Osan Air Base, located 48 miles south of the Korean DMZ, is home to the "Mustangs" 51st Fighter Wing and 24 tenant units, including Seventh Air Force. As the most forward deployed permanently-based wing in the Air Force, the 51st Fighter Wing is charged with providing mission-ready Airmen to execute combat operations and receive follow-on forces. Our wing with its 24 PAA, F-16 and A-10 squadrons, along with a C-12 airlift flight and a myriad of base support agencies conducts the full spectrum of missions providing for the defense of the Republic of Korea. Every member of the Osan team is vital in maintaining stability in Northeast Asia. Due to our location, critical mission requirements, and continuous turnover; each inbound member must be prepared for quick assimilation and be mission-focused before departing their losing base and soon after arriving at Osan AB, ROK. Visit osan.af.mil for more information.

Osan Air Base is one of two major airfields operated by the U.S. in Korea and the only USAF facility in the Republic of Korea (ROK) entirely planned and built by the U.S. from scratch during the Korean War. The base is located 4.7 miles southwest of the town of Osan, for which it is named, and 40 miles south of Seoul, the capital city. Prior to the invasion of the Republic of Korea by the North Korean communists in 1950, the area consisted of several tiny farming villages near the hillsides and a large number of rice paddie areas where the runway now lies. A large ginko tree marked the village square of one of these villages and still stands on a hill in the base golf course.

Established in November 1951, the base was originally named Osan-ni AB (but more often referred to by its "K-55" airfield designation) in November 1951. The first base commander chose the name "Osan-ni" for practical reasons, as it was the only village shown on military maps in the region and it was easy to pronounce. In 1952 the ROK government allowed the U.S. to acquire 1,250 acres for the air base. Throughout 1952, a aviation engineers constructed a 9,000-foot runway and base support facilities were constructed. On 26 December 1952, the Osan-ni's first operational flying unit and support elements of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing (FBW) arrived at the base, including advanced elements of the 18th FBW. The 18 FBW conducted combat air operations from Osan-ni AB in support of United Nations ground forces throughout the Korean War, and provided post-war tactical air power until October 1954. Please visit the Osan AB homepage for more information.

Meanwhile, the 58th FBW replaced the 18th FBW in March 1955, and assumed the air defense role with the F-86F. The wing remained the only permanently-based USAF tactical wing in Korea until July 1958. From that time, Pacific Air Forces rotated tactical fighter units into Osan AB over the next 13 years until the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron was permanently assigned to Osan AB in November 1971 (Harrumph!). The 51st Fighter Wing (FW) was originally activated at Osan AB on 1 November 1971 as the 51st Air Base Wing. The "51st" designation has remained at Osan AB ever since. Osan transitioned to standby status and hosted only temporary duty or transient units involved in Pacific Air Forces tactical operations. The base became a permanent peacetime installation. Osan has hosted many types of fighter aircraft in its history. Today, the host 51st FW flies the A-10 (Pilsung!) and F-16 fighter (Harrumph!) aircraft.

• 51 FW (Military at Osan AB) - estimated 3,751
• Tenant Units (Military at Osan AB) - estimated 1,931
• Family Members - estimated 2,071
• U.S. DoD and USAF Civilians - estimated 255
• Korean National Employees - estimated 907
• Retirees and their Family Members - estimated 580

Osan AB is located in the city of Songtan; Songtan merged with the city of Pyeongtaek.

City of Osan: over 240,000 - City of Songtan:110, 000 - City of Pyeongtaek: over 500,000 - Republic of Korea (South Korea): estimated 51.71 million 

Population Assigned as of April 2024

• 51 FW (Military at Osan AB): 3,861
• Tenant Units (Military at Osan AB): 1,971
• Family Members: 2,470
• U.S. DoD and USAF Civilians: 241
• Korean National Employees: 848
• Retirees and Family Members: 1,446

Total Population Serviced by Osan ABAS: approx. 13,000

Osan Air Base is located in Pyongtaek City, Gyeonggi Do, South Korea. The base operator's phone number is 011-82-31-661-1110 or DSN 315-784-1110.

