a lot, but not crazy. And there is no reason they can't make it less. But a total pullout isn't about bodies, it's about American presence. I think you two are thinking things through and forgot about the big country right next door. I don't think it's smart for Korea or America to completely pull out.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

flotsam · Joined: 28 Mar 2006

In the end, it is the Korean government's responsibility to properly compensate the locals for their land and the hardship suffered in the move.

If you want to read more about it go to:

http://www.sarangbang.or.kr/eng/

But the Korean site is better:

http://www.sarangbang.or.kr/kr/new/index.php

Those are some good people doing good things.