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The cost of living in South Korea can vary depending on the city and lifestyle, but generally, it is considered to be more affordable than the USA. This is especially true in terms of housing, healthcare, and education. However, it's important to note that certain goods and services may be more expensive in South Korea compared to the USA. Additionally, exchange rates and individual spending habits can also impact the perceived affordability of a country. Overall, between its vast and affordable transit system, wide range of dining options and abundance of low-cost activities and attractions, South Korea can prove a relatively inexpensive place to live. Contact your sponsor for specific details about your living situation and arrangements.
When reporting to Kunsan ABUs and/or OCPs are the uniform of the day. It is also recommended that you have at least one set available in your accompanied baggage. Kunsan AB has a high ops tempo, thus your arrival could be during one of many exercises. Nearly all base facilities are closed during exercises to include BX and commissary. It is critical to coordinate your arrival with your sponsor to ensure you have the necessities you will need upon arrival.
U.S. Transportation Command re-instituted Patriot Express service to Osan and Kunsan AB with the port located at Seattle, WA. This service is mandatory for all duty passenger travel. Your local Traffic Management Office at your current base will book your tickets for your PCS flight to Korea on the Patriot Express.
All newcomers must complete the mandatory online USFK sponsorship survey as well as USFK Theater Specific Required Training. After completing the USFK Theater Specific Required Training, print out a copy of the certificate and bring it with you to in-process with your Command Support Staff.
Defense Service Network Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. 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. The DSN area code in Korea is 315 and must be dialed when calling Korea by DSN. Long distance charges may be incurred if calling commercially.
Kunsan Air Base is home to the 8th Fighter Wing which is known as the “Wolf Pack”, a nickname given during the command of Colonel Robin Olds back in 1966. It is one of two major Air Force installations operated by the United States in Korea. It is located on the west coast of the South Korean peninsula bordered by the Yellow Sea. Kunsan Air Base is a remote/unaccompanied assignment, and all 8 FW active-duty military members must reside on the installation unless authorized by the Installation Commander (Wolf).
The 8th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Kunsan Air Base, and is assigned to Seventh Air Force, headquartered at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Seventh Air Force falls under Pacific Air Forces, which is headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
Located seven miles west of Gunsan City, the base is on the west coast of the peninsula near the Kum River. The base is also home to the U.S. Army's 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, which is equipped with Patriot Advanced Capability missiles. The battalion's battery helps protect the base against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Other associate units include the Air Force Judiciary Area Defense Counsel, American Forces Network-Korea, American Red Cross, Army Air Force Exchange Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Army Contracting Command Korea, Contract Air Terminal Operations, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 613 and the U.S. Army 25th Transportation. Battalion.
The 8th Fighter Wing Mission: "Defend the Base (Hooah), Accept Follow on Forces (Bring it), Take the Fight North (Wolf Pack)."
The vision for the 8th Fighter Wing is to be "a resilient warfighting wing ready to deliver combat airpower at a moment's notice; honoring our legacy by fostering an environment of teamwork, dignity, and respect; enhancing the Wolf Pack culture of innovation, compliance, and excellence, 1-year tour with a 10-year vision."
Originally built by the Japanese as a fighter-interceptor base in 1938, Kunsan became the home of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group in Korea at the end of World War II. In 1949, U.S. forces left Korea, turning the base over to the Republic of Korea Air Force.
In July 1950, at the outset of the Korean Conflict, North Korean forces occupied Kunsan Air Base. The U.S. Army's 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry recaptured the base and Kunsan City on Sept. 30, 1950. In April 1951, the 27th Air Base Group became the first Air Force unit assigned to the base. The group oversaw the base's rehabilitation. The Army's 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion built a 5,000-foot runway to replace the sod runway built by the Japanese. The 3rd Bombardment Wing moved to the base Aug. 22, 1951, as Kunsan's first assigned aircraft wing.