Satellite Locations

Location, Distance From Osan AB - Contact Phone Number:

• Pil-sung Range, 110 miles due east -DSN: 315-784-6387
• Kunsan Air Base, 100 miles south - DSN: 315-784-6112/6113
• Camp Red Cloud, 55 miles north - DSN: 315-732-6142
• Daegu/Waegwan/Camp Carroll/Camp Walker/Camp George/Camp Henry, 160 miles south - DSN: 315-765-8225/8263
• Gimhae Air Base, approximately 300 miles south - DSN: 315-763-3581
• Wonju/Camp Long, 65 miles northeast - DSN: 315-721-3512/3410
• Camp Humphreys, 12 miles south - DSN: 315-753-7810
• Gwangju Air Base, 170 miles south - DSN: 315-786-6314
• Suwon Air Base, 17 miles north - DSN: 315-788-5385

51 Force Support Squadron Bus Service from Incheon International Airport to Osan AB, Korea

When you arrive at Terminal 1, Incheon International Airport be sure to check-in at the Joint Forces Reception Center (JRC). After departing the customs and baggage claim area you will need to turn left and go to exit number 1. This is the JRC counter and they will advise you about bus service to Osan. The JRC in Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport is at the Arrival level, exit 3 (across from Paris Baguette). They are open 24/7.

You can transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 by free shuttle bus, which connects Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 and Terminal 2 to Terminal 1. It departs every 5 minutes. Total journey is about 15 up to 20 minutes. Stops: Terminal 1: Gate 8, third level. Terminal 2: Between Gate 4 and 5, third floor.

Transportation from Incheon International Airport

The shuttle costs $40 per person and is a reimbursable cost. The shuttle only accepts USD and payment is made when boarding the shuttle.

The shuttle picks up from Gate 1 (1st floor) at Terminal 1 and from Gate 3 (1st floor) at Terminal 2, and departs the airport three times a day, dropping off at Turumi Lodge and Mustang Community Center (MCC). Pets cannot be transported on the ITT shuttle. Visit the ITT for arrival/departure times and information on passenger van rental options.

Note: ITT Shuttle will not transport pets. Contact ITT to reserve a pet-friendly van. Due to limitations in transportation reimbursement, this may not be reimbursable.

Public Transportation

If the shuttle doesn’t line up with your flight, public transportation is another great option. Subway, bus, and taxi are all reimbursable PCS costs for those traveling on orders.

Subway: The closest subway station is the Songtan Station. The ticket counter at the airport can help you purchase the right ticket. You will need to arrange transportation from the station to your hotel. Taxis are available right outside the station.

Bus: The closest bus station is Songtan Bus Station. The bus counter at the airport can help you buy the right ticket and direct you to the pick-up location. You will need to arrange transportation from the Songtan bus station to your hotel.

Taxi: The airport staff can help you get a taxi. Please note that only AAFES Exchange Taxis can get on base. However, you can take a non-AAFES taxi to the front gate, then walk or catch an AAFES taxi to lodging if staying on base.

The Bus & Train ticket office is located on the 1st Floor Terminal 1, next to Exits 4 & 9, or outdoors next to Exits 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, & 13. There are many signs with English to direct you.

Patriot Express flight from Seattle, WA to Osan AB, Korea

Members coming in on the patriot express from Seattle will arrive at the passenger terminal on the flight line at Osan AB, Korea. You will process through customs and pick-up luggage at the Osan AB terminal. Your sponsor or unit representative should meet you at the terminal and take you to Turumi Lodge or your dorm room. If no transportation is available from your unit, you may call a base taxi at 1544-9080 (from a cell phone) and they will take you to Turumi Lodge. Base taxis accept American currency. Be sure to contact your sponsor prior to arrival so they will know the date/time of your arrival at Osan.

Getting Around On Base

Osan AB Shuttle

(100% FREE & available to dependents, too!)
Schedule & Routes
Mon-Fri (Except US Holidays & FW Down Days)
5:30 AM-9:00 AM, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM, 3:00 PM-6:00 PM

AAFES Exchange Taxi Service

Sun-Thur: 4:00 AM-1:00 AM
Fri, Sat & US Holiday 24 hrs
DSN 784.3283 | Commercial +82 10.1544.9080
Dispatching Daily: 5:00 AM-1:00 AM

Please refer to the "AF Connect" app and Information, Tickets, & Travel – 51fss.com for the most current information, and be aware prices based on exchange rates fluctuates daily.

For the Osan Base Shuttle Bus visit the AF Connect App, this shuttle takes you around the base and is free.

For information on the bus that travels to Suwon, Camp Humphreys, and Camp Casey visit Inter-Garrison Bus Service :: USAG Humphreys (army.mil). If you are traveling from Osan AB, you can catch the bus at the bus terminal located next to the Smoothie King on base.

In addition there are taxis you can take from Osan AB to most areas to include Camp Humphreys for less than $30 one-way. Download the "Exchange Taxi" App for more information but be mindful of the additional charges from the app.

The Osan Operator will connect you directly to your requested party if DSN lines are open.

Commercial 011-82-031-661-1110 or DSN 315-784-1110