Congratulations on your notification for your PCS to Korea! While this post targets my fellow service members, it still offers valuable insights for anyone contemplating a move to Korea in 2024. From navigating immigrations upon arrival at Incheon International Airport to getting your first hot meal or haircut off base, this guide has it all. Read on for my detailed report!
Disclaimer: Everything in this post is my personal account and reflects my opinions only. This is not an official guide in any way/shape/form. This information may or may not be accurate by the time you read this and get to Korea. I’m not basing any of this of official DoD documents or instructions, I’m just telling you how I navigated these waters. However, with that said, I didn’t just survive getting here, I thrived.
Before You Depart for your PCS to Korea
Make Facebook friends with your sponsor
Doing a PCS to Korea isn’t easy, and you don’t have to do it alone! Luckily, you’ll have a sponsor guide you through the entire process. Your sponsor should be the physical representation of everything in this list…keyword: should lol. Afterall, they are the person that’s already assigned to your new (read: gaining) unit and was given your arrival as their responsibility. Basically, your sponsor should hold your hand through the entire process from arriving at the airport to your in-processing briefing.
Bottom line (BL): Ensure you have your sponsor added on Facebook or WhatsApp so you can contact them for anything at all once you’re overseas.
Papago: A must-have app before landing
Maybe you’ve had friends give you some apps they loved using when they were in Korea or that they used when they made their PCS to Korea. In my opinion, you only need one: Papago. Papago is an incredibly user friendly translator app that not only translates text, but can scan any pictures you take with your phone and translate that way too! This comes in clutch for “reading” signs in the airport or on anything printed that you may want to translate such as a sign, menu, etc. You will have to have Wi-Fi or a data connection to use it but, more on that later.
BL: Download the Papago translator app before departing your current assignment/home base for easy translation services and don’t worry, Your current phone is totally fine and will be functional
Your friend probably said, “Yea man, just go the BX and get a Korean cell phone so you can call and text!”, but guess what? You’re still in the airport and you need to tell your loved ones you just landed. Easy fix: leave your phone in airplane mode but keep Wi-Fi on. Incheon has free Wi-Fi, so you can still communicate with your sponsor and your family through Facebook, twitter, WhatsApp, etc.
I highly recommend using a paid virtual private network (VPN) when using Korean Wi-Fi. Trust me: you want to protect all of your activity/internet traffic. VPNs basically allow your device (computer, phone, or smartTV) to “tunnel” through the internet to a more secure location which will increase your security against hackers/thieves online. I used SurfShark when I was in Korea but I’ve since switched to NordVPN. Either will work!
BL: Leave your phone in airplane mode with Wi-Fi on, turn on your VPN, and use social media to make calls and texts through social media apps like Facebook or WhatsApp.
Now, once you arrive in Korea, you’ll be put in a hotel either on or off base. So, you’re still going to be living out of your suitcase for quite sometime until your household goods (HHG) arrive.
Recommended Packing List
With that said, here’s what I recommend you bring to survive the flight and the time until your HHG arrive:
Headphones that can physically plug into an AUX jack. Planes have lots of movies now, but you can’t connect your fancy Bluetooth headphones to their screens. You’ll require actual plug-in head phones for that.
A phone charger for charging your phone on the plane.
A pillow from home. This is purely a comfort thing and it helped me sleep better when I was homesick.
At least a week’s worth of clothes (both workout and casual), but I’d recommend more. You’re going to be sweating through your clean clothes a lot thanks to the humidity. While there are laundry facilities in the hotel, it’s still wise to bring extra so you’re not always doing laundry.
A laptop/iPad for watching shows. Unless you want to watch the AFN, bring something that can stream your favorite shows.
An HDMI cable. If you bring your laptop, you can run the HDMI cable to your laptop (if that’s an option) and then stream your favorite shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc.
Books to read. I brought my bible and other engaging books.
Cards to play solitaire. Cards are a great escape from all that screen time.
