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It is more expensive to live, eat, and shop in South Korea than in the United States. The currency of South Korea is Korean Won (KRW).The exchange rate varies daily, to get the current exchange rate.
Yongsan is located in Seoul, which is one of the most expensive large cities in Korea to live for military members. The cost of living is high. Soldiers and Civilians receive compensation through Cost of Living Allowances (COLA).
Camp Casey and the City of Dongducheon is a smaller city. Camp Casey is an unaccompanied tour, service members receive incentive pays for being assigned to Camp Casey.
For more information, you can go to https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/colaCalc.cfm
COVID Information for Arrivals
Please contact your chain of command, supervisor or sponsor for additional details regarding your arrival to USFK. To learn more, visit USFK's Traveling to Korea page.
Please see the following link to fully understand South Korea’s updated guidance for off-peninsula arrivals to the peninsula: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/brd/m_4500/view.do?seq=761034&page=1
Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
Starting Sept. 1, 2021, the Korean Government will implement a new requirement for non-Korean citizens entering Korea. The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a document granting permission to non-Korean citizens to travel to the Republic of Korea. The K-ETA applies to non-Korean citizens of countries eligible for visa-free entry to the Republic of Korea.
U.S. service members traveling to Korea on PCS or TDY orders, those who already have a visa issued by the Korean government, and those who apply via the website and receive an exception to policy letter from the Korean government do not have to comply with this requirement. However, all others traveling to the Republic of Korea must comply, including family members visiting the Republic of Korea. New GS (general schedule) civilian hires and dependents listed on a service member’s PCS orders who do not have an approved K-ETA exemption memorandum issued by the Korean government must also comply with the requirement.
Obtaining a K-ETA must be done online via the K-ETA website prior to starting travel. Registration costs 10,000 Korean won (about $10 USD) per person. Successful registration will result in generation of a printable certificate for each person that will be received via an email provided by the requestor. Each certificate comes with a unique number and is good for two years. The website does not differentiate between adult, adolescent, or infant travelers. Those who fail to obtain a K-ETA prior to landing in Korea may be denied entry and may be subsequently told to re-board a plane back to their point of origin.
Personnel may claim the registration fee as a travel-related cost. PCS travel is claimed via forms submitted to the servicing finance office and TDY claims are processed through the Defense Travel System online. For questions about claiming expenses incurred during travel, visit your servicing directorate of human resources or finance office.
When filling out the information online, the following may be helpful:
For more information or to register, visit https://www.k-eta.go.kr/.
Active duty Service Members ARE NOT REQUIRED to obtain passports for entrance into Korea for their duty assignment because of an existing Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Family members who accompany the service member ARE REQUIRED to have a government no-fee passport and an A-3 VISA prior to entering Korea. Family members visiting Korea must enter on a US passport and can stay up to 90 days without any additional visa requirements. 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 your local passport or legal office prior to departure to determine how to obtain a US Official Travel Passport, and an A-3, and Re-entry status VISA. After arrival/in-processing stop by Army Community Service, Building 2451 to receive the proper documentation needed to take to the local Korean Immigration Office. The SOFA stamp is required to verify the special status of civilians, contractors, and dependents under SOFA.
Service members will need several copies of PCS order and DA31 leave form to travel between the US and Korea. To travel to other foreign countries, service members will need to obtain a tourist passport. 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.
Airline Policy on Security Checks. All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Reserves and National Guard can benefit from TSA PreCheck expedited screening at select airports when flying on participating airlines. Use your Department of Defense identification number when making flight reservations. Accompanying family members ages 12 and under can be processed through expedited screening as well. Enter the 10-digit DoD ID number located on the back of the common access card (CAC) as your known traveler number when making flight reservations or when updating your Defense Travel System (DTS) profile for official travel.
Before arriving in Korea, soldier must complete mandatory USFK training requirements and present valid training certificates during in-processing. Go to the USFK Training website. In addition, incoming soldiers must log on to the Soldier Management System website and complete the Newcomer Needs Assessment Checklist at least 90 days before their report date.
Household Goods
Most Military members assigned to USAG-Yongsan on an accompanied tour are only allowed one-half of their household goods allowance. If you obtain quarters on base, the Housing Office will provide the basic household items, (i.e. washer/dryer, beds, dresser, night stands, wardrobe, dining room table and chairs and other furniture). If you live off post, the Housing Office will still provide the same service, but the apartments are much smaller than most Americans have experienced. Military members assigned to USAG Camp Casey are on an unaccompanied tour and will be assigned to barracks housing.
