By The 2nd Infantry Divison, USFK lone combat unit in Korea is composed of two main hubs. The first hub are the camps located in the Uijongbu area just north of Seoul. Uijongbu is home to logistical, communications, and command & control units while the city of Dongducheon located 20 kilometers north of Uijongbu on Highway 3, is home to the division’s combat arms units. The division’s infantry, armor, engineer, and artillery units are all located in the Dongducheon area:
Camp Kwangsa-ri
The first camp in the Casey area is called Camp Kwangsa-ri, which is located halfway between Dongducheon and Uijongbu. The camp serves as a ammunition storage facility for the 2ID and is only staffed with a handful ordinance soldiers, a few American civilian workers, many Korean workers, and a ROK Army unit. I have been to Camp Kwangsa-ri more times than I care to remember handling ammunition issues, but the biggest story to ever come out of this camp was when a corruption scandal was uncovered on the camp in 2005 involving a Korean worker named Mr. Kim who was stealing expended ammunistion brass from the camp to resell to a private company. Mr. Kim made $300,000 from the scam and is still at large to this day.
Dongducheon
Just of the road from Camp Kwangsa-ri is the city of Dongducheon. Dongducheon by Korean standards is considered a backwater city even though it has a population of nearly 80,000 people. The city also has long had a seedy reputation due to being home to a large number of US military camps over the years:
The city and especially Camp Casey and Hovey are ringed with steep mountains including the popular local mountain Soyosan that makes up the northern boundary of Camp Casey. A river runs through the center of the city and is known to flood from time to time. In 1997 the entire Dongducheon “ville” area was underwater during the worst flood in recent memory.
Most people in the city either directly or indirectly are dependent on the USFK presence for their livelihood. However, factories staffed with third world laborers continue to sprout up in the area to contribute to the local economy as well. The mixture of Koreans, third world laborers, and US soldiers does give the city a vibe very different from everywhere else in Korea.
Camp Casey
The biggest camp by far in Dongducheon is Camp Casey:
The camp was named in 1952 after Major Hugh Casey who was an engineer officer that was awared the Distinguished Service Cross for combat actions during the evacuation of Hungnam, North Korea. Casey would later die in December 1951 when the light observer plane he was flying in was shot down by ground fire and crashed on a small hill in the middle of present day Camp Casey. This hill to this day is marked by a large white cross that can be seen from just about anywhere on Camp Casey.
Camp Casey is a large sprawling base located farther north than any other major US military camp in Korea. The camp is only 15 miles straight line distance from the DMZ that separates the two Koreas. Camp Casey is so close to the DMZ you would think it would be quite a spartan installation. That is not the case, as the camp has every facility any other US Army installation has:
It has numerous eating establishments both fast food and sit down restaurants. There are two different Burger King locations, a Popeye’s Chicken, Dunkin Donuts, Anthony’s Pizza, and a Taco Bell. The Primo’s restaurant has a really good lunch buffet that is worth checking out as well.
The largest PX in 2ID can be found here to buy all the latest products and a decent commissary that includes most the foods you would find in the states. The camp also has a nice bookstore and sports shop. The PX also has a number of Korean stores where you can buy typical Korean products, but they are quite expensive compared to buying the same items off post.
Camp Casey is filled with athletic facilities. There are gyms and weight rooms are spread out all over the camp plus numerous football and softball fields are available as well. Throughout the year there are numerous athletics leagues running that encompasses every major sport played in the US. The competition in these leagues is usually very competitive because most soldiers are in Korea away from their families for a year and thus focus much on sports to keep them busy.
The camp also has plenty of entertainment options. There are multiple bars on the camp and a dance club located in Primo’s. Near the PX there is also a nice bowling alley for the bowlers out there. The golf course is quite popular and usually filled unsurprisingly with Korean golfers.
Some of the major units on Camp Casey include Taskforce 1-72 Armor, 2-9 Infantry, 302nd Brigade Support Battalion, 1-38 Field Artillery, & 6-37 Field Artillery.
Golsandong
An unusual fact about Camp Casey is that it actually contains its own Korean village called Golsandong:
The village is actually spread out among the hills to the east of Camp Casey and contains 48 homes with 116 residents:
These homes can only be reached by driving through Camp Casey. So if you are stationed on Camp Casey and see some Koreans driving farming equipment on post, now you know why.
Camp Hovey
Located adjacent to Camp Casey is the medium sized installation of Camp Hovey.
The camp is named after Master Sergeant Howard Hovey who ended up being one of the last Americans to die during the Korean War during the battle of Pork Chop Hill in July 1953. For his heroic actions defending the hill from the massive Chinese offensive he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
MSG Howard Hovey
Camp Hovey has plenty of facilities to include a restaurant and club, a video store, gymnasium, and sports field. One minus about Camp Hovey is the distance from the PX and commissary on Camp Casey. It is about a 20 minute bus ride from Hovey to reach the PX.
The front gate of the camp is bordered by the sleazy and run down ville of Toko-ri:
Some of the major units on Camp Hovey includes 1-15 Field Artillery, 4-7 US Cavalry, & 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion.
Camp Mobile
Located right across Highway 3 from Camp Casey is small installation Camp Mobile:
Camp Mobile was known for decades by 2ID soldiers as the “Turtle Farm” because it was the location of the 2ID Replacement Company. The new soldiers that arrived at Camp Mobile were known as “turtles” because they had so long to go before their tour in Korea would be complete. Since the Replacement Company was on the camp the Central Issue Facility (CIF) was established on Camp Mobile to field gear to all the new soldiers.
I remember my first time pulling into Camp Mobile. I had been on a bus from Kimpo Airport and pulled into this camp that reminded me more of a concentration camp than a military installation due to the drab buildings, quonset huts, and barbed wire. This place was not a welcoming site to anyone pulling into 2ID for the first time. Fortunately the Replacement Company was moved to the much more hospitable Camp Stanley in Uijongbu. The company is now known as the Warrior Readiness Company.
Camp Mobile also has an air strip on it that is used for helicopter landings as well as UAV operations. The only thing I remember more than arriving to the “turtle farm” for the first time was waiting in the freezing cold of February for four hours on the air strip to do an air assault training operation with the 1-503 Infantry. We absolutely froze waiting for the helicopters that would never seen to show up. Finally we were told it was to cold and the visibility to poor for the helicopters to come. There was some seriously pissed off infantrymen that day.
Camp Nimble
Just down the road from both Camp Casey and Camp Mobile is the now vacated Camp Nimble:
Camp Nimble before closing, was home to two companies from the 702nd MSB. These two companies contained the military semi-trucks used to transport cargo and equipment for the division. This may be why it was named Camp Nimble:
I’m sure the camp had its good points, but to me Camp Nimble never seemed like a good place to be stationed and the roads leading from the camp were quite narrow and definitely a traffic hazard for military vehicles trying to drive through there. Fortunately this camp has finally been closed down.
Camp Castle
Just north of Camp Casey is the small installation of Camp Castle. Camp Castle for decades was home to the engineers units thus the reason for the name of Camp Castle. The engineers moved off the camp in 2004 and has been occupied by the 702nd Brigade Support Battalion since:
Something unusual about this camp is that the motorpool is located on the opposite side of Highway 3 from the rest of the camp. The motorpool is accessed by a pedestrian overpass.
Camp Castle is further divided with a small warehouse located just north of Camp Castle’s main post which is known as Camp Castle North:
The warehouse on Camp Castle North is used by the division to turn in old equipment to the support battalion unit that operates the warehouse. This is another place I have spent way to much time at before.
Overall, the Camp Casey area is not a bad posting considering how close to freedom’s frontier one is stationed. Combined the camps have just about every facility you could expect on any other US military installation and transportation to and from the post continues to improve, especially with the opening of the new subway station in Dongducheon. So if you get stationed in the Camp Casey area it is not the end of the world and it is not that bad of a place. Like most things in Korea, it is all what you make of it.
If you have an interesting or funny veteran story from your time in Korea I would love to hear it. If it is a good story I am willing to publish it here on the ROK Drop. It doesn’t matter what decade you served just as long as it is interesting or funny. If you have a story to share you can e-mail the story to me at gikoreaonline – at – yahoo.com. Thanks for reading the ROK Drop.
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6:03 am on March 3rd, 2007 1
i have just read this article i dont think i can put this in any better words
than you did. i grew up in korea actually next to camp casey. due to my parents who got out the army n decided to stay i just recently moved to virginia couple months ago. i would love to go back n thats wat im trying to do. but i would give u a 100% i have read alot of other writings from
other soldiers that has to been to korea. but i think you are the only one
that was actually able to sumerize everything so well
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June 21st, 2009 at 11:23 am
I agree, his summary was very well…alot of soldiers were in the service 20-40 years ago…so I guess its alot to remember in detail, especially those of us who partied our azzz’es off over there.
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6:03 am on March 3rd, 2007 2
I arrived at Camp Casey Sept 1970. We were 7th Avn Btn. Gen. Hal Moore in charge. (later wrote “We Were Soldersâ€) A guy named Payne was his crew chief. I was assigned to crew chief helicopter Vagabond 782 for Gen. Clifford Hannum. Mike Roswell pilot and Will Hackett co-pilot. Kevin Desmond later took over. After a few months the 2nd Div. moved in and we became the 2nd Avn Btn. Good times. I remember TDC in 1970 like it was yesterday. The sights, smells, sounds. The clubs. No drinky girls. Prostitution was everywere though. Drugs too. I stayed there for a year then did a 2nd tour at Camp Stanton because it got me out of the Army 6 mos. early. When I left Korea 1972 I went straight to Fort Ord and ETS. It would be a nice thing to see TDC again after all these years.
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6:04 am on March 3rd, 2007 3
Man! Bruce Rogers, your TDC sounds swell.
As for mine, or the current one…nothing to complain about…nothing to rave about.
drinky girls are a hassle at times, corrupt cabbies, MP’s, other than that..the rest of korea is swell.
there is that addition to TDC..the park with the swell, clean restrooms…water foiuntan…It’s a good place to relax, and it’s kinda hidden on the backside, but I’m sure the MP’s won’t let you “Loiter†there.
anybody been there?
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6:04 am on March 3rd, 2007 4
You guys dont know what TDC used to be like.
I arrived in Korea 23Jan67 left 2Jun68.
I recently met up with my old Bn CO and his first words were,†Korea the Armys Best Kept Secret “.
The guys been around and there was a story he use to go to TDC as Sp/6???
Yes in the old days when you went to TDC it was for a good time!!!
I had many good times ,but with old age you wonder what if some times.I have no regrets and some day I’d like to return.I’d even like to go back to the Z.
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8:11 pm on April 23rd, 2007 5
I was stationed at Camp Casey in 1962-63, I was 17 when I went over and 18 when I came home from doing a 13 month tour. I loved it and would like to return before I die.
I had a blast while I was there, tried to love all the girls there. After I got stateside, I wished that I had extended.
Gerald Rogers
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8:12 pm on April 23rd, 2007 6
it is weird how everybody thinks camp casey is as far north as you can get isn’t it.
in front of them all, inculding the hole called casey
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8:12 pm on April 23rd, 2007 7
I was at Camp Casey from April 53 to October 53 and was in the Headquarters Co of the 2nd INf. Div. We broke up when Div was sent home and transfered to Seoul at 8th Army and ended up in Special Services driving a Libray truck.