Supplements (protein, preworkout, etc.). You might not be able to get your favorite supplement at the GNC on base, so bring what you need.
Slippers. Again, purely a comfort thing
Soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc.–basically all the cosmetic stuff you would normally bring with you on a vacation or a TDY.
In the past, folks making a PCS to Korea Korea would pull out ~$200USD in Korean Won (KRW) in case the bus shuttle to base wasn’t running and they needed to take a cab to Osan Air Base. If you’re a cash person, feel free. However, almost every single cab I took in Korea took credit card. If you opt for a cab because the shuttle isn’t running, simply ask if you can pay with card.
If you take the shuttle from Incheon, the bus drops everyone off at a location with an ATM. So, you can pull out cash (~$20) to pay him AFTER you’ve arrived. You can also claim this as one of your PCS-ing expenses, so don’t fret 🙂
BL: Your comfort level for the first few months will diretcly depend on what you bring with you in your luggage. Plan and pack accordingly!
Flying into Incheon International Airport
For your PCS to Korea, you won’t need a passport so long as you’re on orders (and have a copy of them!). If you get to Korea and you decide you want one, you can apply for a passport at the U.S. embassy in Seoul. They’ll even deliver it to you within less than 2 weeks (not kidding!)
Side note: this post is written from the perspective of a single individual traveling solo during their PCS to Korea. So, If you’re married and/or bringing kiddos, your sponsor should inform you that your dependents will need Korean electronic travel authorizations (K-ETAs). More on that here.
Before you arrive at the airport, the flight attendants will pass out immigration forms while you are still in the air. These forms are all very straight forward and are written in English and Korean, so just fill them out as you would any other form.
“Are you a Solider?”: If, during the immigrations process, anyone asks you, “are you a Soldier?”, I don’t care which branch you’re in, SAY YES. This is how the Korean Immigrations folks in Incheon identify US DoD uniform-wearing, panda-punching badasses like you, and you’ll be routed appropriately.
The Joint Personnel Processing Center (JPPC).
If everything goes smoothly through customs, you’ll be released to US personnel after passing immigrations. Then, you’ll be greeted be a USFK representative (likely a young US Army bubba) who will escort you. A good idea is to look for other Americans/military after you pass through the frosted sliding glass doors. Eventually, you’ll all go to a holding area in the terminal near the oint Personal Processing Center (JPPC) area.
Your sponsor should have your arrival time at Incheon, and they should have relayed that to the JPPC. That way, they can logistically plan for your arrival and ensure that you get to your base.
Not every PCS to Korea is tracked as well as we’d like, that’s just life. So, if there is no one there to pick you up when you land, don’t fret. Just collect your checked bags like you normally would, and exit the baggage claim. As you exit baggage claim, you’ll be spit out in Terminal 2 which is the same terminal the JPPC is located.
Terminal 2 is like a giant hallway with the JPPC being at the very end. Simply start walking “left” after you get into the terminal and before you know it, you’ll be at the end of the terminal. If you get all the way down or someone stops you, simply say you are a soldier (or type it into the Papago app and translate it) and someone will call JPPC and tell them to come get you. It’s fool-proof!
Finally On Base!
WiFi.
Wi-Fi is extremely fast and widely available in Korea! From streaming Netflix in a subway tunnel to facetime-ing with the family, you’ll alwyas be fine. Make sure you’re always using a VPN though! You can’t swing a dead cat in Korea without finding free Wi-Fi, and bad guys know it! Use NordVPN or SurfShark anytime you’re online.
Rely on your sponsor.
Ensure that you’re relying on your sponsor for any and all questions—don’t feel like a nuisance or a bother! This person is literally there to ensure your PCS to Korea goes smooth. Don’t feel like you can’t reach out to them with any and all questions!
Food/eating (on-base).
