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 Popeyes 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 welcome 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 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
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.
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?
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!!!
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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………..
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!
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.
9:27 am on August 6th, 2007 29
Joe Herber,
I was born in Korea in the Fall of 1968.
Dad?
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
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
4:35 pm on August 6th, 2007 32
Bill,
Do you have links to your web fiction stories involving Korea?
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
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.
5:23 pm on August 8th, 2007 35
Fred is correct back then even the KATUSA’s and Koreans called you turtle.
Bones
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
3:05 am on December 29th, 2007 42
6:48 am on January 16th, 2008 43
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!!!
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.
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
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.
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…
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
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
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.
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
10:22 am on April 1st, 2008 55
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
7:25 pm on June 25th, 2008 64
12:31 am on June 30th, 2008 65
i was at camp hovey in 1964 and 65
12:32 am on June 30th, 2008 66
1 was at camp hovey in 1964 and65
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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