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8:13 pm on April 23rd, 2007 8
I spent two years (84-86) on Camp Hovey right next to Camp Casey and spent many nights in TDC. Just reading this artical I can tell it changed 150% from the time I was there and the fellow that wrote this artical was there. From what the girls were called and about to the club names and there were never non-Koren girls there, certainly not Russian girls, ever. The only club (of the ones he named any way) that was still the same is The Rendevous Club. There was a mam-son there back then that looked like something strait out of a Hollywood movie, man did she ever freek me out….lol. As well the New York Club was a big one that lots went to. And I hung in one down from the Together Club called the “Gold Cup” I think, we simply called it the “Cup”.
Back then you didnt pay 20 bucks for a drink with them, it was 10 bucks to go on a “Short Time”. I’m sure I dont have to explain that. $20 would get you an over night, same thing just all night. My unit (102nd MI) used to hang out in the “Together Club”. Also ran by a Ms Kim Who was an extreamly nice and fun person to be around, she treated all of us like we were family and the DJ’s name was Kim… cool dude actually. This club didnt have what you call “Drinky girls” in it either.
Reading that half the ville is gone is a bummer, going back to what I left in ‘86 would make it worth going back but what I read here doesnt seem like it would be near the fun that we had back then, when the worst thing you had to worry about was 3 days later dripping like the good humor man….lol. As well, Tokaree on the other side of Camp Hovey was a pretty cool ville for a small one. While I was up at Radar Site 8 we used to go into Chor-Wan for hair cuts and BJ’s… lol that was awesome. Chor-Wan was a ROK town though so we didnt go a bunch.
TDC was huge fun in those days and extending for a year to me was one of the easiest decissions I ever made in my 11 years in. We could party all night long back then becasue there was “Aviation Ally”. It was located right up against the Camp Casey Wall right next to the Aviation units at the front of Casey… Hence “Aviation Ally”. The clubs in there were not as friendly though and we never went there unless it was 3-4am and we were still alive. One thing that is still the same is the 2nd Market area, only we were not allowed down there at all. It was for ROK’s period. I’m not real sure that even the KATUSA’s went down there. Oh yeah… and going on pass down to Soel/Itaywan was a blast (good ole hooker hill)
.
Great memories… I have endless stories from those 2 years of my life and I do suppose I’d go back if given the chance just to see it, that would be lots of fun. BUt no place ever stays the same… EVER.
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8:14 pm on April 23rd, 2007 9
I just left Camp Casey, which I spent 2 years there..It was so different but exciting..It is a new place and sometimes have to watch out for things..I loved when they talked about “drinky girls”..the quote they said (THE DRINKY DOESNT LOVE YOU, THEY LOVE YOUR WALLET) was so funny but true..Be careful!! Overall, I would go back..I have great memories and they will never be forgoten!!!
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8:15 pm on April 23rd, 2007 10
Man the memories came flooding back when I read the stuff on this site.I was there 81-82 C Co. 2nd Aviation Battalion and it sure sounds like things have changed.Sounds like some of the clubs are still there and kickin.The rendezvous club, The new Korea club hell there were so many!!! We never saw any round eyed women they were all Korean back then and it wasnt nealy as expensive!!!Back in them days you could get a short time for less than 10 bucks and an overnight was 20..Had to be back at midnite unless ya had a slicky pass LMAO….The Army wouldnt let us extend cause they figured you were nuts or in the black market…We used to go to work on the flight line that was off post(dont know if it still is)and hook up with some of them women thru the fence…lol..I turned 18 while I was there and it was like a year long party for me..Glad I found this site I feel young again lol…
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8:16 pm on April 23rd, 2007 11
I think the flight line you are refering to is the airstrip across the street from Camp Casey that is now called Camp Mobile. The airstrip on Camp Mobile is now used by the MI guys to fly UAV’s from.
In the ville now you see very few Koreans. The Korean owners of the clubs rely primarily on Phillipinos and some Russians to bring in the money.
Also now prostitution is illegal and soldiers can get hemmed up bring time for it. So these clubs bring in their money by selling $10 and $20 dollar juicy girl drinks where the girls sit across from you and talk to you. Any prostitution that goes on is kept way on the down low to avoid CID now. I find it so funny that people will pay the $10 and $20 dollars just to talk to girls at these clubs when they could just go to a Korean club and meet Korean women for free.
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8:16 pm on April 23rd, 2007 12
My experience at Casey was a little different than those above. I was sent there in Feb. 1956 for a 16 month tour. We lived in squad tents with little pot bellied oil heaters that were turned off at 11:00 PM. We slept in our sleeping bags all winter. We had no electricity or running water, we hauled our water in 5 gallon cans from a trailer at the mess hall. The messhall was a quonset hut, there was no flatware or cups, so you took your messkit flatware and canteen cup to each meal. the latrines were all outdoor privies that we dug, and there were also piss tubes scattered about the company area. If you wanted a shower it was a 2 mile ride in a deuce and a half to the regimental shower point. Tong Du Chon, which we called Little Chicago was a collection of thatched huts and was off limits as were all villages around Casey. I was with Heavy Mortar Co., 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th ID. As you came in the main gate 7th MP co. was on the left, 31st Tank co. was on the right, The division parade ground was across the road from Tk Co, and were were next company on both sides of the road. The regimental Ammo dump was south right behind our company in a little valley. It’s hard for me to imagine a Burger King and pizza delivery on that post. Never mind nightclubs in Little Chiago.
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June 21st, 2009 at 10:11 am
My dad, Charlie M. Bryant was stationed at Camp Casey sometime between 55-57. He was with the 7th Div. 31st Tank Company, APO 7-7th Div. I don’t know if you knew him or of him. My dad passed away Nov. 2001 and was trying to get his records from the Army. He was told that The Army had no records of him. However I do have a copy of his Honorable Discharge and I have photos of him in uniform. Any info you can provide would be great.
Thank you,
Vickie Bryant
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June 21st, 2009 at 11:26 am
Hi Vickie…I wish I could help…however, I was in Korea in the early to mid 1980’s. I think it is great that you are pursuing your dad’s military history!! Good luck!!
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June 21st, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Thanks for visiting the site Vickie. Please check out this post over at the ROK Drop Forums which may help you find the records for your dad:
http://rokdrop.com/forums/topic.php?id=105
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8:17 pm on April 23rd, 2007 13
If you can believe it the ville that you talk about “Little Chicago” still exists but it is just a run down stretch of buildings near Casey that sell snacks and not much else. But it is amazing to think that 50 years ago that place was called “Little Chicago” as well.
Also if the changes on Camp Casey surprise you then you would be even more surprised how different the rest of Korea is as well. It is a fully functional democracy with a high tech economy and lifestyle.
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8:18 pm on April 23rd, 2007 14
I think the section you are talking about is what we called the Korean market. That was one place we were allowed to go. It was a bunch of booths selling souvenier junk, overrun with shoeshine boys. We called the whole Ville of Tong Du Chon Little Chiago. What kind of barracks do you have now? I bet they are not squad tents or Quonset huts.
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8:19 pm on April 23rd, 2007 15
The vast majority of soldiers live in barracks that are three stories high and each room holds two to three soldiers and has one restroom in it. You can even get internet and cable TV in them.
In some isolated cases there are people that live in quonset huts but they are dissapearing fast now. I used to live in a quonset hut back in 2002 but now those particular quonset huts have been knocked down and replaced with new barracks.
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8:20 pm on April 23rd, 2007 16
Hi,
I was stationed at Camp Casey from 22Jan67-2Jun68.
During that time we moved all over Korea ,mostly by foot[onduty],sometimes by Kimshi Cab[of duty].
I had 5 months on the Z from 2Jan68 to 17May 68. Saw a lot of shoot ups and made many patrols,some scary as hell. Joe was always ready to jump if you screwed up . I would like to get some pics of what the Camp looks like today . Are there stil quonset huts or what. Up on the Z we had 10 man tents ,COLD as HELL in Jan.
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8:20 pm on April 23rd, 2007 17
Joe, there is very few quonset huts left on Camp Casey. Everyone lives in fairly nice barracks buildings now. Korea, Camp Casey, and the TDC ville are quite different than what you remember in the 1960’s. Korea has come a long ways for the better.
Also the US no longer pulls DMZ duty. That mission in just the last few years was turned over completely to the ROKs. One thing that hasn’t changed here though is that January is still COLD as HELL!
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8:22 pm on April 23rd, 2007 18
I was stationed in Korea about a year ago.U don’t know how much I miss it.The people,their culture,the food it was amazing.I climbed Soyosan Mountain with a korean lady and a korean guy(we became good and close friends)all the way to the top.They view was spectacular.I went to the markets and got me a lot of stuff.I was scared to death to get on Seoul Tower but my korean friend help me out.He also took me to Lotte World OMG!!!(it was like been in Disney)I went to some clubs at Osan with my korean friend we had a great time I’ll never forget.My korean friend took me to celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year at Seoul.I did so many things at Korea I’ll never forget them.I know there’s a lot of Kim’s over there but…Kim I had a great time with U I’ll never,ever forget U and,what I learned about South Korea !!!I miss U!!!And I keep my promise…I’ll be back !!!It’ll be sooner than U expect!!!Thanks for this BLOG!!!Hope to get in contact with U soon.
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8:23 pm on April 23rd, 2007 19
I am currently stationed in Korea and i will never forget it. It has been a great experience and a bad one. I have had rough times with my wife in the states as do many soldiers gone from their homes, in these times and probably in the old too. But aside from that I have made many friends Korean and American. It is an awesome place to bond with your fellow brothers in arms. I have 2 Katusa’s in my squad and they are awesome. It has definately been an experience working with them. I stay away from the drinky girls but I love to look at the Russians…….wow is all i can say hahahah. The female soldiers are definately very wild here. I stay away from them too and i would advise the same to anyone. They are supposedly dirtier than the drinky girls. It is a beautiful country. For some of the old timers I think that you will be very disappointed to see how much GI’s are attempted to be taken advantage of financially but I guess to some it may be worth it. Overall my tour here will not be long forgotten. Final note January is COLD! JULY is HOT!
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8:23 pm on April 23rd, 2007 20
My husband was stationed at Camp Casey from January 1998-January 1999. I actually went on a tourist visa and lived on the economy in what was called “American Alley.” My husband was a private at the time, and I couldn’t work because of my visa status, but we were on top of the world. We walked a lot, and did a ton of window shopping. My husband returned for his second tour at Camp Casey in November of 2005. I went over in April 2006, and it was fun to reminisce and explore the old neighborhood! Things have definitely changed in just that short time. I wouldn’t want to live there forever, but it is a nice place to visit.
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8:24 pm on April 23rd, 2007 21
I recently read a very good book about the Korean War, “This Kind of War” by T. R. Ferenbach, he said they were calling Tong Du Chon Little Chicago back during the war.