There’s plenty of food options on base, so take a walk through the BX and see what interests you! I prefer the smoothie places (since they’re healthier) but to each their own. But, if you’re tired, you might want to consider ordering food online or calling in food for delivery. How do you call in Korea with an American phone in airplane mode? Great question, keep reading.
Ordering (on-base) food over the phone.
If you don’t have a Korean cell phone yet, that’s ok! The hotel phones all call DSN numbers which all the restaurants on base have.
BL: Walk around base and use the link above to see what your food options are on base.
In-processing…where to begin?
In-processing Brief.
As with any PCS, your PCS to Korea will begin with an in-processing brief. I recommend you find out when the base in-processing brief is and get scheduled to attend it. It’s mandatory afterall! I did a walk in, but their website says to have your CSS register you. You likely don’t know who your CSS is so, ask your sponsor to give you their e-mail, and e-mail them saying you’d like to be registered for the in-processing brief on ‘insert the date you want here’.
Finance.
We all want to get paid, right? Then don’t delay a trip to finance so your pay remains steady. If you need to contact finance, you’ll need to be VPN’d into your work domain to access their site since they are no longer doing in-person services unless it’s absolutely required. For whatever reason, if you try to access their portal from your computer over regular internet, the website functionality fails. Regardless, their website is here, but they’ll be at the in-processing brief to get you squared away as well.
Housing
Finding a place to live.
If you’ve made it this far, your PCS to Korea should be going pretty smooth by now. Now, it’s time to inquire with housing (51ceshousing@us.af.mil) to see if you’re going to be on or off base. The housing office can provide you with a list of approved realtors. I recommend you email each one with a templated message (below) to get an idea of what’s available.
Very important: submit Permissive TDY Leave on LeaveWeb so that your supervisor is tracking where you’re at. This will also ensure that you’re not expected to work during that time. Work with your supervisor for the exact dates, but typically you’ll take these days immediately upon arrival.
Template message: Hi! I’m active duty military (insert rank and # of dependents), looking for a apartment/villa/house to rent around (OHA amount), washer and dryer included, unfurnished, within ‘X’ minutes of Osan Air Base, available between ___ and ____. Do you have anything available? I don’t have a Korean phone number yet, so please respond to my via Facebook/WhatsApp at __________ or email at __________. Thank you!
Realtors.
Realtors in Korea are not like they are in the states—realtors in the states work to sell houses whereas realtors in Korea work to rent them out. Weird, but that’s how it works lol. Your realtor is your proxy for dealing with the landlord. Realtors will pick you up in their cars and spend the day with you, showing you what they have available and if they’re good, they’ll even take you out to lunch. Take advantage of that free meal and ask them lots of questions about the area! Now’s your time to get an insider’s perspective of the area you’re about to spend a year or two in.
Furnished v. unfurnished.
Almost every apartment will come furnished. That’s just the way it is out here. If you’re like me and you’re bringing all your stuff from home with you, don’t worry! If you find a place you want unfurnished, work with your realtor to ask the landlord if they’re willing to move the furniture out. It’s not impossible at all and your realtor will definitely work with you on this! Same with unfurnished places–ask your realtor to ask the landlord to get furniture moved in if you need. You can also rent furniture from base for free during the time between you move in to your new place and when you household goods get there. That’s all explained at the off-base housing brief you’ll need to attend.
Apartments, Villas, and Homes.
If you’re single, you’ll likely be shown apartments or villas, not houses. Apartments are in high-rises and they are everywhere around the base. Some are not very spacious but they will do the job if you’re only there for a year and don’t have much stuff with you. Villas are what I would call small apartment buildings—3-4 stories high and much more spacious than apartments. Single houses start at 2 million won per month and go up from there in the Osan area. If you’re dead set on having a house, you’ll almost certainly be driving up from Camp Humphreys (about 35 minutes south of Osan).
My go-to locations.
I didn’t get any gouge on locations before I made my PCS to Korea, for better or worse. So, let me give you some recommendations based on my year on pen!
