Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wylies99]

I was told this is possible. Do any of my fellow veterans on this board actually have access to the PX's in Korea? If yes, please post how to do this.

[sojourner1]

I am a veteran, but I don't have access to military installations such as Yongsan as you have to be active duty, a dependent of one, or a government employee of some sort to shop on bases. It's too bad as there is a Taco Bell and everything American for sale there.

I asked several GI's recently in Itaewon I met and their reply, "I only go there for work and nothing more as I hate that place."

[CentralCali]

[cangel]

Inactive Ready Reserve soldiers have (or used to have) base access. I ETSd way back in 1995 and was on IRR until 1999 and had access the whole time. Can't beat a $4 haircut...

[pest2]

[Tony_Balony]

I use to fixate on access but I don't anymore, everything is available outside somehow someway.

[lastat06513]

I am in the national guard and I will be visiting my friend in Iksan, and I plan on taking my friend to Kunsan for a bonafide steak dinner.

I was also told that if I was already in Korea and wanted to change from the guard to the reserves over there, I would have a better chance......with full access.


Can't beat free movies!!!!

[CentralCali]

To change components, you would still need to have your current commanding officer approve that request. Doing so while overseas is a bit of a pain but it is possible. You first have to execute the Applicatoin for Enlistment and attendant substantiating documentation. Once approved for enlistment into the new component, then you and your current CO must execute the application to change component. You also run the risk of the new component not requiring your services in your current rank; you may be approved for enlistment in a lower rank. The process will certainly take longer than a week or two.

Anyway, the National Guard is considered one of the Reserve components. My posting above addressed those who are pemanently here (Active Duty and Retirees). To be a Reservist or National Guardsman in good standing, you must make your drill meetings. Missing those meetings would certainly be a detriment towards enlistment in the other component.

As long as you're in good standing in the Guard, I think you may still be able to access the base. I can check with the Pass & ID Section while I'm there and report back here what the current rules are for visiting Reservists/Guardsmen not on AD. If you are permitted access to the base, all the restaurants are open to anyone on base; they even take Korean money (but not Korean credit cards).

There are two drawbacks for the movies: only ID card holders get in for free, their guests have to pay a nominal fee. The other drawback is that there aren't any subtitles.

[wylies99]

[CentralCali]

[chaz47]

It's kinda lame but I actually served here and want to go back to my old post and see how things have changed. It was just a tiny camp and may have even closed by now. They had an awesome library though. A pretty solid bookstore as well.

My buddies and I would spend every warm Sunday sitting at a round plastic picnic table under an umbrella next to the dinky PX drinking six packs and eating greasy chili. Good times

Field training here was wretched, the mosqitoes and the humidity... funk dat!

[contrarian]

I am a Canadianm but for a time I went to a Mormon church branch of the US military. When I wanted to go to the steak dinners I just asked one of them to take me.

When I first came to Korea I wanted to join the flying club at Osan. I had everything set up - then 9/11 hit. No more set-up.

[Richard Krainium]

[cangel]

Back in the day, they took your active duty ID and replaced it with a pink reserve ID. With my ID I had full base privileges to include space-a travel, although I was pretty low on the waiting list. It appears, things have changed.

[CentralCali]