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August 31st, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Thanks Bearcat6, I’ll have to check it out, it’s this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1574883348?ie=UTF8&tag=diaofanath-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1574883348
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8:25 pm on April 23rd, 2007 22
I was stationed on Casey with B 122 SIG in 1991 and loved the night life. There as a club in the ville called The Lone Star that catered to the redneck crowd.
Nightly the songs, “Stars Spangled Banner”, “Proud to be an American” and “Ballad of the Green Berets” were played in “the Star” and God help you if you didn’t stand up for all three !
Re: “little Chicago” – I saw a bootleg copy of “Terminator 2″ in a bar in TDC even before it was released in Korea.
I became “close” to a Korean bar girl who called herself “Tiger”. One night when I was especially drunk she began questioning me about my unit’s next field problem and the then new SINCGARS radio. I noticed her very thick accent went away as she asked these questions.
I reported the incident to my 1SG the following morning and Tiger disappeared that same night never to be seen again.
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8:26 pm on April 23rd, 2007 23
I was there in 1953-54 spent 15 months in korea most of the time on DMZ. will always rember my time in the army
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10:50 pm on April 23rd, 2007 24
I was there in 97 and 98 with 1/15th FA right along doodoo creek. This was my first time in Korea. I remember the peace club, the rendezvous club, Mojos, Cheers, and the Together club. Ok…. I remember entering
Drinks were only 5$ for the drinky girls and the philipino gals were just starting to come in. There were no russians yet.
those clubs.
I tried to get further out into the ville while i was there and succeeded once or twice. My buddy and me even found a bar that was full of Koreans and they treated us wonderfully. I also played pool in a pool hall about 3 or 4 miles from Casey with my Katusa roommate.
As soon as I leave Iraq, I am going to try to get back to Korea for a 3rd tour.
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2:57 am on July 6th, 2007 25
Here’s a different twist to the other stories posted here. I was born in TDC in 1967, my father was a 7th ID, 13th Eng Bn soldier who lived with my Korean mother for a year (common law marriage). He left Korea before I was born, so I’ve never met him. He knew about me, because he sent money to my mom while he tried to bring her to states. Guess it didn’t work out. My mom sent me to the US for adoption when I was 4. A couple months ago I met my mother again after 36 years. Also found out my dad’s name and have been in contact with him…its been 40 years, at least I know what he look like now. Well, I’m going up to TDC in a couple days, I’m a Major in the Army now. It will be interesting to work in the town where I was born and lived in until 1971. I’ve been up there a couple times, but never worked there.
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2:29 pm on July 28th, 2007 26
OMG Just got done laughing at the memories you just stirred. I was with Cco 2nd AVN at Casey and my future wife was with HHC 2nd AVN (both 82-83). We hung at the Together club, STARZ and stayed away from the lfer dog, NCO’s who hung at the New Korea Club………..Gun running down the street and getting chased by hajima’s for breaking andol bricks by stumbling over them after consuming way to many Lig Mils or Oscar;s………..and anyone there on New Years Eve and answered the alert sober I salute you….nobody in shops platoon did………..but we did answer…………ahhhhhhh good times………thanks again………..
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2:29 pm on July 28th, 2007 27
I was stationed at camp casey and camp hovey in 1982. Im sure alot has changed. I have to say though, I probably had the best time of my life in tdc. You definatly need to learn the tricks to survive, but once you learn them its a blast!
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2:31 pm on July 28th, 2007 28
By the way, anybody out there satationed at camp hovey b battery 261 air defence artillary 82-83 e-mail me. really like to share some kick-ass stories! by the way, when I was there the second market place with the girls in the windows was called the turkey farm. I know this by almost getting my ass kicked down there. Oh ya, JINRO RULES!!!!!! GOTTA GET THAT FROG! I need a good yakimandu recipie.
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9:27 am on August 6th, 2007 29
Joe Herber,
I was born in Korea in the Fall of 1968.
Dad?
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11:42 am on August 6th, 2007 30
GI,
Nice and informative post. Besides blogging, I write web fiction. Two of my 26 stories online, were set either in full or in part around Camp Casey and Dongducheon. Both stories revolved around a US Army officer stationed at Casey who had family living in Dongducheon.(One married to a Korean, the other officer’s family coming to the ROK on their own) Now having learned from what you wrote, one of those officers should have probably been at Castle not Casey. Why didn’t I know you five years ago? LOL.
Interesting to see and read what I wrote about. The only time I was in the ROK, I never left Seoul. I did have someone who once was stationed at Casey, help provide me info.
Bill
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1:45 pm on August 6th, 2007 31
Did a couple of “Manchu Miles” on Casey… and my feet hurt every time I think about it.
Marcus
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4:35 pm on August 6th, 2007 32
Bill,
Do you have links to your web fiction stories involving Korea?
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5:04 pm on August 7th, 2007 33
I was stationed there from 89 to 92 302nd FSB had a blast worked hard and played hard. Anyone remember then MG Farris when he was the Commander talk about keepin you on toes or MG Marsh who call alerts on payday week ends or on sundays.
I was stationed there from 86 to 87 C. Co 70 deuce Cp. Edwards when GEN
Luck was the Commander he too kept you on your toes but with him what ever worked was okay as long as it was black, brown or OD. He would call an alert anytime of the day he once called one when we eatin chow. Alot of comical s%^t when on back in those days. About Yong Ju Gol and Son Ju Ri I could write a bestseller a those two towns.
Bones
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April 5th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Was in Casey Feb 71 and to Mar 72 and again May 86 to Mar 87…..served with Gen Luck when he was a COL in 8th ID. Served with MG Farris. Again when he was in TRADOC. Served with Luck again when he was a 4 star. Could now ask for better boss. Korea is a memory…some good, some bad. But the people there at the time are always friends.
Jerry
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8:49 pm on August 7th, 2007 34
The turtle farm was relocated to Camp Mobile in the last few years. It was located in the middle of Camp Casey prior to that.
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5:23 pm on August 8th, 2007 35
Fred is correct back then even the KATUSA’s and Koreans called you turtle.
Bones
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9:44 am on September 2nd, 2007 36
Many fond memories of Camp Casey, circa 12/91 to 12/92. Spent many nights and cash at the Crown Club and Rendevous. $20 short-times with the “Alley Monsters”. “Street Meat” on a stick, kettle-shops, cheap suits, cheap women (no phillipinos or russians), getting off the bus at the turtle farm in -5 Farenheit bone-dry cold. Ten-speed bike ride to the barracks from girlfriends apt, biking really fast when the alert siren sounded. Getting my wallet stolen from a hot chic after a night of wicked sex, she got eighty-bucks, it was worth every penny. Having to kiss the MP’s asses to get back on base after said wallet was stolen so I could make PT formation and not get in trouble again. Many a drunken night, crying like a baby when some hoebag I was banging was with some other dude, wow, I was a babbling drunk at times. Beautiful thunderstorms and lightning bouncing off the summit of Soyo-san one evening. Many fond memories.
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September 13th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Brother, you were there the same time I was (Oct 91-Oct92). A Btry, 1-15 FA. Knew all those clubs and many more! Did the walk of shame from Toko Ri back to Casey many times (Darn Bus Schedules!) I hung in Toko Ri more than TDC, though. The Grand Illusion, Ace Club, New Rose and many more. Those were the days. Went to Bragg after that and ETS’d. Should have stayed in ROK.
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September 14th, 2009 at 3:45 am
AH…the walk of shame, remember well. The Ace Club was my second home (96-97) lets see if I remember, So-young, Yuni, Mina and Mehee…
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November 14th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Matt, I was there as one of those Damned MPs at the gate, Hell I propbale let you in lol… great memories. Just to let you know the 2nd MP Co were the only ones that had a 2ID warrior pass that required us to be back on Camp Casey by midnight.
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12:02 pm on September 16th, 2007 37
1BN/15th FA 83-84 While I wasn’t stationed at Casey, I of course came in through the turtle farm. Wow what memories. I was stationed at Camp Stanley near Ouijongbu. I believe our little ville was Kosang Dong, maybe! It was only 2 blocks along the west fence of Stanley. I only went to TDC maybe twice. It wasn’t all that far but, for the same money the kimchi cab drivers would take you to Souel. Our ville while very small probably had at least 50 different clubs in it. My first was the Nice Club, from there Inchon Store, Mustang Club, World Club and countless others. If not for spending about 2 weeks out of every month in the field we would have never had a sober moment while in Korea. We had 2 story barracks then and even though the rooms were made for 2-3 men 4-7 ended up in them. Community Restrooms in the baracks although the senior NCO’s had semi private rooms with their own restrooms. We always seemed to have prostitutes that would follow our unit out to the field from whatever village was the closest to where we were staying that night. As a medic I didn’t partake in any of the field girls but, I had my share in the ville. Also, as a medic I would get updates on which clubs were passing what deseases and steered clear of them. Not a perfect system but, I had fun!!! I understand that the 1/15th is out of Casey now. I would go back in a minute if the chance presented itself even without legal prostitution. I could have a blast with civilians too. If you want to have some really great times hank out with KATUSA’s. The korean people threat them like gods.
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12:23 pm on September 16th, 2007 38
Oh yeah and it is Cold as hell in the winter. I used to go to the field as the BN Ambulance Driver. I had it better that most as the ambulance was insulated and we had a mogas stove that we burned constantly to keep warm. Then one day all the medics pitched in to buy a kerosene heater for the ambulance. We would be inside sleeping on top of our mummy bags in our underwear while it would be 10 below outside. Big problem was when we would leave the ambulance to get chow everybody else would sneak in to the ambulance to get warm. We’d get back and the ambulance would have anywhere from 10-15 people in the back. Also slickie boy was a big problem especially in the field. One of my seargents and I had our wallets stolen out of our clothes while we were sleeping. The scary thing was we were using our clothes as our pillows that night. Our company commander used to have a standing order that he would give a case of beer to anyone who brought in a slickie boy.
Do you still have house boys there. We had house boys for around $30.00 a month we didn’t have to lift a finger to clean our rooms, do laundry, shine our boots, make our bunks. Ours also doubles as the local loan shark in case you ran out of money before payday. We also had a field ogima who came out to the field with us and would trade you a warm Korean meal for your C-Rats. That’s right we were still eating out of cans in the field. Finally in 84 we started getting MRE’s. The field ogima didn’t know what to think of them. The blackmarket didn’t have a value set for them at the time. No russian women back the we were still in the cold war then.
The peace talks in Burma were bombed by North Korea while I was there. The Korean Airliner shot down by the Soviet Union happened while I was there. I lost 2 friends on that flight.
I spent Christmas with the family of a Retired ROK officer through the USO. He was also a general manager at Motrola.
We had a sadistic first seargent who loved to pull the whole batteries passes whenever he felt like messing with us. A hole in the fence NW of the gate took care of that.
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August 13th, 2009 at 8:10 am
I was a medic at Stanley with C Co, 2nd Med BN, my first tour in 84-85…some of the best times in my life. Our hangout was primarily the High Cotton Club or C’Mona…I think I was on blackout drive most of the nights…
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6:44 am on December 12th, 2007 39
1980-early 1990 was pick of prostitute activity in Dongducheon.
