Service members are not required to secure passports for entrance into Korea for their duty assignment because of existing Status of Forces Agreement. Family members who accompany are required to have a passport and a A-3 VISA and have completed the South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, K-ETA, Waiver: The South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization is now available online. (koreaonlinevisa.com. The current SOFA states that "Members of civilian component, their dependents and the dependents of members of the US Armed Forces shall be in possession of appropriate documentation issued by appropriate US authorities so that their status may be verified by the authorities of the Republic of Korea." Contact the local transportation or legal office prior to departure to determine how to obtain an A-3. Immediately after arrival/in-processing bring your passport to PSD at Bldg.606 so that if your VISA does not state A-3 status, they may assist you in obtaining an upgrade and being issued a SOFA stamp. The SOFA stamp is required to verify the special status of civilians and dependents under SOFA.
Service members will need copy of PCS orders and ID card or leave chit and ID card to travel between the US and Korea. To travel to other foreign countries not covered by SOFA, service members will most likely need passports. Law effective 2 July, 2001 requires signatures of both parents to obtain passports for children under the age of 13. If one parent is not available to sign the passport application, parental consent can be documented with a signed, notarized letter or statement from the absent parent providing permission to take the child or children overseas.
Unaccompanied personnel from E-6 and below are not authorized to own and operate privately owned vehicles. Waivers and/or exemptions are covered under USFK Reg 190-1. For more information and details visit the United State Forces Korea at https://www.usfk.mil/
Driver's License
A current driver's license (one that will not expire during their time in Korea) and the completion of two JKOs is required to obtain a Republic of Korea driver's license. Both JKOs can be completed before coming to Korea, and certificates obtained from the JKOs should be submitted to the Transportation Department upon arrival.
Privately-owned vehicles
One (1) car is allowed on accompanied orders. One (1) car is allowed for E-6 and above on unaccompanied orders.
Vehicle Maintenance
For most cars getting parts locally is usually not that difficult. The nearest AAFES Car Care Center is located at Camp Walker in the city of Daegu (approx 1 ½ hour drive, depending on traffic) but there are local mechanics close to base and in the city of Busan.
Most Korean’s own cars and as military personnel are PCS’ing to other duty stations there are opportunities to purchase inexpensive cars. You will find that Korean cars can be purchased locally at reasonable prices. Inexpensive resale cars are available from military personnel who are PCSing to other duty stations. However be aware that traffic can be difficult and most Korean drivers are very aggressive with very little patience and heeding of traffic laws.
Telephone Access in Korea
Dialing instructions to call Chinhae Navy Base:
Department - Phone Number:
- International Direct Dialing SDO - 011-82-10-6256-1184
- Local Direct Dialing -010-6256-1184
- International Direct Dialing Admin - 011-82-10-8685-5382
- Local Direct Dialing - 0503-363-8242
- 24 Hour CFAC Emergency No- Korea 0503-363-5345 or Local 055-545-5927
What to bring
All military personnel should bring a generous supply of uniforms, patches, ribbons, etc., since most are not available locally and have to be ordered from Japan.
What not to bring
Do not bring guns or firearms of any type. Even those that have been properly registered in the United States are illegal in the Republic of Korea.
Furniture
Do not ship large amounts of furniture and appliances. On base housing is fully furnished and off base housing can be furnished or not furnished depending on your needs, but there is very little to no storage in most homes and storage centers do not really exist in Republic of Korea. Please refer to the CFAC Housing webpage at https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnfk/installations/cfa_chinhae/ffr/housing-service-center.html.
Other Important Information
Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoon climate from a precipitation standpoint. Korea is characterized by the four distinct seasons. Spring last from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers and the famous cherry blossoms cover the mountains and fields during this time. Summer lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and very humid time of the year. Autumn last from September to November, and produces mild weather. It is the best season for visiting Korea. Winter lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold with December averaging a high of about 45 degrees during this time. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea makes for favorable skiing conditions.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code (315) must be included.
