Osan Air Base  In-depth Overview

Team Osan and Why We're Here -- Osan Air Base, located just 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. 

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

City of Osan: 194,000,  City of Songtan:110, 000,City of Pyeongtaek: 500,000, Republic of Korea: 51.78M 

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

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

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 phone numbers are DSN 315-723-8621/5586 or commercial 011-82-2-7913-8621/5586.  The JRC in Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport is at the Arrival level, exit 3 (across from Paris Baguette). Hours are 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.

There is a 51 FSS bus, DSN 315-784-4254, that provides non-stop transportation to Osan Air Base from Incheon Airport, please see the information below.

For the latest information and prices, please visit: http://www.51fss.com/information-tickets-travel/

The cost is $35.00 per person (cash only), one way. Please note also that pets are not allowed on the Services buses. Services has a van (9 Pax) which can be arranged in advance for transport of pets with the family (DSN: 315-784-4254). This service is available on weekdays only and the cost is $350. When used in conjunction with transporting dependents to Osan, it will be a reimbursable expense. FSS buses will drop you off at Turumi Lodge where you can check into your room.

Korean Express Bus (Airport Limousine) Service is available from Incheon International Airport to Osan AB, Korea. The bus is purple and has "Airport Limousine" written on its sides. Tickets cost 11,200 won and you can exchange currency in the airport. 

Arrivals at Terminal 1, the bus departs from bus stop 7A at Exit 7 (from 0700-2240) for Songtan and the ticketing offices are located close to Exit 4 and 9 (Arrivals Hall), first level (indoor) and offices close to 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 9C exit doors (outdoors). 

Arrivals at Terminal 2, the bus departs from platform 41 at B1 (from 0640-2140) for Songtan and the ticketing offices located in the Traffic Center (B1). 

Once you arrive at Songtan bus terminal you can call an AAFES taxi at 1544-9080 (from a cell phone) or you can take a Korean taxi to the front gate, then bring your bags in through the walking gate, then take a base taxi from the front gate to lodging. The easiest way to get from Incheon to Osan AB is taking the FSS bus at the JRC counter (info above). It is more expensive, but you will be reimbursed on your travel voucher.

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 and taxi fare is approximately $3 US dollars. Be sure to contact your sponsor prior to arrival so they will know the date/time of your arrival at Osan. 

Please refer to the "AF Connect" app and http://www.51fss.com/information-tickets-travel/ for the most current information, and be aware prices based on exchange rates fluctuates daily.

The Osan Base Shuttle Bus (free) runs 24/7; there are 2 routes; blue and orange. Check the Osan AB app, "Transportation" for more information. Express Bus between Yongsan Army Garrison (Seoul), Osan AB, and Camp Humphreys runs approximately every 2-hours between 0600 to 2130 on weekdays and approximately every hour between 0700 and 2130 on weekends and holidays. The cost is $6.25 or 7,000 won for adult and $3.10 or 3,500 won for child (under 12 years old) each way.

Off-base taxi fare starts at $2.67 (3,000 won) for the first 1.24 mile (2km) or 5 minutes. 10 cents for each additional 0.07 mile (113 meters) or 27 seconds (whichever comes first) and waiting time fee is 10 cents for every 27 seconds. 20% night time differential will be charged from 2400 to 0400. Won is required for taxi; exact change preferred.

The Osan Base Shuttle Bus runs every hour. Express Buses are available during "rush hour" for active duty in uniform only.A shuttle bus between Yongsan Army Garrison (Seoul) and Osan AB runs approximately every hour between about 0600 to 2130 on weekdays and approximately every hour between about 0700 and 2130 on weekends and holidays. The cost is $6.00 each way. 

On base taxi fare starts at $2.30 for the first mile or 5 minutes. Each additional 22.5 percent of a mile or 90 seconds (whichever comes first) will cost another 30 cents.

011-82-31-661-1110 or DSN 315-784-1110  

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