Driver's License
It is beneficial to PCS overseas with a stateside driver's license that will not expire soon. Those entitled to have an USFK Motor Vehicle Operator Permit will need a current state driver's license before testing. Driver Testing is now online. USFK's online driver's training and test on JKO are now mandatory. This change allows sponsors to assist authorized troops and families and set them up for success before they arrive. You may not go straight to the test and skip training. You must take the training first before you will be allowed to take the test. A passing score on the test is required to receive a POV license and/or a military/GOV license. Service members will need to establish JKO accounts for dependents who will be taking the training and test.
The USFK Driver Licensing Training course is available on JKO, course number USFK-US002 here.The USFK Driver License Test is available on JKO, course number USFK-US002-B here.
To find out about your State’s process to renew a driver’s license while stationed in Korea, contact your local State’s DMV before departing.
Other Important Information
Personnel moving to USAG Yongsan-Casey should make sure that creditors, membership affiliations, magazine publications, and of course family and friends have your new address. All addresses at USAG Yongsan-Casey have an APO, AP in the last line of the address, your sponsor can assist you in setting up a P. O. Box. Make sure that the APO is used as the city and the AP as the state. It will assist computerized printed addresses in accepting this type of address.
You have several options in making overseas phone calls. The major telephone companies, i.e. AT&T, MCI, and SPRINT, have dial-direct service to the USA second option is to use a Korean prepaid phone card which are very well priced and can be purchased through AAFES concessionaires for rates to the U.S. as low as 6-10 cents a minute. Thirdly, many military members and families opt for a VOIP service connected to barracks or home line running via the internet. Many services are available after arrival in Korea.
If you have pets, be aware of pet restrictions. Know that many airlines have imposed flight restrictions for animal travel during the hot summer months of Korea as well as within the continental United States. Regulations and requirements can change and Soldiers planning to relocate with pets should review related documents from the 8th Army Website on "Traveling with Pets" and Camp Humphreys Veterinary Service Support website at Camp Humphreys VTF (health.mil)
For a lot of information on the exciting history and culture of Korea, visit the Korean tourism organization.
Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) Exercises are designed to prepare Military Family Members, non-essential Civilian employees and their Family Members for evacuation from the Republic of Korea. Courageous Channel exercises take place twice a year. All non-combatants must participate in these exercises. Each unit/organization has a designated NEO Warden to help families prepare appropriate NEO packets including required documents, 3 days worth of provisions (water, food, toiletries, diapers, etc.) and NBC Mask assembly. Mask should be requested through unit supply upon arrival in country. Do not break the seal on Infant and Children's masks. Video instruction on mask assembly and hands-on masks assembly training is available through Unit NEO Wardens. Due to the possibility of evacuation from the ROK, families should use careful consideration when determining what household items, jewelry or family heirlooms to ship to Korea. Items that cannot be replaced due to sentimental value should not be brought.
Installation Photos
Due to Operation Security Measures, many pictures of buildings and locations onpost cannot be shown. USAG Yongsan-Casey invites you to view thousands of photos representing "life in Korea" by becoming a “fan” and like the USAG Yongsan-Casey Facebook, Eighth Army-Korea Facebook and U S Army Garrison Yongsan - flickr accounts and interact with community members and agency Points of Contact.
For more information, you can visit https://www.usfk.mil/Newcomers/Traveling-to-Korea/
Please see the following link on South Korea’s updated guidance for off-peninsula arrivals to the peninsula: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/brd/m_4500/view.do?seq=761052&page=1
Additional COVID information in regards to USFK-affiliated personnel is available on the USFK COVID page.
Government Travel Charge Card Program
The Government Travel Charge Card Program (GTCC) provides travelers with a safe, effective, convenient, and commercially available method to pay for expenses associated with official travel. The GTCC includes Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) and Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs). The GTCC is a VISA credit card that may be used at any location that accepts VISA including OCONUS locations. Personal use of the travel card or using the travel card to pay for someone else's travel expenses is prohibited. The use of the travel card for non-official expenses may result in disciplinary actions.
All Soldiers on official government travel will be issued a GTCC through their losing unit or installation Agency Program Coordinator (APC). APCs are responsible for managing the DOD GTCC program for permissible expenses (see Appendix G of JTR Manual) while on official travel orders. Use of the Government Travel Charge Card is mandatory when on official business travel, unless an exemption has been granted. The mandatory GTCC training provides guidance covering the authorized use of the GTCC.
