My Son is in the Army & he just found out his base is going to be in South Korea!!!?

I was there in 2nd Infantry Division ages ago.

I enjoyed my time in Korea. They are good people and have a rich culture. Korean food has some odd items in it, but mostly it is very tasty, and spicy. He'll most likely love Bulgogi.

He should be getting prepared by learning a little Korean (Hangul). Rosetta Stone courses are available free to Army personnel, and people appreciate it when you make an effort to understand them. He also needs to get used to always walking up and down hills. It is rugged terrain.

I would go back in a heartbeat.

Congrats to your son on passing basic and AIT, tell him to get everything he can out of his time in the Army, There are more opportunities than he can take advantage of.

Everyone I know that has been there has either loved it or hated it. If he is single, he is more likely to love it. If he likes to drink, then he will love it when Football, er'hem, Soccer is in season.

I've never heard of anyone getting orders for 2 years in South Korea, though. I can imagine if they are cutting orders for that long now, they are planning on doing something with North Korea.

A lot of guys I've talked to have also said Japan is really awesome fantastic. Since he's nearby, he may want to venture out that way. Generally, as long as he stays away from military bases, he won't have too many issues with civilians.

Otherwise, hope he enjoys being in the most connected Country in the world!

The food's great, they're be loads of other GIs there with him, he'll be fine.

I've not been stationed in Korea, but it's very common, I've met lots of other people who spent time there. There are more restrictions, curfews, and recalls than people who are stationed Stateside get. But there's lots to do and see, and it's a good learning experience to be exposed to a different culture like that on your off time.

Tell him to do the Korean modules on Rosetta Stone online at Army Knowledge Online (AKO.) It's a tricky language, but he should learn enough to greet someone, say yes, no, and thank you, the numbers, how to order food and how to ask the location of a restroom. He'll have a much better time if he does.

Ok first off, I think S. Korea is only a 1 year duty station so your son would have volunteered for the other year ( I could be mistaken though)

Second, Newdaddy, you're wrong. The Americans aren't appreciated by all S. Koreans. Just look up S. Korea Protests outside of U.S. Base. I think this is more of an issue around Camp Humphrey's though.

South Korea is not much different than the United States, except that it doesn't have the extreme poverty or violence that you find in some parts of the US. Everyone has the latest technology and most people drive new cars. You can find MacDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut everywhere.

I do not know much about south korea but i can tell you mu uncle is headed back for his third tour there, and he doesnt hate it. My uncle is a warrent office. also, bear in mind, though im sure htis is hard it will be a great experience. hell get time off there and be abke to travel. what are the odds he would have gone to SK on his own.

it beats afghanistan. at least there its a terrain that's more dealable.. i had a friend in korea who loved it there about 3 years ago. and he never saw any real trouble.. i wouldnt worry to much about NK attacking SK. other than "traditional warfare" artillary and infantry, or cyber warfare and the like.. they're to close to do anything like nukes, etc.

i agree with the person that said he'll prolly find a wife there. those korean girls are so adorable, and most that iv met have been really sweet.

South Korea is a dangerous place at this point of time. Although the chances of any wars are nil........but........it ain't the safest place in the world by a long shot. The people are quite decent in South Korea but the North Korean's can rain hell any moment. Well.....I wish your son luck.

Despite all the positive answers you have gotten,The entire Korean Peninsula is a time bomb.The Korean War was never over,a truce was signed in Panmunjom in 53' and the War put on hold.Since then,the little nut case in the North has had over 50 years to get ready for the next push South.The NK's won't need China's help this time.There is over 3 million Troops locked and loaded and ready to go.If I was sent there,I would keep my Rifle clean and close by.

currently in the news its seems that American in are greatly appreciated in South Korea due to the issue that without them N. Korea would be stomping all over them. there is a lot going on with NK right now but their leader apperently has pancreatic cancer so hopefully he'll kill over and the country will become whole and peacefull as far as the bases go

this link will show you current post locations, not deployments

http://www.goarmy.com/about/post_locations_map.htm...

and this link has a list of bases and links to more information on each

http://www.army.com/base_directory.html