At that time most Korean-prostitutes provided sex for US militaly soldiers and earned money. If someone who was a soldier at Camp Casey in Dongducheon and marriged with Korean-woman in 1990’s,then probably 99% his wife was a Korean-prostitute. I know a lot of prostitutes in Dongducheon was trying to move the States using marriage with US soldiers because they did not have choise to live since they were always outsiders from Korean-sociaty.
I was a bar’s owner in 1980-1995 Dongducheon. I Know a lot of Korean-prostitutes, named Heayoung,Meesoon,Jung,Soonja,Gilja…They all married with US soldiers.
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April 17th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
looking for Ms. Pak from the charlie chan club 1981-82
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August 13th, 2009 at 9:38 am
That’s a pretty broad generalization to put out there, to say if a soldier married a Korean then she’s a hooker…If you owned a bar then you were a pimp. How’s that?
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11:49 am on December 27th, 2007 40
Stationed at Camp Mobile 86-87
I miss my dawgs! Marshall, Frog*, Green, Tinman, Beltrain,Saucer,Ramey,Rose,Michelle, Williams, Franklin and many,many others! We has a great time!
Who knows the Black Rose, Underground and the Skochi’sto’.
What a Time!
Hats off to all of you
We are true Brothers and Sisters in Kind
Not many get to share these memories.
I whish you all well
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2:58 am on December 29th, 2007 41
Thanks for the great memories. 2000-2002. I think the worst part was pulling into the turtle farm and staying there for two years. While i was there they had the HETS motor pool where the airstrip is. That was definitely the best time I had in the army save for the crappy leadership and their inability to learn how to drive huge trucks on Korean roads. But the clubs made up for that…at least what i can remember
. I think not a day goes by where i reminisce about Korea. And i definitely took it all in. The best food I ever ate…Thank you TDC and 2nd Market. Remember how they told you not to get your hair cut off post because the Koreans would kill you? I found a place by my Korean girlfriends place…or wwas that my russian girlfriend…anyways…would cut your hair, wash your face and hair and give you a massage for 6 green ones or 7,000W. I should re enlist and go back.
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3:05 am on December 29th, 2007 42
[...] Your page is on StumbleUpon [...]
6:48 am on January 16th, 2008 43
[...] Results) 1|2|3 Next > Are you looking for? No Suggestions Found. 1. A Profile of USFK Camps in Dongducheon at ROK Drop … spread out among the hills to the east of Camp … and going on pass down to Soel/Itaywan was [...]
3:07 am on February 5th, 2008 44
Served 1978 to 1979 at Camp Casey, A Co. 2nd Avn Bn. (UH-1D Inspector) and from 1985 to 1986 (UH-60A Aviator). Best of all tours!!!
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February 24th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I was at Camp Casey the same dates you were there. I was an MP, so I probably checked to see if you had a day pass or overnight pass at the walk thru front gate. A lot of mayonaise used to go thru those gates lol
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August 13th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Alot of Man-aise was spilt outside the gates too!
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7:16 am on February 7th, 2008 45
I was at Camp Hovey, A Co. 1st Btn 23 Rd. Infantry 2nd Division. That was in 1973-74. Went to Toko-ri and TDC quite alot. Back then it was alot of fun. Lots of beautiful girls. Spent much time in the field but returning was time for the Ville. I remember just outside the gate of Camp Hovey there was Suki’s store and down the street was Sambo’s. Both places were lone sharking establishments. Went to Yongigul a few times. On the southern mission we went to Camp Humphrey and used to go to Pyongtek when we had a little time off. But now when looking at the website on TDC and Toko-ri these places really went down the drain! The area is more developed but it was the clubs and girls that made up the place. Sure miss it.
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3:43 pm on February 28th, 2008 46
Hi! I am Jeff pullis from Minneapolis, MN
I was stationed at CRC, in Oijongbu, South Korea.
I was there from Nov 05-Nov 07
It was the best time of my life. I never thoutht in the world of going to Korea, let alone I got to travel to Manila, Philippines on my tour. I also went up to
TDC almost every weekend I could. It has changed over the years 100%. They still have drinky girls. Yes, it is $20 to sit and talk with them for 20 min. Not worth it, but just the culture and experience of being there made it worth the while. I met so many friends. I also learned how to play pool very well there. I went to Mojos bar and all the other ones.
I also bought many souviners and collectables.
Thanks,
Jeff
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12:50 pm on March 2nd, 2008 47
“Together Club”, 102nd MI, Camp Hovey, Camp Casey, early 1980’s.
Wow! Have 20+ years really gone by that fast. I can still almost smell the garlic enhance hotdog stand across from our little two story barracks on Casey.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
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2:51 pm on March 2nd, 2008 48
The STARZ club! I have a picture of me and my buddy standing in front of those giant-azz speakers. Freaking metal at top volume! Loved that place.
Damn, memories come flooding back, fuzzy but there…
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5:14 am on March 4th, 2008 49
shawn Id love to see those pics.I was there
june 78-dec 80.csc2/72nd armor scout plt.
82-83 B co 1/38th inf,june 84-june 85 jsf
panmunjom.was there when it went from lions den
to the starz,lived with a girl that worked there
from dec79 to dec 80,used to burn blunts with
the owner “charlie” on the roof. I also loved the
dark side of the moon club and the eagles (aka
the head club)no hookers,and great times,great
girls and great people
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3:50 pm on March 20th, 2008 50
[...] just north of Seoul and about an hour south of Dongducheon, is the suburban city of Uijongbu. Besides being nationally famous for serving the best budaechigae [...]
6:48 am on March 21st, 2008 51
I was stationed in Korea 4 times, with the 1st in 1960-61, at Camp Casey and Camp Kaiser. I was a truck driver then with the 17th Transportation Bn, which was located in Happy Valley, now called Dragon Valley. I really enjoyed my time there, and driving mostly the roads from Casey to Kaiser, which was about 30 miles north east of Casey.
I made up a web page about my time in Korea with many pictures of Camp Casey, and the surrounding area.
http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/ccasey.htm
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11:36 pm on March 21st, 2008 52
Served 1964 to 1965, A Co. 8th Egnr Bn, 1st Cav Div, north of the Imgin river between Liberty and Freedom Bridge (Camp Gary Owens). Duty: Combat Engineer, 5 ton Dump Truch driver and Demolition.
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July 8th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I was station at Casey in 1964-1965. i was with the 702 support.Do you have some picture. Iwould like to see.
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10:18 am on March 25th, 2008 53
[...] range is located only about 16 kilometers northeast of the Second Infantry Division installation of Camp Casey as the crow flies, but due to the rugged terrain of the northern area of South Korea the drive to [...]
7:38 am on March 26th, 2008 54
I was stationed in Korea at Camp Nimble from Nov 1993 thru Nov 1994. I was in Alpha Company 702nd MSB, I actually started out at Camp Mobile and we moved to Camp Nimble.
I would love to swap stories with some of you guys that might have been in that unit.. any time period.
my email is bluesox7@mchsi.com
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September 21st, 2009 at 10:39 am
Hey Bobby i was stationed there also from Sept 94 to Sept 95, also A. Co 702nd. Name sounds familiar.
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10:22 am on April 1st, 2008 55
[...] A Profile of USFK Camps in Dongducheon [...]
3:25 pm on April 7th, 2008 56
Wow! Readin all the comments, I feel foolish for not paying attention. Flew in Kimpo Nov 15, 70 went to reception and labled a turtle. I understood that was becaus the new guy was expected to be scared and like a turtle hide in his shell?
I was stationed for a couple of months somewhere in bumf—- egypt; all i remember we were on a small post and went to multipal compounds providing security the out fence line was both horizontal and virticle with concrete posts and wire tops making up about 10″ squares, then coiled razor wire in between with another bobwire fence inside that.
I was in A Co. 728th military Police somewhere northeast of Seoul probably 45minutes to an hour drive. I recall the vill directly across the dirt the compound, “”Black Magic Woman would play whenever an MP entered. I was later stationed south in youngsan w/C Co. 728MP now there`was a vill! We were notified to take care of 2Id whenever they came down from the “Z”, more like don’t let them get ripped off.
Man, 37 years ago, a time i have the most respect and value for, some of the best people I’ve ever met. reading I sort of felt the progress had actually ruined what it use to be, no american food, few paved streets, and getting beat was always a posibility. We lived about 1mile of the main compound called camp Tracey, it was a condemmed ROK Marine compound. story has it that a C Co. MP who I met In A Co. had got the four stars daughter pregnant and as punishment C Co. 728MPs was moved off compound, the MP was sent to A Co. 728MPs and he was on his second tour when I arrived. I was 19 and left when I was 21 reluctantly, it was more home then home.
If anyone knows what compound A Co. 728MPs occupied before moving south to Camp Humphries please let me know, Quantset huts was there any other housing besides houch? Hohor Guard had the only brick two story building i knew of. Comsamnida
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11:13 pm on April 9th, 2008 57
[...] were ordered to conduct regular patrolling outside the camps. Units at stationed at US military installations in Dongducheon and in Uijongbu were ordered to conduct regular patrols around their installations in search of [...]
4:56 am on April 11th, 2008 58
This article is beautifully done. I was stationed in TDC from Jan. ‘74 to Dec. ‘74 and still have fond memories of the “ville”. That distinct aroma when we were running PT is a smell that you don’t forget. I had some good times in TDC. I loved Korea so much, I went back in 1977. I was stationed at Camp Sears ‘77 to ‘78. That was a bad trip caused by some butt-hole officers. I would like to go back to visit the new Korea some day.
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10:13 am on April 11th, 2008 59
Actually the “Turtle Farm” I remember from both my tours was not on Camp Moble. It was on Camp Casey proper and looks to me, from the satillite image to have been where the pool is now. My first tour was 91-93, second was 96-98, in 98 I did out process from Camp Mobile as the “farm” had moved there. The origin of the term “Turtle” I was told, came from the out processing building being across a side walk from the inprocessing building (that was true) and that it took a year to cross that sidewalk, hence the term turtle for such a slow trip of about 6 feet.
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1:42 pm on April 24th, 2008 60
I was at Camp Casey 1989-91 with the 302nd FSB. In approx. March/April 1990, during “Team Spirit” there was a terrible rollover accident involving a soldier in an APC. He was decapitated. I was on a 10k forklift directly behind him. I need someone who can remember any details or accident reports filed around this time frame.
If you know any information, please e-mail me welovemattie@yahoo.com.
Michael Archer
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11:12 pm on May 30th, 2008 61
I imagine the enemy has this info. Good job media. why don’t you learn to protect and gurad the freedom you are provided with. The owner of whatever can take his money and put it in his personal vault if you know what I mean. I hope he and you who support him are one day wake up in a terrorist area with no military to protect you.
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7:13 am on May 31st, 2008 62
This is the first time I have ever been accused of being part of the media?
All the satellite imagery is from Google Earth which anybody can download to include America’s enemies. None of the pictures in this posting are from on post. The pictures are all from off post that any civilian can walk to and take pictures of the camp from.
I intentionally did not post any pictures I took from inside the camp just so no one could accuse me of giving the enemy intelligence information.
You might want to read this posting and especially the comments to see that the enemy already has ready access to USFK installations.