Army Community Service:
Camp Casey DSN 722-1568/1569/1578 https://casey.armymwr.com/programs/army-community-services
Yongsan/K16 DSN 722-5471
ACS facilitates the commander's ability to provide comprehensive, coordinated and responsive services that support readiness of Soldiers, civilians employees and their families. We maximize technology and resources, help our community adapt to unique challenges that they may face, and facilitate supportive services that promote self-reliance, resilience and stability during war and peace. We invite you to our world class facility to learn about great program offerings such as:
Housing:
Camp Casey and K-16 are unaccompanied tours. There is no family housing at USAG-Casey. You can contact the Housing office in Maude Hall at (315)722-4798 for assistance with off-post housing.
Post Services:
School: No school available on base in area I and area II
Medical Services: Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital -- Located on Camp Humphreys, the 65th Medical Brigade provides medical care for USFK beneficiaries stationed throughout Korea. The hospital has a 61 bed capacity with four inpatient wards that includes: an Intensive Care Unit, Multi-care Unit, Women/Infant Care Unit and the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit.
Areas I and II are non-command sponsored areas with only clinics at K-16 and Casey for Soldiers.
USAG Yongsan-Casey
Yongsan Ready – Casey Strong
MISSION - Provide and integrate base operations support in Areas I & II in support of Eighth U. S. Army
VISION - Committed team of professionals dedicated to excellence as we support the Warfighter, Civilians, and Families to sustain readiness and improve quality of life
The history of this peninsula nation is rich, varied, and fascinating. It stretches from the period of the Three Kingdoms beginning in 57 B.C. to present day Republic of Korea. In 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allies and withdrew from the Korean Peninsula. The peninsula was then divided into two zones, South and North Korea. The Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950 and fighting ended when an armistice was signed on July 27, 1953. In 2000, an historic summit took place between South and North Korea in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.
Camp Casey
Yongsan
Garrison Background
In June 2018, USAG Red Cloud and Area I inactivated as part of the USFK Transformation and Relocation Plan, and USAG Casey was restructured and realigned as a subordinate (Indirect) garrison under USAG Yongsan and Area II.
Today, the combined organization is referred to as USAG Yongsan-Casey, commanded by a COL (O-6) with a LTC (O-5) commanding USAG Yongsan. The organization continues to provide BASOPS support to camps and sites in both Areas I and II.
Effective 1 March 2019, IMCOM realigned as a Major Subordinate Command (MSC) under the Army Materiel Command (AMC), in order to improve BASOPS support, services, and facilities to enable readiness and enhance the well-being of Soldiers, Civilians, and Families.
Seoul: The current metro area population of Seoul in 2023 is 9,976,000, a 0.08% increase from 2021. Seoul is a metropolitan city where you can have your vehicle, but there is a lot of traffic in the Republic of Korea. Cars just to get around, can be purchased here and the transportation system in Seoul is fantastic.
Camp Casey is a U.S. military base in Dongducheon(also sometimes spelled Tongduchŏn or TDC), South Korea, 40 miles (64 km) north of Seoul, South Korea. Camp Casey was named in 1952 after Major Hugh Boyd Casey, who was killed in a plane crash near the camp site during the Korean War. Camp Casey is one of several U.S. Army bases in South Korea near the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Dongducheon
Average temperatures throughout the year at Camp Casey:
Month and Daily mean °C (°F)
Population served: USAG Yongsan - Casey
Category: Area I (Casey/Hovey), Area II (Yongsan/K16):
More information, please visit NEWCOMERS GUIDE :: US ARMY GARRISON YONGSAN-CASEY
U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan (USAG-Y), Korea is located in the heart of Seoul, Korea, a city of 16 million. The city is a unique combination of the ultra-modern and the ancient, with a diverse history of foreign occupation, war, and reconstruction. The installation dates back to the Japanese occupation of Korea and still has some of the original buildings in use. In direct contrast, Yongsan has some of the most modern facilities in all the Armed Forces. For example, the Dragon Hill Lodge is an elegant complex of shops, restaurants, and lodging. USFK and Yongsan Garrison is in the process of accelerating the closure of Yongsan. USAG Yongsan is scheduled for reduction under the Yongsan Relocation Program (YRP) as part of a major force re-stationing plan ongoing in Korea. The plan directs the reduction of Yongsan Garrison and the relocation of operational units and major command and staff organizations to enduring sites and facilities. Yongsan is currently home to approximately 5,575 U.S. military and civilians, Korean Nationals, Korean Service Corps, contractors and retirees.