If you want to live near base, ask your realtor to show you places in the “SED”, or the Songtan Entertainment District. This is also the area right near the Pyeongtaek International Central Market if they’re not familiar with what the SED is. Apartments in the SED are ½ renovated, ½ older models, so be sure to look at a lot before you make your decision.
If you don’t mind driving a few minutes, you’ll find an AWESOME area about 15 minutes from base in the Godeok (pronounced go-duck) area.Apartments here are extremely new (like, still-being-built new) and modern. Below them on the street level, there are tons of little cafes and restaurants for storefronts. It was an incredible spot that I wanted to live in so badly but I decided to stay near base just out of convenience (i.e., I can walk to work every day lol).
If you don’t want the hustle and bustle of the SED or the Godeok area, consider the Masan area. Houses and villas here are much quieter. They’re not surrounded by high-rises rather, they’re surrounded by agricultural fields. There’s more houses for families, and quieter neighborhoods in this part of town, too.
Eating during your PCS to Korea
Dietary restrictions.
I should note that Koreans do not respect the concept of dietary restrictions so if you have an allergy or you’re vegan or something, you need to take special precautions before eating off base. Learn some basic Korean for saying things like, “no meat” or use the Papago app to translate your request to have options with no meat, dairy, etc.
On base dining.
There’s a dozen or so restaurants on base if you’re looking for a taste of home: pizza hut, subway, Chilis. You can also get breakfast at anytime at Checkertails and if you’re a health nut like me, you can go to Jamba Juice and get a protein smoothie! Every place I’ve been to has staff that speak excellent English, so the language barrier won’t be a problem for you on base.
Off base dining.
You didn’t PCS to Korea just to eat American food on base did you? Head out the gate and get some authentic Korean food! To start, try your hand at any one of the hundreds of restaurants in the SED. In the SED, you can find everything from Korean BBQ to an American-themed tap house, offering a wide array of cuisines. See my note at the top of this section for advice on dietary restrictions. I slowly worked my way down each restarutant to put together a comprehensive review of the SED. Here’s what I came up with:
Lanna Thai Food – amazing Thai food right near the main/walk-in gate by the 7-11. 2nd Floor and vegetarian options galore! (50 Sinjang-ro, Sinjang 2, Pyeongtaek)
Japanese Ramen Kwanghoon – hands down the best Ramen in Pyeongtaek! It’s sort of tucked away, but it’s right across the street (to the west) of the Mission Baptist Church in the SED. Just inform them “no meat” if you vegetarian and pick either of the 4 options for an amazing dish!
Oodles and Noodles – Also an amazing Thai food place right on the main SED street, past the Blue Opera on the left. Vegetarian options for sure!
Suwon Galbi – I’ve heard has great Korean BBQ from a few foodies I know over here
Brix X Benegio – serving the BEST pizza in the SED. I said it, fight me. Super thin crust, tasty ingredients, laid-back staff, tasty desserts, and patio seating right on the main drag.
New York Restaurant – known for their chicken and waffles and speakeasy feel
Counting stars café – amazing coffee and cookies
Cosmic cat – good donuts on the SED, but they sell out quickly. Located in one of the side streets near the northeast portion of the SED.
Sasquatch pizza – very American lol
Blue opera (for drinks, not so much the food). Cool vibe, right on the main street of the SED
Hot stone bibimbap with tofu. To die for.
Use the app HappyCow for a huge list of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in the SED; that way you can find the above mentioned places on a map lol.
Buying groceries.
If you’re looking to cook your own food, buy your groceries on base at the commissary near the High School. Convenient, decent selection, and tax free. If you want to buy local produce, I’d recommend Highway Mart Songtan near Osan. For those near Humphreys, I’d recommend Korea Mart Paengsong Branch.
Farmer’s Market.
