In Korea

Newcomer Guidance

Things to Know

Emergency Evacuation

Korea is a potential combat area. Civilians and family members must be prepared to relocate or evacuate to a safe haven in case of hostilities.

Firearms and Weapons

The importation of weapons of any type is strictly controlled by both the U.S. and Korean customs inspectors. Firearms must be on the sponsor's PCS orders or they will be confiscated by customs personnel. Martial arts weapons and firearms must have authorization for storage in receiving unit's arms storage facility.

Anti U.S. Protests

Small but aggressive radical elements gain widespread media coverage of their demonstrations against the United States. These radical groups capitalize on any negative actions which can be used to depict the U.S. and Americans as the culprits. Most of the protests are against what is perceived to be unjust U.S. policies and laws which are interpreted as having a detrimental affect on Korea.

Off-limits Establishments

U.S. officials have placed some restaurants and clubs off limits because of possible food or water contamination, unsanitary restrooms, history of sexually transmitted diseases or availability of drugs.

Education

Adult Education

All servicemembers, family members and Defense Department civilians assigned to the Republic of Korea are encouraged to take advantage of the Army Continuing Education System (ACES). The system is organized to provide maximum quality education programs and services, regardless of assignment and location, based on limited resources available.

At the smaller Army installations of 2ID, certificates and associate-degree programs are available through Central Texas College (CTC). Certificates, associate and baccalaureate degrees are available through University of Maryland programs. Counseling, testing and other services are available to all Eighth Army soldiers at AEC or Army Learning Centers. Up front TA for DE courses is now available.

There are a growing number of Distance Education (DE) online programs, up to and including the graduate level, available. All Air Force and Army Education Centers have information on these programs.

As of May 2006, DoD policy entitles service members $4,500 TA per fiscal year with a Cap of $250 per credit hour funded by the Government. The Air Force has a Tuition Assistance program for spouses up to $300 per term.

Child Education

Highly qualified and fully certified teachers provide a rich and unique educational experience to students whose parents/guardians are stationed in Korea. All schools are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and meet the rigorous standards set by this stateside agency.

The Department of Defense schools in Korea offer a wide range of programs for about 4,020 students. Extra-curricular activities, clubs and sports give students the opportunity to enrich their school experiences and be involved in social organizations. Programs for the talented and gifted, students with disabilities, students learning English as a second language, Sure Start, and students needing special assistance in compensatory programs are available. All schools provide cultural-awareness programs.

Internet connectivity is available in all schools. Students interact with other students and teachers all over the world giving small schools access to educational programs normally available only in large schools.

Medical & Dental

Troop Medical Clinics	DSN
Camp Red Cloud	732-6011
Camp Stanley	732-5621
Camp Casey	730-4326
Camp Humphreys	753-5627

Medical

The 121st General Hospital provides medical care for people stationed in the Seoul area as well as specialty care for others.

It has an in-patient capacity of 75 and has extensive out-patient facilities which provide medical, surgical, obstetrical, gynecological, pediatric and psychiatric care. A drug and alcohol treatment center provides treatment for military, U.S. government civilians, and their families. Overseas medical screening is required for all family members coming to Korea. Many specialty services are not available here.

Government-employed civilians and their family members are charged variable rates for appointments, out-patient treatment and in-patient care, depending on the services provided. Military troops and their family members receive out-patient care free of charge. Family members who are hospitalized incur a $10.20 per day charge. Enlisted troops use meal cards or are taken off separate rations; officers pay $8.00 per day.

Patients requiring medical care beyond the capabilities of the 121st General Hospital may be referred to accredited Korean hospitals or evacuated to other military hospitals in Japan or Hawaii.

Dental

The 163rd Medical Battalion offers general dental services at 13 dental clinics throughout Korea.

Government-employed civilians and their family members are charged variable rates for dental services depending on the services provided. No distinction is made between command-sponsored and noncommand-sponsored family members.

Limited specialty care is available at Yongsan, Seoul. Orthodontic care is generally limited to those who arrive in Korea with existing dental appliances.

Veterinary

Transporting your pet(s) into and out of the country is at your own expense. MWR boarding facilities are available at Yongsan and Osan Air Base. On or off-post housing is generally cramped with either no or limited outdoor access. Pets are not allowed in the Hannam Village in Seoul.

Before shipping your pet, you must have a health certificate, either from a military or a civilian 'federally accredited' veterinarian, filled out and signed within 10 days of arrival. Your dog and cat must have a current rabies vaccination certificate; generaly current is defined as greater than 30 days but less than one year. (There are several 3-year approved rabies vaccines. Your veterinarian can help you if you need assistance).

Make sure that you have the original and three copies of health certificate and rabies certificate. If your cat is a purely indoor cat, you might want to discuss the benefits versus risks associated with these vaccines.

129th Med Det (VM) has an importation/exportation information paper available. This can either be picked up by your sponsor or you may request one from: 129th MED DET (VM), UNIT #15680, APO AP 96205-0680.

Korean medical treatment

Korean medical practice differs somewhat from the U.S. Korean law and medical practices permit over-the-counter sale of some drugs that are available only by prescription in the states. For this reason, Korean pharmacies are off limits to U.S. personnel and their families.

Although there are many fine hospitals and medical specialists often consulted and recommended by American military doctors, you are not authorized to go to a Korean doctor or clinic for treatment on your own. Your unfamiliarity may lead you to seek care from an unqualified or unlicensed source. Except in an emergency, use of Korean medical practitioners and medicines should only be at the advice and referral of a U.S. military physician.