Camp Casey/Camp Hovey is a U.S. military base in Dongducheon, South Korea, 40 miles north of Seoul, South Korea. Camp Casey was named in 1952 after Major Hugh Boyd Casey, who was killed in an airplane crash near Camp Casey during the Korean War. Camp Casey is one of several U.S. Army bases in South Korea near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
For additional information on our installation and other installations in the Republic of Korea, visit the USAG Yongsan-Casey website or the USFK website. For those wishing to dial the garrison operator, from a Stateside phone, dial 011 for the international operator, 82 for the country code of Korea, 2 for the area code of Seoul, 7913-1110 (011-82-2-7913-1110). From a DSN line, 315 is the prefix for USAG Yongsan-Casey lines. The number to dial the garrison operator is 315-723-1110. Camp Casey Operator number is commercial # 0503-322-1110 or DSN (315)322-1110.
For an online digital presentation of the best assignment in the military, go online and watch the "Welcome to Korea" presentation for soldiers or civilians. To watch a digital slide show of pre-arrival preparations for soldiers, civilians, and family members, go to the Garrison website “Welcome Guide” for your gateway to all things Yongsan.
For updated COVID-19 Information and quarantine information visit. Latest COVID-19 and Quarantine Information or visit our Facebook page for the latest information - US Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey
Arriving in Korea
Service Members will need their DA31, a copy of your flight itinerary (if you are paying with your GOVCC), at least 10 copies of your PCS orders with any amendments, Immunization/ Medical/Dental records, marriage/divorce/birth certificates (if applicable), current civilian (stateside) driver’s license, and POV/VPC shipping documents (if applicable). Family Members must have a military dependent identification card and a tourist or no-fee passport (provided from your losing installation during out-processing) for entry into the country. You will arrive to Korea either by Patriot Express, a Military Contract Flight out of Seattle to OSAN Air Base or commercial air to Incheon International Airport. Upon arrival through any location, there will be a representative from the 19th Human Resources Company (19th HRC) that you will need to link with.
As of Sept. 3, 2022, international arrivals are no longer required to submit pre-arrival COVID-19 tests. All arrivals, regardless of vaccination status, are still subject to a Day 1 PCR test at a military treatment facility. Movement will be restricted until results are received. Day 6/7 self-administered rapid antigen tests are recommended, but not required. Personnel assigned to areas not serviced by a military treatment facility may have their PCR test conducted by an alternate civilian facility (airport, civilian hospital, etc.).
For further info on ROK COVID-19 requirements and travel updates, visit the Eighth Army Facebook page or check the US Embassy COVID-19 information page at https://kr.usembassy.gov/022420-covid-19-information
If Arriving in OSAN, You will be guided through customs by the 138th MCT and directed by the 138th MCT to get your luggage. You will be met by 19th HRC. Please have your Military Identification Card, DA31, and a copy of your orders readily available. You will get escorted to a bus that will take you to the Camp Humphreys Reception Center (building 6350).
All personnel will undergo quarantine upon arrival to Korea. USAG-Humphreys is the primary quarantine location, with U.S. Army Garrison Casey and U.S. Army Garrison Daegu serving as alternate locations if needed.
If a person’s test results come back positive for COVID-19, they will be transported via a designated U.S. government vehicle to the isolation facility under the care of medical professionals. People receiving medical care in the isolation facility are released after meeting all ROK and USFK requirements, such as length of separation from others and their current condition.
Meals are prepared at a U.S. Army dining facility and are delivered while in quarantine. Personnel with dependents who do not want to receive DFAC meals can order and pay for groceries from the Commissary and cook in their rooms, but must coordinate for delivery through their sponsors. Anyone may also order and pay for takeout for delivery from on-post restaurants. All deliveries will be received by the building cadre and then delivered to you. Most rooms will not have cooking utensils or other housing items (e.g. - towels, soap) and quarantined personnel should work with their sponsors to obtain these items if needed.
Upon completion of quarantine requirements, including all negative COVID-19 tests, you are released to your unit or organization. Those moving into barracks, SLQs, or on-post housing will go from quarantine to their residence. Those moving into off-base housing will move into lodging.