Bet you thought you’d had to give up farmer’s markets for your PCS to Korea. Guess again! If you’re a fan of farmer’s markets , check out the 4-9 market. The market is located just outside the walk-in/main gate in the Songtan Entertainment District (SED). This market operates every day that ends in a 4 and a 9, which I find to be a pretty cool concept! Meat, seafood, produce—all kinds of local things!
Driving in Korea
I was very anxious about driving when I landed my PCS to Korea. However, it was a lot more fun than I thought! Firstthings first, get certified to drive in Korea. Take your Korean drivers license test (~2 hours) as soon as you have time. To get your USFK license, go here for the course, the test, and general FAQs. Of note, you must be on a CAC-enabled computer or have a CAC reader to take the course since it’s through JKO. Then, go here and sign up for the next available appointment to get your USFK driver’s license.
Getting the physical license.
Once you have passed the test, print a copy at either the library or the USO. From there, proceed to Building 1333 at the 51 LRS to have your license printed. Bldg 1333 is just across the street from the Base gym, through the large gate opening that has “GOVs only” and “no hat, no salute” signs on it, and straight until you cross a very small bridge. Then, turn left, and it’s the first building on your left. You can either schedule an appointment here OR go to their walk-in hours between 1300-1500 M, W, and F. I recommend the latter.
What you’ll need to bring: For the USFK driver’s license at least…
A printed copy of your JKO test (the one you did online saying you passed)
Your stateside driver’s license
Your CAC
A copy of your orders.
Motorcycles.
If you’re a motorcycle rider, make sure to update everything in MUSTT and keep a copy of your MSF card with you, along with all the items listed above.
Getting a haircut
Pull up a photo.
I was very concerned with getting a haircut when I found out I had a PCS to Korea. But I managed to make it work, here’s how! The best way I’ve found to get what you want done to your hair is to bring a picture of the style you’re looking for. If you have a picture of yourself with the hair you want, that’ll be even better. Personally, I always use a picture of Brad Pitt from Fury if I don’t want anything off the top but a clean fade on the sides lol.
My go-to barber.
KC’s Barbershop is excellent, about $15 USD for a cut, shampoo, massage, and even a little neck adjustment which feels amazing. She’s located to the east of the SED and there’s curb parking just outside of her building across the street
KC’s Barbershop located at 29, Sinjang-ro, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Buying a car
Disclaimer: I’m not an expert or an attorney and what I’m saying here should not be treated as gospel. This was just my account of how I got a car and everything worked out just fine. Additionally, if you brought your car from your last duty assignment, this section only moderately applies to you.
Find the car you want.
Many individuals are listing dozens of cars for sale on numerous Facebook pages around Osan and Camp Humphreys (located about 30 minutes south). To keep it simple, check the most popular ones here:
Seems simple, but message the seller and ask if it’s still available. Chances are the car has 3-4 people viewing it at any given time so it might be sold by the time you find it.
Test drive it.
Now that you’ve gotten your USFK license, you’re no longer riding dirty! Take the car for a spin and pay special attention to how it handles (e.g. does it pull to the right? How stiff/soft are the brakes? Does the A/C work? What about the heater? Is it stick shift or manual?).
Inspection and Purchase.
To register a car at Osan, you must be assigned to Osan AB, and you must pass a safety inspection conducted at the Auto Hobby inspection garage on base called Sam’s Garage. It’s directly behind the gas station near the main/walk-in gate. The process takes about 10-15 minutes and they accept walk-ins. If the seller tells you that it passed inspection somewhere else (e.g. off base, another base, etc.), that’s a good sign, but security forces on Osan require it to have an inspection done at Sam’s Garage on base. If you have that, go ahead and buy the car if you like it!
Insure it.
You have to have insurance to drive a car in Korea, period dot. You’ll need to do this before you can register it also. If your vehicle insurance is through USAA, Call USAA’s international number at 008-800-5318-7220 with the vehicle details in hand (e.g. the VIN, features, etc.). No matter the time of day, the awesome representatives will take care of you.