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August 31st, 2009 at 10:03 pm
The NKs have all of the installations marked for destruction anyways, it’s all within arty range. There’s nothing here that the NKs don’t already know.
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2:30 pm on June 5th, 2008 63
I’ve been in contact with Rick Puzio A co. 728MP, Richard Smih A Co. 728 MP and Gary Holland C Co. 728MP; I wonder where Navarro, Green, Roger Johnson, The Hawk Henderson, Goodwin, Davis and the rest of the 1970-71 728MPs are, Bratyanski, Samples, Krouse, Col. Belford, Capt. Lowery and Top Foughlong, sorry if I spelt anyones name wrong and lets not forget Maj. Harrison.
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7:25 pm on June 25th, 2008 64
[...] Sponsored by: http://www.peoplesearch.public-records-now.com [Found on Internet Picks] A Profile of USFK Camps in Dongducheon 1980-early 1990 was pick of prostitute activity in Dongducheon. …. I was stationed in Korea 4 [...]
12:31 am on June 30th, 2008 65
i was at camp hovey in 1964 and 65
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12:32 am on June 30th, 2008 66
1 was at camp hovey in 1964 and65
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3:46 am on June 30th, 2008 67
Agree with Scubafella that the term “turtle farm” came from the fact that it takes one year to travel a short distance from the inprocessing to the outprocessing buildings. Also recall we referred to the ditches as “turtle traps” because drunken new arrivals tended to fall in them though frankly many a GI who had a few too many managed to fall in as I recall.
Also agree that there is nothing posted on this site that the North Koreans can’t pull down from a host of open sources including Google Earth.
I too recall showing up at the concentration camp like setting of the “turtle farm” as a young officer and wondering what the heck I had done to deserve this. It was February 1983 and the temperature was nose hair freezing cold, damn cold, colder than anything I ever experienced and then we would go to the field.
The story about field girls near Camp Stanley reminded me of a particularly funny memory. I was at the Divarty TOC one night when the Headquarters Battery Commander received a call from the Divarty Commander informing him that there was a young woman in his field hootch and he demanded to know what he was supposed to do?
The Headquarters Battery Commander responded with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek and much to the delight of everyone listening to the exchange in the TOC “Sir, you really don’t know what to do?”
The Divarty Commander wasn’t amused and the Headquarters Battery Commander beat feet to round up the girl and move her out of the area while the rest of us just cracked up.
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1:18 am on July 6th, 2008 68
Initially served at Camp Hovey 1974-75; Rock of the Marne HHC 1/38th. Back then Hovey was the ‘All Infantry Brigade’ under the Blue Eagle, Col William C. Glisson. Casy was commanded by the Gunfighter, General Henry Emmerson and I Corps was commanded by LTG Hollingsworth. 8th Army had Gen Stillwell. Anyway, I first remember the v. d. film and the 2nd Div briefing we reeceived at Camp Coiner in Yongsan. Part of it went something like this, “The next time, you’re down here in Yongsan with these 8th Army scum, you will likely feel sick to your stomach. Thats wjen you will reach in your pocket and pull out your 2nd Div patch, AND DRIVE ON.” Back then in 74-75, the girls who primarily hung out with The Brothers, wore red, black and green and wore afros. Other girls wore Puerto Rican colors. I saw some with Mexican colors. Still others would be seen walking with a G.I. and both would have on cowboy boots, hats and jeans. Short-times were $4. to $5. Overnights were $8.00, If she was hot they would bargain for $10. Back then we referred to street girls as Track Stars. In Tokkori, my buddies and I primarily hung out in a little store where we drank Oscar, Mok-oli, gin-ro or Crowns and ate ramyon w/ sausages. In TDC, I made thunder runs sometimes, which meant starting at one end of the strip and making it to the other end while drinking one drink in each club. I sometimes turned right outside of Camp Casey’s main gate and frequented the Ville on that end. Back in the dAY, that area was frequented only by Blacks. I did four tours. I was in Sonyori78-79. I was in Yongsan/Osan 79-81 and back in Casy 83-84. The change in Korea was dramatic from my first tour 74-75 and final one in 83-84. I did it all; I went to the TDC and Yonjugal Turkey Farms, (P.s. If you dont know about this—well
I also participated in a couple of skin shows (same thing). I weny to 2nd Market several times, Authorized or Not. Overall a great time.
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9:33 pm on August 11th, 2008 69
[...] The “TDC Ville” known in Korean as Bosan-dong, is the section of the city of Dongducheon located just across the street from the front gate of Camp Casey. [...]
12:29 am on August 12th, 2008 70
I’m stationed here at Camp Casey right now with the 55th MPCO. I have spent almost two years here and have to agree with previous comments that it will be unforgetable. To address another comment, the park which was mentioned is not off limits.
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5:53 pm on September 12th, 2008 71
Thanks to the soldiers that got there before my first tour in 1961. You did a great job in the early 50s. I’m honored to be of a later generation but still the same fraternity. ALL THE WAY, SIR!
Everything that can be said about that era has been said. I went back in late 69 and returned to the states shortly before the 7th was disbanded at Ft Lewis. During the last tour I was cadre at the 7th Infantry Whitman NCO Academy which changed to the 8th Army Whitman NCO Academy while I was there. I was assigned to the 7th Division with duty at the Academy.
TDC was still TDC while I was there as were many of the other towns up and down the road for Seoul all the way to Inchon. It is a time I’ll never forget as well. And I never want to go back again. You know the old saying. You can never go home because home no longer exists as you remember it. But for the most part, it really was the Army’s best kept secret.
I am happy to hear the troops now have good quarters to call home and I’m also glad they no longer have to go to the DMZ. I don’t know about recent days, but Americans were still being shot at and sometimes killed when I was there the last time. How well I remember the Q-huts with the stinking diesel space heaters. But even that was better than the guys in tents. Seems like our Diesel always ran out in the middle of the night and I was the one to change the jerry can. I guess we didn’t exercise the 6 Ps too well.
We had a golf course on Casey when I was there. Is it still there? Also a “wink wink” massage parlor.
Good memories and bad, what a great life I’ve had.
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November 11th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I was at the Academy 1969-1970. I still have a few of the Academy class books.
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2:23 pm on September 20th, 2008 72
I was stationed at Camp Castle from Dec 2006-Dec 2007. That is the best kept secret. The only people who have negative stuff to say about Korea or Dongducheon are either racists or the ones who think they’re better than the Asians. Beautiful culture and people who are very warm and friendly. I had my family there with me during my tour. My kids went to school in Seoul but it was a great experience for all of us. My husband just loved it there. I hope they would turn it into a Command-sponsored tour for all soldiers.
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August 31st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
That’s a pretty broad statement MCCRAYZ, don’t ya think? Can’t people not like Korea because it stinks (literally) when you’re stationed near the rice paddies, or because the cab drivers will jump you for your dough? Or maybe it’s because you can get jumped by student demonstrators down in Seoul during the summer months? There’s plenty of reasons to not like Korea which have nothing to do with your accusation of ‘racism’.
Having family with you during your ‘hardship tour’ might skew your judgment a bit.
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11:33 am on October 9th, 2008 73
Great site. I was in the 102nd MI Bn on Camp Hovey (starbase hovey anyone?) 1980-81. What a blast.
Starz club! Together club! omg – big time memories, and almost a tear to my eye.. lol.
“Hey GI, short-time iso?.. me love you long time”… lol – oh to be 18 and in TDC on a payday night in summer 1980… hear that siren go off and go running back to base…
Good times.
- Ken
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February 24th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Ken, I was at Camp Casey from 1978-1980 and again in 1984. What a blast. I was with the MP Company. Half of us stayed at the camp when it was the big field time of the year, forget the name. Anyway the girls were dirt cheap then because there were only MP’s and a skeleton crew from other companies.
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11:31 am on October 28th, 2008 74
I was station there with the 13th engr Jan 1963 to 64 Feb We slept in Quanson huts oil burnsers both ends to keep warm you could see the 38th from the Mess hall . What was the name of the Village back of the Motor pool?
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12:41 am on December 6th, 2008 75
I was stationed at Camp Casey/Camp Hovey from January of 1983 to December of 1984; 102nd MI Bn, 2nd Inf. Div.. and I have many fond…and no so fond memories of TDC, Tokori…lol…the Korean girls in the clubs. My exhusband and I were both in the same Company, just different platoons. I remember we had a hooch in TDC where we would gather with our friends and sit around on the heated floor cranking out UmmaGumma by Pink Floyd and popping those pills called Romilars (Im sure I have the name of the pills spelled wrong) and drinking Portoju. I have alot of pictures from those days in the Rendevous Club, Starz Club, etc. If I can I will post them at a later date. Anyone else serve around the same time!! Anyone remember “Slicky Mountain.” I just wish I was older when I went over there as I was just 17 and just wanted to party and have fun. Got some cool mink blankets still though.
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August 13th, 2009 at 9:53 am
OMG!! Romilars!! That’s so damn funny! I had some trippy experiences with those too…remember Fringars? some sort of diet pill? Like speed…We must be around the same age…How about drinking Purple Jesus? Kettles with everything mixed in it…Jungle Juice..
Awesome memories…again, some of the best times in my life..
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October 12th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
I was stationed with the 102nd from 83 to 84. Good times as well.
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5:52 am on December 6th, 2008 76
This is to ken and denise,Iwas there when you guys were there,78-80 at camp casey scout plt csc 2/72nd armor,82-83 at hovey b co 1/38th inf
I was also there 84-85 at the jsf in panmunjiom
and extended threw 86 at sf-det k in yongsan.
Nothing in this world beats those first 2 tours
especialy the first.yes denise I belive you spelled it right,being a former “romilar ranger” myself,well lets say I experimented.many memories and pics to share,would love to write to you guys if interested and would kill to see those pics of the starze club.for years that place was my temple,my safe haven.the owner and I were good friends from getting fried together on the roof overlooking the city and river with neil young’s powderfinger screaming over the stereo in 78-80 when it went from being the lions den to the starze,to telling him goodbye for the last time in 86.It wasnt realy him or the club,but the years of great times and adventure.becoming a man,getting married,having kids experiencing combat (greneda 83 panmunjiom shootout over soviet defector in 84)somehow I always managed to find my way back in that place.shoot the sh*t with my old friends and relax.I know this sight is about sharing great memories so I wont get all emotional about it.But I’d be lying if If I said I realy didnt miss it.some of the stuff ive read here I never herd of in all my years there like the tokko-ri
midget It was the tokko-ri amazon we went to see,and that was only if it was true….it was.
Ive got plenty of pics but amayzingly none of the starze.sounds like the ville of today sucks compared to our time or before,its all disapearing now,the camps are closing,I’m out of the army (wounded in somalia 93) and my first wife died and my kids are grown.Now my temple,my safe haven,the place I go to relax…is on my harley,or at home with the 2nd wife and 3kids.
But sometimes at night,I close my eyes to sleep
and Im walking into the starze,waving at the dj all the way across the place,sitting at the bar and ordering an ob and a shot all my buddies are there,”charlie” comes over to ask us if we want to smoke one and up the stairs we go up past the pool room to the roof,the stars are out,the lights are on below and neil young is just starting to sing powderfinger and all is right with the world. great sight thanks for letting me share.
