When military families receive overseas orders to South Korea, most would usually think Camp Humphreys, Osan Air Base, or USAG Daegu. But right on the outskirts of Seoul is a hidden gem military base called K16 Seoul Air Base.
K16 may be small, but what it lacks in size makes up for in location, community, and convenience. Living here has been an unforgettable once in a life time experience for our family. From the most delicious Korean foods and affordable shopping to accessible public transportation, outdoor hiking activities, and more.
Here are 16 reasons why K16 should be on your next duty station “wish list.”
- The location is perfect. You are about not too far away from the busy city life of Seoul, but you are just far enough away to enjoy quiet life and enjoy the rich culture of Korea.
2. South Korea’s public transportation is very reliable and cheap. There are 2 bus stops right next to the K16 main gate. One of the buses take you to Suseo subway station and Super Rapid Train (SRT) or Korean Train Express (KTX).
3. You can survive as a one car family. My husband and I did not have a car while at K16 because we just walked, biked, used public transportation, or asked for rides from other people.
4. Walking distance to shopping area, restaurants, and cafes. There is a Starbucks, Daiso, Olive Young, fried chicken restaurants, pizza, and several variety of ethnic foods.
5. The convenience stores (CU & Emart) are walking distance from base. This is important if you want to purchase and reload the T-money card which can be used to pay for public transportation, vending machines, some retail stores, and some cafe chains.
6. The Korean supermarket (Emart) is a short drive away. Certain food items are cheaper and better quality when shopping off post compared to the commissary.
7. Fitness center and outdoor recreation might be small on post, but has the essential equipment for families to utilize. Indoor swimming pool, batting cage, outdoor running track, volleyball net, covered picnic area, multipurpose field, etc…
8. Cost of living is relatively cheaper compared to the US. We were ordering take out almost every weekend or ate at sit down restaurants and it did not break the bank.
9. Our realtor Julie’s Realty & Relocation were so friendly and supporitive with housing issues or anything Korean related. They have helped purchasing tickets for concerts online, be a live translator at the off post veterinarian clinic, and give us all the recommendations for the best food and shopping areas.
10. Hiking trail hidden nearby the realtors office building and other surrounding areas. I recommend getting free hiking trail stamp rally booklets that can be found at a local community center. Along certain trails, you can find stamp stations to stamp your booklet. Once completed you usually receive a certificate.
11. Katusa Snack Bar on post has authentic cheap and delicious Korean foods. Good spot to have lunch with your family or order to go and just eat at home.
12. Ordering takeout online is relatively easy even if you don’t know Korean. Since we live off post, they deliver it right to your door because you have a Korean address.
13. You automatically get off post housing since on post there are only barracks rooms available for the single soldiers or unaccompanied service members. The housing options are villa apartment styles which are mostly 3-4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Each housing unit varies and differ a little bit from each other, but it is relatively modern. Our home had heated floors called Ondol (온돌), A/C units in most of the rooms, and washing machine and dryer unit.
14. Free on post shuttle that takes you to Camp Humphreys if you need to have access to the hospital, dental clinic, their bigger commissary and PX or other amenities and resources.
15. Small community feel. The whole K16 post is just one strip of road with all the amenities and facilities on either side of that road. 10 minutes of walking after entering the main gate, you will have seen the whole post.
16. CAC (Community Activity Center) building is convenient with all amenities in one location. Such as DEERs to renew ID, Education Center, bowling alley, food court, the Landing Zone Bar, chapel, MFLC, cell phone services, barber shop, recreation area, arts and crafts center, library, etc..
K16 may not be the most well known duty station in Korea, but its location, accessibility, and lifestyle make it an incredible place for military families to live. With such amazing food, convenient public transportation, and outdoor activities, it is easiest one of our favorite OCONUS duty station so far.
Sometimes the smallest bases end up creating the biggest memories.