Register your car at the Korean DMV.
You must register vehicles with a United States Forces Korea (USFK) Vehicle Recorder within 10 days of purchase or arrival in Korea. Be sure to retain the buyer’s contact information. If there are any tickets linked to the vehicle’s VIN/previous registration upon registration, they must be paid first. If you’re stuck with the bill, I strongly advise reaching out to the seller to request that they Zelle you the cash to cover the cost; after all, it was their mistake!
Required Paperwork.
Here are the forms you NEED to have before you can register a car in Korea at the DMV (as well as images below to ensure you’ve got the right ones). The Korean DMV nearest Osan is at 13-9 Doiryutong-gil, Doil-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do.
Identification Card – Easy enough, just bring your CAC
Proof of ownership – An example of this form is below
Proof of insurance – USAA insurance MUST have “South Korea” annotated as location. See my note above for contacting USAA to have it insured.
USFK Customs Import Document (3702-55B) – this ONLY applies to people bringing their car over from their last duty assignment other than Korea. If you bought your car in Korea, forget this bullet.
Valid USFK driver’s license – see my note above for getting your USFK driver’s license.
Copy of orders authorizing shipment or DD Form 788 (Private Vehicle Document.) – this ONLY applies to people bringing their car over from their last duty assignment. If you just bought your car in Korea, forget this bullet.
Vehicle Safety Inspection certificate within the past 90 days – see my note above about inspections.
Bill of sale – not required by Pass and ID but a good legal move to show you paid for the car and that you now own it.
Proof of previous owner’s cancellation of owning the car – again, not required by Pass and ID but a good legal move to show the previous owner does not own the car any longer.
Vehicle registration formRelinquish of ownership from previous personProof of ownership (front side) Proof of ownership (back side)
Power of attorney?
Say the car you want belongs to someone who has already PCS’d. Not to fret! If that person was smart, they gave power of attorney to someone who is still physically located in Korea (e.g. their friend, a spouse, etc.), and that person can sell you the car and sign it over to you. Again, I’m not a lawyer, so don’t take that as gospel, but that’s what my situation boiled down to and it worked out just fine.
Register your car with the base.
Yes, you have to register your car with the Korean DMV as well as the base. For Osan, you can do that at the Pass and ID building, bldg 765. Tedious, I know, but a must-do. All the forms you’ll need to do that are the ones given to you after you register the car with the Korean DMV.
BL: If you’re buying a car, ensure you give it the once over for mechanical issues, get the above forms signed from your seller, insure the vehicle, and register it with Pass and ID within 10 days of purchase.
Now get out and explore!
Ok, if you’ve done all this, then you’re either living in or on your way to living in an apartment, have a car, got food in your belly, and you’re looking fine with a fresh fade. Now: stop reading this post and get out and explore already! You didn’t do a PCS to Korea to just sit around did you? Go check out the Baedari Eco Park in Pyeongtaek just 30 minutes away from Osan, visit some nearby temples, get a coffee from one of the local cafes, or drive down to Humphreys and use their gym which is WAY better than Osan’s!
I actually posted this article from a café in Osan called Thumb Coffee. Never been here before, but the sign outside said “Free Wi-Fi and dessert”, so I went lol.
A word of appreciation
If this list helps you at all, please share it with your friends who are making a PCS to Korea soon. The reason for this post is because I had to learn some of these basic things the hard way, thousands of miles from home, in a foreign country, with massive amounts of anxiety, stress, and fear of the unknown.
If there are suggestions you’d like to see or find something in this list that needs updated/fixed, please write me on Facebook or shoot me an e-mail at kyletheglobetrotter@gmail.com and I’ll get on it right away. Additionally, if this sort of thing helped you in the slightest, please show me some love and head over to my Facebook page and give me a follow. I promise to only post awesome content that helps you experience places you get stationed to the fullest.
Thank you for reading and enjoy your time in South Korea!