Following the 3rd Bombardment Wing's return to Japan at the end of the Korean Conflict, Kunsan became the home to several Air Force units. The 6170th Air Base Group and the 6170th Air Base Squadron operated and maintained the base from 1954 to 1968. From 1968 to 1970, the 354th and later the 54th Tactical Fighter Wing ran the base. The 6175th assumed responsibility for the installation in the mid-1970s until the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing returned to Kunsan in March 1971. In September 1974, the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was assigned to Kunsan Air Base. As a part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was re-designated the 8th Fighter Wing on Feb. 3, 1992
Kunsan AB is home to the 8th Fighter Wing made up of two F-16 fighter squadrons, the 35th Fighter Squadron and the 80th Fighter Squadron. Learn more about Kunsan from the website: Kunsan Air Base (af.mil).
The local population of Gunsan-si, Republic of Korea is estimated at 303,415 in a country of almost 52 million people. Kunsan AB, 8th Fighter Wing is home to four Groups, 14 Squadrons, 18 Wing Staff Agencies, and 11 Tenant Units. Integrated prevention and response efforts support 2,587 Active-Duty Military, 123 Non-Combatants: 28 Non-Command Sponsored Civilians; 28 DoD Command-Sponsored Civilians and 26 Dependents; 22 Invited Contractors (IC), 19 IC Dependents;1,100 Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
Kunsan AB, 8th Fighter Wing is home to four Groups, 14 Squadrons, 18 Wing Staff Agencies, and 11 Tenant Units. Integrated prevention and response efforts support 2,587 Active-Duty Military, 123 Non-Combatants: 28 Non-Command Sponsored Civilians; 28 DoD Command-Sponsored Civilians and 26 Dependents; 22 Invited Contractors (IC), 19 IC Dependents;1,100 Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
Kunsan AB is located on the western coast of the South Korean peninsula bordered by the yellow sea. It is approximately 150 miles south of Seoul. The base is named after Gunsan City, a port town seven and a half miles east of the installation. Many interesting sites, including temples and historical landmarks are within an easy driving distance.
Contact Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) for additional information, 011-82-63-470-5644, or DSN 315-782-5644.
Most of inbound military personnel who are PCSing to Kunsan will fly in on the Patriot Express from Seattle and will arrive at the passenger terminal on the flight line at Osan AB, S. Korea.
To the Public Bus from Incheon to Gunsan, purchase a ticket from the ticket booth or kiosk just outside of the airport at the specific location depending on your terminal. At terminal 1, the ticket kiosk is located near departure sliding door #12. At terminal 2, you will take the escalator/stairs to the lower level and follow the signs to trains & buses. You will be purchasing a ticket to Gunsan City bus station. You can pay in Won or with a credit card (if you only have USD cash on hand you can use the various airport money exchanges or an ATM). Find the platform you will be departing from and pay attention to scheduled departure times. Times and destinations will also be displayed in the front window of each bus. Show the driver your ticket to ensure you are getting on the correct bus. The trip will be a little over three hours long, with a rest-stop halfway through. Rest stop vendors only take Won or credit cards; in case your credit card does not work, please bring extra Won.
DO NOT TAKE A TAXI! It can cost over $400 and is NOT REIMBURSABLE!
All inbound members traveling from Osan AB will be transported to Kunsan AB by bus. The bus is called "WolfPack Wheels". The cost for official travel is $65. Payments can be made using a Government Travel Card (GTC), or cash can be used if you do not have a GTC. Please keep all your travel receipts.
Arriving at Incheon Airport
There is a commercial bus and train from Incheon to Kunsan AB. There is also a military transport (8th Army) bus to Humprey's, Osan and Kunsan Air Base, depending on the time you land. Commercial bus and train tickets can be purchased in Terminal 1 and 2. The bus is the easiest and cheapest commercial transport (Keep all receipts, use your government travel card for all authorized charges). The airport has an information desk that can assist you necessary.
Military: Ensure your sponsor is aware of your flight arrangements.
DoD Civilian/Contractor Employees: Ensure your sponsor is aware of your flight arrangements.
For taxi service, call DSN 315-782-4318 or 063-470-4318 from a cell phone. Taxi fare starts at $3.30 and prices go up depending on the distance. Off-base taxis are paid in Korean currency (won) and fare starts at 3500 won. Taxis may also be requested utilizing the "Exchange Taxi Plus" application on any smart device.
To contact the Kunsan Air Base Operator, please call COMM: 011-82-63-470-1110 or DSN 315-782-1110.