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8:56 am on December 6th, 2008 77
Right on Scott & Denise -
Remember – “what have you done for PFC Warrior today?” – I always thought to myself, I gave him blisters..or a touch of frostbite… lol.
I have some old pics of the starz somewhere – I remember Charlie- he’d make tapes for me sometimes.
People that weren’t there just don’t understand it.I’ve never been as tight with a bunch of people as I was in the ROK.
I lost my wife recently – god bless & ride safe my friend.
Ken
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February 24th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
right back at you ken,and jim you definatly would have checked my pass,would love to tell you a couple of stories about mp’s sometime and see if you might have been involved or know the guys who were.
sorry about your loss ken,we should exchange emails.
take care all
Scott
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7:11 pm on February 24th, 2009 78
I spent 4 tours in Korea, and looking back, they were the best years of my life. We worked hard, but partied even harder.
Here is the web page I made about Camp Casey.
http://qsl.net/wd4ngb/ccasey.htm
I just set up a forum for guys that were in Korea to use.
http://korea.forumakers.com/
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12:57 pm on March 20th, 2009 79
that’s” thank goodness”!
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9:27 am on March 30th, 2009 80
I WAS AT CAMP CASEY FROM FEB 1968 TO FEB 1970 IN THE 7 TH DIVISION. READING THE COMENTS ABOUT TDC SURE DO BRING BACK THE GOOD MEMORIES ABOUT LIFE IN THE ARMY IN SOUTH KOREA. IF I WERE TO GUESS I WOULD SAY THAT THOSE TWO YEARS WERE THE BEST TWO YEARS OF MY LIFE. HELL AFTER 40 YEARS I STILL HAVE VERY GOOD MEMORIES OF THE FUN LIFE IN TDC. I DID HAVE A KOREAN GIRL FRIEND FOR ALMOST THE WHOLE 2 YEARS, AND TO THIS DAY I STLL WOUNDER JUST WHAT BECAME OF HER, HER NAME WAS CHA YOUNG JA AND I WOULD STILL LOVE TO FIND OUT ABOUT HER
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2:36 pm on March 30th, 2009 81
I notice a few guys mentioning the Starz Club. It opened in winter 1979, it became one of my favorite hangouts because the DJ played great tunes and there werent 20 business girls bugging the crap out of you. If you were looking for that, there were 50 other clubs right downstairs for you. We were up there one night and this mamasan comes in and was going table to table, asking “You want a nice girl?”. She got to our table and I decided I would be a smartass so I told her “NO! I don’t want a girl. I want a juicy young fat little boy!”. Well she laughed, we all laughed and she walked away, I figured that was the end of it. Damn if she didn’t show up about an hour later with a little chubby Korean boy in tow. Man we just died, she sure shut me up!
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6:35 pm on April 4th, 2009 82
I was stationed at camp casey 84 to 8a 2nd inf div Aco 702
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April 4th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
1984to1985
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4:19 pm on April 7th, 2009 83
I was stationed at Camp Casey early 1954 with 7th Div Artillery Hq. Returned for visit in May 08, really a different place now. I published a book about my army days and the war over there, “I remember The Forgotten War” published by Authorhouse Publishing. Available on internet.
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April 7th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Jim,
I was at Casey in 60, and visited it in 70, 78, and 82, and saw all the changes during those times. I can only imagine what it would be like from 54 to 08. Jim, I have a web page about Casey, with lots of pictures. I would love to add some from your 1954 time frame. I have 1 showing all the tents, just before they started building the quonset huts.
You can check it out here.
http://qsl.net/wd4ngb/ccasey.htm
If you have any to add, or anyone else, you can email them to the address on the page.
Bruce
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1:30 pm on April 17th, 2009 84
I was at Nimble when the flood hit in 1998. That was when the worst flood was. Our trucks were under water. I was there Oct 1997 to Oct 1998. It was quite the expereince. I will never forget the turtle ditches and Jakie B’s. Long live the Sun King’s. ( one of the good bands to visit the camp then).
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August 13th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Right on Scott, I may have been with you on the Starz roof…one of hte last times I got stoned…
Ride safe…I share your memories..I have like 7 tours since 84..retired now (2007 from Korea)
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12:22 pm on May 11th, 2009 85
I was 2nd MP Company 1978-1979, but I was 4th platoon up north at Camp Pelham. I only spent 1 night at Casey.
Yongigol made TDC look like Kiddyland.
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1:53 pm on May 18th, 2009 86
I was stationed at Camp Casey from Apr 69 to May 70 in 7th Inf Div Hq. I would like to hear from others stationed there during that time.
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8:46 am on May 19th, 2009 87
Does anyone remember the video that had all of the film footage of live fire explosions etc.? Tanks firing, missles hitting, etc etc…and it was set to AC/DC’s “For Those About To Rock”?
The Starz would play that and the place would come unglued sometimes…
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9:31 pm on July 26th, 2009 88
I was stationed at Camp Sears from 2000-2002. I always find myself thinking of that place. Its like its calling me back. Has anyone been there from 2000 on? I know its closed now. I had a dog named Ewso that i saved from a kegogi farm as a puppy. My platoon was the Early Warning Sensing Operators from 5-5 ADA. Thats how he got his name. I had to leave him because i got orders for Ft Bliss and Iraq was coming into the picture. I miss that dog!!
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July 27th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Hey Dax
I can realy relate to you…but heres the thing,I had been been feeling that way since my first tour in the late 70’s.So let me do what I can to help you out by sharing some things with you from my own experiences.Look at the people on this webb page,from the end of the war in the 50’s to now, myself included,feel the same as you do.And weather you believe it or not,those of us stationed there in the 50’s 60’s 70’s and 80’s had it 1000 times better then.It was the wild west,the enemy wasnt someguys over the border,they were guys we faced off with daily if you were in the infantry like I was.I was there my friend,I walked the streets of the ville,slept in warrior base across the road from firebace 4 papa 1,pulled qrf,manned guard posts collier and oullette,went on live ambush patrols inside the z.I have 5 imjin scout awards and was there in the jsf when burgoyne got shot in the face and a rok soldier was killed and several nkpa soldiers were killed and wounded.please bare with me as Im not saying I or my time was any better than you or yours,( THOUGH I THINK SO)Im trying to make a point,to help you realize something its taken me 30 years to realize.Each era did its thing over there.after my first tour ended I would go back for more hoping to find what I missed and lost from the first.It realy started changing in the mid 80’s and I didnt want to go back anymore,Dex I saw plenty of combat in my tours with the 3 bns of the 75th ranger regiment,but my time on the z made me ready for places like greneda,panama and somalia,The love I had for a girl who worked in the starze club,made me able to be the husband and father I am today.Ive had the opportunity to go back,something I always wanted to do but dont feel the obsession with it anymore.Ill tell you why,On my first tour we would talk of riding harleys and opening our own bar,heres the problem with that,the msr was the only passable rd.you couldnt live there as a civilian unles employed by usfk,couldnt have a pov much less a harley ect.ect.fast forward to 2004 long retired from the military(wia somalia 93)thinking alot about the past and like you my first tour in the rok,I used the internet to find some old friends and found my bestfriend of that era Mike,with whom I was there that 1st tour and was best man at his wedding and whom I last saw in 82.I found my friend pappy with whom ive never met but is a civilian employee ridind harleys in the rok!and of course,I found my internet friend,biker and bar owner in tdc mojo,these guys made me realize its all gone (korea of the 50’s-early 80’s)including the bases,dmz mission,guardposts ect,now my friend mike said the most important thing of all to me,I asked if he’d like to go back with me,he said why?look at how big and strong it is now,the rok we knew was gone,but the way korea is now showed we had done our job of keeping them free.
Thats when it hit me dude,and im passing this on to you but especialy those in our era (mine,mikes and those from the 50’s to mid 80’s)there are thousands and thousands of ghosts that walk the streets of the ville,who stand guard against attack on empty forgotten places.there the ghosts of G.I.’s and of girls who’s dreams never come true.ghosts of guys singing and tosting one another in abandoned buildings that once were bars or maybe still are.time slips by quikly and for me and Im sure most of the people on this sight it seems like yesterday and we all want to go back,but for us its not just the place but the time,so to you all I say job well done.now this august I have the chance to go back.I chose instead to get some 16 inch apehangers for my harley and on august 6th a plane will arrive at portland maine from colorado springs colorado carrying my friend mike for our first visit
in 28 years and nearly 31 to the day we first met in the rok.That girl from the starze club,well that story is private and didnt turn out the way we both hoped,but Ill share this with you,she is married with two kids,now grown,in mo.I hope this helps dude,embrace the past,dont live in it,some day,I hope that despite all the good and bad that went on over there,when I kick off,I get to go back there like I still do in my dreams,until my wife comes,cause Id rather be with her.Find meaning in your life while cherishing the past.If your to young to understand what I meen now,you wont be someday.
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August 13th, 2009 at 4:27 am
Some good writing and thoughts. Thanks.
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1:09 pm on July 27th, 2009 89
Scott, your tours and feelings are so much like mine. My 1st Tour was 1960-61,pre-SOFA days, and what a experience. The Wild West description fits perfect. I was stationed at Casey, but spent 3 months up at Cp Kaiser also. Kaiser was located north of Rodriguez Range, near Unchon-ni. While at Kaiser, we got a 2 day pass each month to go down to Casey to rest. What a laugh, I needed a rest after spending the 2 days in TDC. We had R&Rs to Japan back then also.
Camp Casey
http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/ccasey.htm
Camp Kaiser
http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/ckaiser.htm
My 2nd Tour in 69-70, I was at Cp Stanley, but spent about 6 months at Cp St Barbara next to Rodriguez range and the Chinese Tunnel. This was the best of the 4 tours. The Vill outside of Stanley was a blast. Some of you newer guys there probably think those ditches beside the hill going down into vill were put there to control the rain run off. Those are the results of the guys from the early years crawling up the hill, after some serious partying, to make “Bed Check”.
When I was up at Cp St Barbara, I was part of a 12 man Detachment, that never seen the rest of the Company except for Payday, when we loaded up in our 2 1/2 ton van, and drove to Stanley. I was a SP6 then, and after we got a new Commander, on our next Payday, while reporting for pay, he commented on what a great job he heard we were doing up at the Detachment. He said he was going to come up to visit us in the next week or two. I was glad to get a early warning. The village out side of Cp St Barbara was small, but what it lacked it size, it made up for in action. The closeness that we had between the guys at the Detachment, was only matched from that found in Nam between guys in a squad.
Camp Stanley
http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/campstanley.htm
Camp St Barbara
http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/stbarbara.htm
My 3rd Tour was down south at “The Hump”. What a trip that was in 78-79. I was in HQ Company Garrison, and was in charge of the TMP Motor Pool. I had been stationed at Campbell with the 101st, and going to the Hump in Hq Garrison, was like being in the Boy Scouts. It was a very good assignment, but I missed the Wild West of the earlier years. Angung-ni was a lot more tame than the villages I had become use to.
