K16 Korea - What You Need To Know

What You Need To Know K16 Kores on AHRN.com — Photo Source: Creative Commons

At AHRN.com, we want to offer our readers a place to turn to when facing the challenge of a PCS. You know how it is when you get orders. You go to your Facebook friends list, find someone who is there or has been recently and get all the details! We are sharing the little things that help you to make a home at K16 Korea!

What are the best neighborhoods?

Near post: Sinchon-dong, Oya-dong, Simgok-dong. A bit further: the Pangyo and Yatap areas.

What schools are considered the best?

Most families send their children to the DoD schools on Yongsan. Some send their kids to Korean schools nearby. Some homeschool.

Is there anywhere traffic is especially bad?

Where we’re located never really has bad traffic. As you get closer to Seoul, it gets busy. Some people decide to live near the big Army base, Yongsan, and when they travel to K16 they will most likely hit traffic. There is only one gate at K16.

Can I get off post for lunch?

It is very easy for a service member to go off-post for lunch.

Where do I (service member) report to when I arive?

The service member will report up at Yongsan Army Base and start in-processing there. They will then be sent to Camp Casey for more in-processing, before coming down to K16 and reporting with their units. When you arrive at the airport, head to the USO desk and they will help you from there, unless you have pre-arranged with your unit as to what to do.

Where do you like to do your grocery shopping? Where is the best produce? The best prices?

K16 has a small grocery store with the basics. Most people will visit the commissary at Yongsan for bigger trips. Shopping on the economy can be pricy for certain items (like meat), but if you go to the local market (Garak Market) you can find great deals on fruits and veggies.

What are your favorite local restaurants?

Beef & leaf across the street, Inka’s, Craftworks… these are popular ones. There are so many restaurants here!

Where do you like to do your clothes/home shopping?

A lot of shopping is done online! The PX at Yongsan has a fair selection. You can also go into the city to Myeongdong for more high-end stores.

Where do you go if you want to grab a coffee with friends and relax?

There are so many coffee shops, it’s hard to choose! You won’t go wrong at any of them.

Best spot for a date night?

Head into Gangnam for some fun close-by!

Best rainy day energy-busters for the kids?

Korea is full of kid’s cafes, places with fun play structures where kids can go wild and parents can relax with some coffee.

What do you LOVE about your duty station?

The location is awesome! We’re not in the middle of Seoul, but we’re close enough to benefit from everything. The community at K16 is close-knit and very friendly.

What else would you tell your friend who has just received orders?

Korea can be scary at first – but don’t worry! It’s actually a really cool place. There is tons to do. It’s modern. It’s super family-friendly and kid-friendly, so join your service member!

We Want To Know:

Have you lived in Korea? What would you add to these questions?

Meet Your Contributor:

Chantal is wife to an Army pilot and mom to a busy toddler girl. They have been stationed in Korea since the end of 2013 and love it! She blogs at www.scatteredseashells.com