If Arriving in Incheon, you will either land in Terminal 1 (the old part of the airport) or Terminal 2 (new part of the airport that is 15km from Terminal 1). Both terminals have personnel from 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command along with 19th HRC personnel that operate at the United States Forces Korea (USFK) desk 24 hours daily. Terminal 1 is located near Exit 1 of the Arrivals floor; where there are Korean Service Corps employees located as well to assist the flow of USFK arriving into country. Terminal 2 is located at Gate A near the escalators. The military personnel present will gain accountability of all inbound personnel and escort individuals on the bus. To gain access to the bus, personnel will need to show their military Identification Card and/or Letter of Employment (for civilians arriving for a DOD job).
USFK affiliated personnel who arrive at Incheon will be met by Eighth Army personnel when they clear customs. USFK affiliated personnel will be transported to USAG Humphreys reception center where they will be administered a COVID-19 test and registered in DBIDS. Following testing and registration, they will be transported to their designated quarantine location.
All USFK affiliated personnel will complete a quarantine. If a person’s test results come back positive for COVID-19, they will be transported via a designated U.S. government vehicle to the isolation facility under the care of medical professionals. People receiving medical care in the isolation facility are released after meeting all ROK and USFK requirements, such as length of separation from others and their current condition
In some situations, some personnel may be permitted to submit a quarantine action plan. Requirements for a QAP vary based on ROK government requirements and the current situation. For the latest and more-detailed information, see your sponsoring unit or organization.
If neither is provided then access will be denied onto bus to USAG-Humphreys.
Once escorted on the bus you proceed to the Camp Humphreys Reception Center (building 6350). Personnel (military, civilian employees, eligible contractors, military dependents and DOD retiree’s) will all be entered into the installation Defense Biometric Identification System (aka DBIDS) using the common access card (military ID). All Permanent Change of Station (PCS) personnel upon arrival will get entered into the Electronic Military Personnel Office (eMILPO), personnel will hand over to 19th HRC a copy of orders to Korea, amendments to orders, and copy of the DA31. Copies will get made and the 19th HRC personnel will sign you into country and give original documents back. The last portion conducted within the center is the first COVID-19 screening and testing and lastly you are escorted to the designated quarantine facility.
Lodging for PCS Soldiers
During your 10-day quarantine (non vaccinated) and 7 day-quarantine (fully vaccinated), you will in-process via Quick Response (QR) code. The link will direct you to all the appropriate pre-fillable forms, resources, and videos to help assist you in completing your in-processing to USAG-Humphreys, USAG-Daegu, and USAG-Casey. Please note that the quarantine time can be changed to reflect the USFK policy and the ROK's international arrival CV-19 protocol. For more information, please visit https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/site/newcomers/covid-19-faq.asp
All other questions, regarding in-processing will be directed to the Major Support Command Liaisons and further clarification, instructions, and guidance using the QR code can get directed to 19th HRC.
19th HRC Direct Message via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/19thHR/
You can review all bus schedules for USAG Yongsan-Casey on this link: USAG Yongsan-Casey Bus Schedule or visit the monthly MWR magazine In the Zone MWR In The Zone for current schedules.
On-post shuttle buses, connect the many military installations in Korea. Korean commercial buses available for in city travel and travel between Korean towns and cities. There is an on-post free shuttle bus.
The Subway system is a safe, convenient, clean, inexpensive, and quick means of traveling in and around the city. Those looking for a convenient way to pay subway, bus tolls and some taxi fares should purchase a T-Money Card from their local subway terminal. T-Money Cards work like a debit card. The customer loads a set amount of money onto the card, then as the customer travels through the subway turnstile the card is debited for the amount needed. Families with children 5 and under, the child is free. Children 6-12, attending school at an off-post International School, should purchase a youth T-Money Card for discounted travel. Subway maps can be picked up at ACS. Korea has many trains connecting the towns and cities.
Seoul Station is a well-known landmark, and can be easily reached by taxi or subway from Yongsan. There are commuter and express trains to all parts of Korea.
USAG Yongsan - Casey
Operator Assistance, Dial 0
Directory Assistance dial 113
To reach an operator when calling from off-post dial 0503-323-1110 or 02-7913-1110
To reach an operator when calling from the US dial 011-82-2-7913-1110
USAG Yongsan-Casey Phone book: https://home.army.mil/yongsan/index.php/contact/phonebook