Camp Humphreys:
http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/cp%20humphreys.htm
My last Tour was at Camp Red Cloud in 81-82. This is when Red Cloud was being readied for the 2nd ID to move in. There was lots of construction on CRC, and Uijongbu had changed from a village to a small city since my earlier tours.
Camp Red Cloud
http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/crc.htm
Korea had advanced a huge amount in those years, but lost a lot of what made it unique also. It is rare to see Koreans dressed in there traditional cloths now, and many other things that were seen daily, are now only seen on special occasions. Korea is more than capable of defending them selves now, so it is time for us to depart.
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July 28th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Hey Bruce,
looks like you and I were there about the same time
my friend.I was there during your last 2 tours.
exept that I was there 82-82 while you were there 81-82 and though I was stationed at camp hovey,when
my 1st wife(I got married on that tour)had our daughter,she had to go to st.mary’s hospital in uijongbu to have her.Like Dex,I never go a day without thinking of that place,that time actually.
The ghosts that walk those streets,mountains,ect.
The dmz.I realy ment what I said about how it got me ready for things to come in life and how the tension of being the dmz in the gp’s,running live patrols,being at warrior base or serving in the jsf
was at times even more scarey then greneda,panama or even somalia,and that was bad.Your right about the changes,from what ive seen and those ive talked to over there Id barly recognize it.I envy you guys from the 60’s but us from the 70’s had it about the same,living in quonset huts ect.ect.The almost daily clashes with the nkpa,while ours were few and far between,they happened.I was at hovey in 82 when they built the modern barracks and we moved in(wich are probably torn down now)I felt things changing.Theres a million questions id love to ask you about your tours and pics id like to share with you,to bad theres not a site on the internet were we can do that.If I had the knowledge I’d do it myself.Anyway like I said in my post to Dex,I got over the desire to go back because I realized it wasnt the place I missed,but the time.By my last tour I didnt want to go back,ever,your right,the people lost their identity,going so western I felt embarressed for them.I’m glad there strong and we made that possible,but I agree its time to come home and the guys that are there now who think they got it going on and dont want to give it up,I sayyou may be in korea,but your not in KOREA,even the party girls arnt korean,man I loved the culture outside the ville,but thats gone too.Traded off to be a western style nation.you can still be strong and beautiful without selling your soul.I guess they forgot that.as for now looking forward 8 days till my reunion with my buddy mike.would love to hear from you about your experiences and see pics and send you some if your interested I did some on the link on your post can I email you through that?take care and thanks for your service
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July 28th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Scott thanks for visiting the site. I would just like to let you know that there is a Forum feature here on the ROK Drop you can use to post pictures and discuss topics with people if you want to share your Korea experiences with other readers here:
http://rokdrop.com/forums/
Thanks again for visiting the site.
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July 28th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Scott – I was at Hovey in 82-83 (Alpha 1/38). The new barracks weren’t being built just yet – everyone was still in q-huts.
And the new barracks – they are still there. In fact, there are entire new sections of Camp Hovey that have barracks where there once was only trees and fields. It must be twice as big as it was back in the day. You wouldn’t recognize Hovey today. I went back there around eight years ago for an exercise at Casey. I jumped on the bus one day and road over to Hovey just for the hell of it. After the bus made its way through the Hovey Cut between bases, I knew I had to be on Hovey – but I didn’t recognize anything. I had nothing to use as a basis of reference for where I was because everything had changed so drastically. I finally saw the theater and the chapel next to it – it hadn’t changed, so I finally had an idea of where I was. I now work in Seoul and drive up to Hovey around once a month just to drive around and get some fresh air. It’s a whole different world compared to Seoul – fresh air, nice and quiet, no traffic, etc.
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July 28th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Hey,
I was in bravo 1/38th 82-83!I moved into the 1st of the modern barracks wich was located on the corner across from I believe it was the ada outfit.so say your driving through hovey as I remember itturn right heading to the tokori gate,on the right is I believe university of texas,the chappell,theater and class 6 at the same time on the left of you is the ada I think 1/61st?,ok so now were at the corner,you go left to head to tokko-ri gate,before going left,look straight and that is were the new barracks were.We moved in in the spring or early summer of 83.I was ltc sutherlands driver,but still bunked with my plt when we moved and I know we were in there when my daughter was born,11 july 83 I here there closing the place down now,is it true?and have you been through the ville?Is the old starze club there?I was never one for tokko-ri,my tour in 82-83 (june 82 to july 83 as I took incountry leave)was the second of four tours I did there,would love to hear more about it,maybe some pics,in anycase that was the first of the new barracks to be built.I do have some shots of it and checked the date
may 83
6:56 am on July 28th, 2009 90
The email on those are mine, and I would be glad to add your pictures. If they are from other camps not listed, I can make a new sub page. The number of camps north of Seoul are shrinking fast, and I want to make a picture history of them to preserve the history and memories.
Here are the Camps that I have so far. A few of those are sites set up by others, that I linked to.
http://qsl.net/wd4ngb/korea%20pics.htm
If anyone has pictures to add to these, you can send scanned pictures to the email listed on the pages. If you have several pictures of a camp not listed, I will add a page for it.
I also have a Forum set up for guys to swap stories and pictures on.
http://korea.forumakers.com/
We can’t go back in time, but we can keep our memories. If the Army knew how much fun I had on my tours to Korea, they would take my Retirement Pay back.
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July 28th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Bruce,found your site,man it is awesome!I loved the little tour in the car video!and the pics,fantastic
I will share this site with guys whove served there.
Youve realy done us a great service.now to figure how to send you pics,ive got some good ones too.look for roknrolla.thanks again Bruce.All you guys on here who want to take a walk through time or see what its like now realy need to check this site out.
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6:57 am on July 28th, 2009 91
Hi everyone!
My husband was just sent to Camp Casey. We thought it was Camp Carrol but since his rank is high, he will be heading a division over there.
I was wondering if anyone can tell me if he will be in danger. I don’t know anything about it, and don’t want to worry about it…
Also, he was asked if he would like to bring his family. We have 2 children, and I am also wondering if it would be an okay environment for them.
Thanks everyone!
Jen
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July 28th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Being stationed at Camp Casey is perfectly safe. Now living in Dongducheon with a family will have its challenges. The living conditions are not what you would find back in the US and if your kids are school age they will have to travel a long ways from Dongducheon to go to school. That is why a lot of command sponsored families live in Seoul or Uijongbu and their spouses travel there on the weekends to be with their families when they can.
If you have any questions in particular ask away and either I and other people on this site can help you out.
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August 31st, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Hi Jen, all you have to worry about is if the North Koreans decide to obliterate all the camps north of Seoul one day. If not, you’ll be good to go!
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10:35 am on July 28th, 2009 92
Guitard,dont know if my answer got through to you on the reply,hope it did but didnt see it post so ill do it here.The 1st of the “new”barracks opened on in may of 83,its in the corner of the pic Im looking at.I knew it was around then as I was just getting done doing a stint as LTC Sutherlands driver and my co.B co.1/38th moved in,not the whole co. though.Iknow I was in there when my daughter was born in july.I was there from june 82 to july 83 as I took leave in country.In my reply I told you one way to get there now well go the reverse,heading from tokko-ri gate down towards the theater,as we stroll to the right are the q huts and area occupied by 1/38th,on the left are verious bldgs including,bn aid station,sr nco quarters,barber shop,and the “steam and cream”not particularly in that order,now on the right it turns into I believe the 1/61st air defence artillary,in any event it was an ada unit.now weve come to were you must turn right,but directly in front is the theater and class 6 and to the left is were the barracks were built.so as if you were standing at a t,the barracks were left.class6 and theater straight ahead,if you took the right on your left would be the class 6,theater,church,university of texas building among others,on your right would be the ADA,then you would go left out the way that took you through the 1/23rd and 102mi ect out the back gate through the hovey cut past pnoc academy to casey.there thats how I remember it…..now that we got that out of the way,lets go run THE HORN,remember that?bury the hatchet,piss on the fire,remember that.would love to see new pics of hovey and casey and the ville,specialy if the old starze club is still there.tokko-ri I didnt like TDC rocked.this was the second of my 4 tours there
take care man thanks for the input
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July 28th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
The B Co, 1/38th Commander from that era is now retired and working in Yongsan as a DoD civilian. I have his business card somewhere. I can’t remember his last name though – first name is George. Him and my company command (CPT Corey) were best friends.
A guy in my platoon bought a nice camera while he was there and when he PCSed, he left a pile of photos behind. I kept them. There are just random pics – mostly around Alpha Company – but some from down in Tokkori. I should scan them sometime.
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July 28th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
so you live in the rok?what do you do there.yes you should scan those pics.what months were you there?
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July 28th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I was there Mar 82 – Mar 83.
Following your trail outlined above – if you were coming from the Tokkori gate and went to the t- intersection you mention – you can now continue to go straight and there are several 3-4 story barracks. And when you get down to the intersection to turn left to go to the Hovey Cut gate – you can take a bridge over to the other side of the creek and there are several new buildings over there also. Like I said – you wouldn’t recognize the place.
I retired from active service and now work as a DoD civilian in Yongsan.
You can email at rod.lapratt@gmail.com
3:21 am on August 13th, 2009 93
Married my girl Cindy who used to work in Peace Club. Followed her to the Philippines and tied the knot over there. Cherish every moment with this amazing woman.
Some of these girls are just terrible, but plenty who are good people. I guess everyone’s got a different experience.
I’d like to say that I won’t miss this place, but who am I kidding…
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8:30 pm on August 31st, 2009 94
Man, awesome site you have here. I was stationed at Camp Edwards with the 82nd Engineer Company (CSE), attached to the 44th Eng Battalian at Camp Howze, 1997-1998.
Not much to do there. Casey was about 1.5 hours bus ride away, Seoul/Yongsan was about the same.
I do remember TDC only from my time at Camp Mobile. I swear I never knew where the hell I was in ROK, I always thought Casey was more north than east of me. I loved that they told us that the certain areas were off-limits, as if I’d lived there all my life and knew how to get there.
Headed into TDC maybe once a month to see the ojima pimp sitting on her curb, lol. As a 19 year old naive kid, the first girl she took me to was about 300 pounds…and I accepted. I got a little wiser later on though.
Went on a failed trip looking for hookers outside of Camp Edwards in Kumchon (there were rumors of hookers down there). I think my buddy and I found them one night as we went down an alley that had sliding glass doors opening onto living rooms or bedrooms. But the all waved us off, have no idea why. I also went on a personal quest for hookers in Yong-ti-rae right outside my camp. Big fail.
They sold beer in the vending machine for something like fifty cents when I first got there, but they ended up taking them out at some point.
It was rumored that the CID guys used to sell PX items on the blackmarket, and that they’d refuse to let the guys on guard duty check their vehicles before they left.
In talking about TDC, someone mentioned a guy “Big Bob” being a bar owner. This doesn’t happen to be an enormous (like 400 lbs) American civ with a son is it? We had a guy at Camp Edwards who worked the USO rec place. Guy was an asshole, hated making me hot dogs or burgers and used to respond to his little son’s whining with more whining. I used to think, “Dude, if it’s that much work to do what you’re here for and make me a burger, just go back to damn CONUS”.
