New to forum not sure about moving to Osan

[Kelcorn]

Hi,
My name is Kelli. I currently live in NC. I have been reading as much as I can. I'm so glad I found this forum. My husband is AF and we just found out he got an assignment to Osan non CS. We have alot to think about. We have two kids 10 and 13, three cats and a 65 pound dog. I am hoping to talk with others over in Korea to help me make an informed decision to move or not with my husband. I feel we might me more of a hassle for him. It might be easier for him to live on base than to have to live off. Well I just wanted to say hi. Glad I have people to talk to

[chucksnee]

Kelli, Welcome to the site this is a great place of knowledge. Most people that post on this board are NCS. My family is here NCS and so are ALOT of others.

It may seem like a HUGE decision but I know my wife LOVES it over here. I really don't think you or your children will be a problem.

Also rdspringer (screen name), Dee real name, just got over here with her husband and son. She will be a great help to you.

Also check out this HUGE thread all about coming to Korea NCS

http://www.usfkforums.com/spouses-cl...-sponsored.htm

Again welcome to the site, enjoy and ask as many questions as you want.

[mike]

Welcome!

Looks like Chuck provided the basic info you need. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Mike

[Kelcorn]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I have read through most of the NCS thread and have found it very helpful. I was wondering how bad or good it is living off base? Our boys are 10 and 13, I wonder how the experience of living in Korea will change them? I feel some things are good for them to experience others I'm not sure I want them exposed to. I can make the best of it wherever we live. I have moved my entire life, I just wonder if this move would be to hard on the kids.

Thanks
Kelli

[Dane]

Hi Kelli!

The situtation you are in is double edged.

The bad side:

Korean AFBs are not like stateside. When I was there neither Osan nor Kunsan were really a "family friendly" environment. A lot of the ppl stationed there are young single 20-somethings who work hard & party hard. Sometimes it reminded me of "GIs gone wild" Asian style.

Now, most ruttish behaviour takes place in or around the dorms, the NCO club or in the "American Town" (A-Town). But unlike Kunsan, who's A-Town is situtated that you have to get someone to drive you there, Osan's A-Town is literally right outside it's front gate!

Another thought - you must remember you are going into or near a combat zone. I don't know if anyone has told you or your husband this, but should anything ever happen, we were told Osan has a projected casualty rate of 100%. (Yes, I said 100%). Now, they would probably evac any civilians before any serious confrontations took place, but if for whatever reason they couldn't or didn't, do you & your kids want to be caught up in that?

As for moving, moving is hard on any kid. Because of the environment in Korea, Americans there tend to make very strong bonds w/ one another & I'm willing to bet your kids will make some very close friends while they're there. That'll be great while they're there, but how will it be after they leave? Heck, I was an adult when I went to Korea. I still miss my buddies something awful. I've been gone 10 years & I even have dreams about going back! lol.

The good side:

The Korean culture is wonderful & there will be many great things for you & your kids to experince. You will make some super friends & experince things you will experince nowhere else. The memories I have of my time in Korea are some of the best memories of my life. I wouldn't trade them for the world. In fact, the first thing I did after coming stateside was to put in to go back to Korea!

Plus, your being there may strengthen your husband. I've seen first hand a lot of marriages go down the toilet b/c of temptations that can be found in Korea.

There are a some cons to consider, but there are definitely some pros too. I guess you will have to pray on it & make the decision that is best for you.

Good luck!

[chucksnee]

Originally Posted by Dane

Hi Kelli!

The situtation you are in is double edged.

The bad side:

Korean AFBs are not like stateside. When I was there neither Osan nor Kunsan were really a "family friendly" environment. A lot of the ppl stationed there are young single 20-somethings who work hard & party hard. Sometimes it reminded me of "GIs gone wild" Asian style.

Now, most ruttish behaviour takes place in or around the dorms, the NCO club or in the "American Town" (A-Town). But unlike Kunsan, who's A-Town is situtated that you have to get someone to drive you there, Osan's A-Town is literally right outside it's front gate!

Another thought - you must remember you are going into or near a combat zone. I don't know if anyone has told you or your husband this, but should anything ever happen, we were told Osan has a projected casualty rate of 100%. (Yes, I said 100%). Now, they would probably evac any civilians before any serious confrontations took place, but if for whatever reason they couldn't or didn't, do you & your kids want to be caught up in that?

As for moving, moving is hard on any kid. Because of the environment in Korea, Americans there tend to make very strong bonds w/ one another & I'm willing to bet your kids will make some very close friends while they're there. That'll be great while they're there, but how will it be after they leave? Heck, I was an adult when I went to Korea. I still miss my buddies something awful. I've been gone 10 years & I even have dreams about going back! lol.

The good side:

The Korean culture is wonderful & there will be many great things for you & your kids to experince. You will make some super friends & experince things you will experince nowhere else. The memories I have of my time in Korea are some of the best memories of my life. I wouldn't trade them for the world. In fact, the first thing I did after coming stateside was to put in to go back to Korea!

Plus, your being there may strengthen your husband. I've seen first hand a lot of marriages go down the toilet b/c of temptations that can be found in Korea.

There are a some cons to consider, but there are definitely some pros too. I guess you will have to pray on it & make the decision that is best for you.

Good luck!

Well I would not say it is that bad just outside the gate? They do have courtesy patrol down there every night making sure the "GI's gone wild" does NOT happen.

There are plenty of things to do for your children on post and off.

Can you back up where you say there will be 100% casualty rate in Osan?

THAT IS THE MOST REDICILIOUS statment I have ever heard on this board. Remember you have not BEEN HERE FOR 10 YEARS............


You and your family will have a GREAT time over here

[Dane]

Yes, I do know there were patrols both SPs & civilan. I was a cop myself remember.

But the only thing I ever saw them do was control fights, not much else. There were still juicy bars all around w/ plenty of drinking & tail available for anyone who wanted to partake.

In Osan's defense, Kunsan was exactly the same, the only diff was we had to get a ride to our A-Town, whereas Osan's is right at the front gate.

I will say however that most of the adult behaviour does take place at night. During the day it's quite tame & there is little to no chance of young eyes seeing anything racy nor would they their being exposed to anything they shouldn't.

But again, that is during the day. Night time &/or weekends are horses of a completely different color. Just look at the adverts on this very site for Osan's A-Town. Almost all of them are for bars & feature scantily clad women!

And you are right in that I have not been there in a while. They may have made it more family friendly since I have been there. But I got an update from a fellow SP not too long ago & he told me not much has changed.

I'm sorry if I raised your hackles, as that was not my intention. I had a great time in Korea & I'm sure tons of other Americans have too. There is a lot to do & I wouldn't exchange my memories of Korea for the world. But it isn't all sunshine & rainbows either, at least not for a woman who is worried about what her sons may be exposed to.

As for the 100% casualty rate info, we were given at that our inprocessing briefing. If it makes you feel any better, they said Kunsan's casualty rate would be 75%.