Lots of memories, good and bad. Hated it when I was there, love it in retrospect. Too bad it’s all gone now
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8:47 pm on August 31st, 2009 95
BTW,
NewSchoolArmy,
Yes, stay away from the female soldiers. I saw a couple guys get in bad trouble with them over sexual harassment, fraternization, etc. You will not be treated fairly if you are ever simply accused of even the slightest transgression. Doesn’t matter if you are guilty, you’ll be in deep doo-doo regardless.
D Cecil,
Yeah I had something like happen that with a guy who was helping my buddy and I find a hotel room in Seoul. Started asking us how big certain bases were, if we were allowed to go out on the weekends, that kinda thing. Then he ended up taking us to a really shady hotel, like murdered-in-the-middle-of-the-night style. There were two odd guys at the front desk speaking fluent Hangul to the clerk (one guy was an albino). We figured they caught the black gonorrhea or something and could never go home, lol. It was an interesting night to say the least.
BTW, I never saw or heard of Filipino or Russian hookers back in 97-98, though I wasn’t in TDC often. The price back then was $40, though I paid $80 once for a better looking girl.
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September 1st, 2009 at 2:31 am
Also, any PA or Doc will tell you that you are more likely to catch a STD from a female soldier than the girls downtown. Sad, but true.
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September 1st, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Hey guys-
I see your posts about the STD’s and women in the military. You know…women can get STD’s from men, as well. Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black. You seem to discriminate against female soldiers because of this. It may just be a good idea to just stay away from us, anyway, as we don’t need your (soldiers) unsolicited sexual advances. And you wonder why some soldiers get into trouble over stuff like this. Sounds like you’re only hearing one side of the story- a man’s side – the one who’s guilty and pissed about it. Should’ve left her alone. I have never received an STD, but I have encountered countless men who just couldn’t, or wouldn’t keep their sexual comments to themselves. I had no problem telling them what they can do with their “member” or counseling statements.
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September 1st, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I’ve never had an STD, and I’ve never involved myself with female soldiers. I’m only speaking based on what I saw and experienced while serving. Nearly all of the female soldiers I saw in Korea got by on their APFTs and everything else with a wink and a smile, then burned guys they didn’t like with sexual harassment accusations or, in the case of one female soldier, rape charges (which were later thrown out, even though the guy still got transferred outta the unit…).
Now, if you are known as an upstanding soldier (and I’ve met a few), then accusing people of these things warrant a lot of attention. But being the base whore, or holding a ‘breathe at your own pace’ medical profile (yes I’ve seen it with my own eyes), or being at the club every weekend surrounded by ten male soldiers, sorry but these loose accusations don’t hold much water. Unfortunately, the Army is so paranoid about it that they go way overboard whenever a male soldier is accused of anything.
The breathe-at-your-own-pace soldier (who also smoked a pack a day)? She was in my squad. I got on her once during PT (prior to her profile) because she was cheating on her flutter kicks and everything else. The end result? My squad leader speaking to me in private and letting me know to avoid her since she used my name and ‘harassment’ in the same sentence.
And for the record, I was the top rated lower enlisted soldier in my platoon. But I saw far too many power-drunk female soldiers walking around my camp like they owned it…and they kinda did. Ditto for Ft Irwin and Ft Leonard Wood.
In the case of E7, if a male soldier is indeed sexually harassing you, then you have every right to do what’s necessary and kudos for doing so. But if you’re also at the club hanging with an entire squad of men every weekend and getting free drinks all night, you shouldn’t expect people to believe you when you accuse male soldiers of bad behavior.
3:38 am on September 2nd, 2009 96
“I’ve never involved myself with female soldiers”
There are always a few barrack “catchers”. Myself, I say live and let live. If a dude wants to give his buddy a “brojob” its up to them. It’s all good.
E-7 Archer Retired- FEMALE
I would like to introduce you to the el Chickenhead….
El Chickenhead… let her have it
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September 2nd, 2009 at 4:19 am
Yes. I figured I’d let El Cabezo de Pollo handle that one.
Can’t wait…
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5:42 am on September 2nd, 2009 97
Gosh… I didn’t really have anything clever to say. Nothing stood out as particularly unreasonable from a certain point of view.
I guess I can make a few comments.
1. Not EVERY girl in the military gets drunk every night and lets the whole platoon run train… and a girl who isn’t doing this will be rightfully offended to be thrown into the same category.
Of course when a well-known skank starts crying raape, a very objective look at the situation needs to be taken before arbitrarily ruining a human being’s life.
This is rarely being done and it causes a lot of resentment… resulting in a backlash.
2. Women can get STDs from men and men can get them from women… but it seems when they track this stuff down, infected women generally have more sexual partners than infected men… and that makes sense because it is kinda hard for most military guys to get some regardless of what he says, does or spends…
…whereas the itchy skank-ho just has to show up.
Use this knowledge as a guide for your score keeping.
3. “It may just be a good idea to just stay away from us, anyway, as we don’t need your (soldiers) unsolicited sexual advances.”
Well… hmmm. It probably is a good idea to stay away from them for a variety of reasons… be they political pitfalls or the reality that most military women, like most bargirls, only SEEM shithot in certain places and in certain situations… and they are narrow places and situations.
ChickenHeadProTip: Keep that marriage dick in your pants until you are a civilian again… thank me later.
I’m not sure about the unsolicited sexual advance part. Without some sort of water-testing advance, masturbation is generally the inevitable outcome.
When you ladies start being a pain in the ass by bugging guys for sex, the unsolicited advances will stop. Until then, suck it up and accept that men think differently than women… and you have all the power by saying no thanks.
That being said, I guess it’s a matter of smoothness.
“The green glow of the NVGs really highlights your eyes.”
…and…
“I got me a wiener in cream sauce swingin’ MRE fer ya right here ‘tween mah legs and if it ain’t big enough, I’ll give ya two servin’s… c’mon an’ spread yer heater flaps there, little missy! Ya can eat it all ya want after ya warmed it up a bit.”
…aren’t the same thing.
4. “I have never received an STD, but I have encountered countless men who just couldn’t, or wouldn’t keep their sexual comments to themselves.
Well. Good for you. Here is the deal. It isn’t real classy to go around making sexual comments to the local ladies.
On the other hand, the military ain’t exactly a classy organization. It is a group of men busting their ass in a manly environment and generally not getting any… especially with overpriced prostitution protection rackets enforced by fake crackdowns.
Killin’ and fuckin’ kinda go together in a guy’s mind… being the reasons we kill can all be traced back to a desire to reproduce.
I’d be distrustful of guys in their 20s (and 30s) who weren’t thinking of sex much of the time in such an environment… and who didn’t let that slip out when given the chance…
…especially when, like it or not, a lot of girls encourage that attention… as many of the thicker and uglier ones never got anything like that from the square-jawed studmuffins back home.
Mostly, it’s harmless as guys can be pretty intuitive on who the can talk smack to and who they can’t… well… until the girl who giggled, and uttered sexy comments back for months, has a PMS moment and decides to make a stink. Then the poor sap looks like the bad guy and is truly mystified as to why.
5. “I had no problem telling them what they can do with their “member” or counseling statements.”
I don’t know about counseling statements but the best response is indifference… and it will go away. Talking back encourages it… as it is also about mental stimulation, socialization and female attention as much as it is about sex. Complaints through official channels should be a very last resort as it perpetuates the b.i.t.c.h. stereotype and does nothing to harmonize the relationship between men and women.
I guess that’s all that came to mind about that.
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6:13 am on September 2nd, 2009 98
Chickenhead is ROKDROP’s double barrel shotgun.
CHICKEN-to the-HEAD-to the-SMACKDOWN-to the-LOL
LORD OF THE E2 HAS SPOKEN
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1:42 pm on September 2nd, 2009 99
Very Good responses. Tells me you have a good head on your SHOULDERS. Too bad many other men and women cannot see past the “Hey, how long have you been here?” scenario. Anyway- good posts.
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3:25 pm on October 7th, 2009 100
Well i got pregnant and never told anyone so the biologicle father doesn’t know anything about it.
Well my son is turning 12 tomm. on 10/08 and i wish i would have kept intouch with him we had a good relationship but we agreed to go our sep. ways after he got orders to leave. I respect that so i never looked for him and now i can’t remember his full name i think it was scott. I need to find you. Emily Wade
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10:16 am on October 23rd, 2009 101
Totally different subject……….
I’m headed to Casey in the next few months for work and will stay in a hotel off base……is it cool for me to run around the city early mornings (like 0430)?
Thanks.
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October 30th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Yes, it’s ok to run around any time of the day just as long as you have some one with you.
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January 17th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
If you are civilian there in no requirement to have someone with you and you can go out any time of day. To be clear: there are no restrictions.
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7:11 am on October 27th, 2009 102
casey1979 left reassigned
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7:14 am on October 27th, 2009 103
peair la poopshoot and frenchie were stationed with me anyone know them and why we called them that?
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7:52 pm on October 27th, 2009 104
WAS STATIONED AT CAMP HOVEY 86-87 102ND MI BN.Tore my leg up bad when I first got there- fell into a turtle ditch(imagine that!) Still have dreams of being back there. My feet still hurt from those 12 mile roadmarches. soju usually helped to forget the pain! Had a blast in toko-ri hangin in the clubs and eating yakeemondoo!
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October 30th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I love soju and yakimandoo!
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12:32 pm on November 5th, 2009 105
First tour was 78-79 at Yongsan. Peace of cake. Second tour was 102nd MI at Hovey in 85-86. Lived in one of the old huts before they finally moved me into the new 2 story bldg. Remembered that they put us on alert when the space shuttle blew up during launch.
Miles of running damaged my foot and still bothers me to this day.
One of my Pink Floyd albums had a short part that when cranked up sounded just like the air raid horn/siren. Used to turn up my stereo just to watch all the KATUSAS start running for the arms room. Most of the guys figured we would hear the artillery hitting first if it was a real war. I think we had an hour to respond to the siren so most of us took our time to report in.
Looks like Hovey has gotten bigger. Took me a few minutes to figure out where the 102nd was located. Showed my wife where I was when I got the news that our son had been born.
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1:09 pm on January 17th, 2010 106
In Korea 88-89 and 92-93. Regarding the Turtle Farm, both times, it was located on Camp Casey, up the road from the PX complex.
Looking at Google Earth, the entrance to it was one of these locations:
37°55′19.44″N 127° 3′53.13″E
37°55′21.15″N 127° 3′57.53″E
37°55′22.05″N 127° 3′59.42″E
37°55′24.80″N 127° 4′4.86″E
A previous comment mentioned it being where the swimming pool is, but that’s really too close to the PX complex. It was a much farther walk.
Although the entrances themselves have probably changed, I’d bet that the 2nd one in my list above is probably the closest. I could be wrong.
Anyway, as also previously mentioned, during these times, we were turtles because it took a year to get from the in-processing building to the out-processing building, which were, of course, right next to each other.
I went on to Camp Laguardia during the first tour, and Camp Stanley the second, but I did get to visit TDC once in a while, and enjoyed the club that, at that time, would put a stripper on stage. If memory serves, you had to go upstairs to get to it.
Memories…
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