Hubby just got orders to Korea (2 ID) with command sponsorship for our son (22mths) and myself to accompany him, we will be heading there in June.

We have been authorised a 2 bed apt in Youngsan, but just wondered if we have a choice to live off-post and how safe it is? It seems hubby will be at Camp Casey so my son and myself will be on our own for the weekdays.

I have looked at a few apts on-line in Hannam-dong which would be ideal as it is close to the International area and as a UK Citizen I am kinda hoping to obtain employment through the British Embassy. I have no idea how close this is to Yongsan as we have no information yet from the Army and we have found nothing on-line!

We have authority to bring our car, but not sure if we are better off selling it and buying one there?

Seriously, how bad is the driving there? I am used to driving in the States and all through Europe.. how bad can it be?

Is there much to do for a 22 month old? I have my eye on a Montossori pre-school there for him, but he won't start that until he is 2 1/2, from the information I have found on-line there is no pre-school at Yongsan until he is 4?

We would love to get out to playgroups etc, I am sure they have some Mom's groups there, does anyone have any info on these?

Apolgies for all the questions, we have lots of them I am afraid, we did not expect to get the command sponsorship so it has kinda taken us by suprise!

Welcome! Good for you on command sponsored! You would do well to take what you are offered and maybe make changes later. Read all of our forum and you won't have many questions! If your car is paid for and not a large one, bring it, or trade it for a small economical one. I do recommend a smaller one, and driving isn't much worse than Europe. It is the narrow streets and parking. Lots of cars here to buy cheap.

Thanks for your advice Mr Joe!

We owe on the car what it is worth, and as it is Japanese (Mazda Tribute) I am sure it will stick out in Korea so we are leaning towards selling it.

I have an 8 year old Mazda MPV Van here. It is nice, but a small car is better. We sold a Cadillac and an Oldsmobile, which I miss, coming here. Gas being what it is now, I guess I don't miss them as much! There is a Ford dealer here, but no Mazda parts kept in stock.

The British Embassy is at the City Hall Subway station.

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I would try to get an apartment close to Camp Casey. I lived there for a couple of years, and never had any problems. They have a commissary and PX, plus lots of other things to do for families.

Welcome to forum, Geordie!

We are in almost same situation like you; my wife and 5-months old son are command-sponsored in Yongsan and I will be working in Camp Casey. We will arrive in Korea on mid-May.

Since we have three-year driving experience (and survivied) in Europe (The Netherlands and Belgium), we are not afraid to take our Jeep to Korea. Gas and insurance are cheaper in Korea than Europe.

We will let you know if we find any good information for you when we get to Korea.

Packing HHG and UB drives us crazy. We have to separate four shipments; UB to Yongsan, UB to Camp Casey, HHG to Yongsan and NTS in the states. I wouldn't recommend anyone to request COT to Korea from Europe!!!

Thanks everyone!

USANATO thanks for your offer to pass on any information, that would be greatly appreciated! I just read your post in the other part of the forum and your situation appears identical to ours. I would be interested in your arrival experience.

One thing that would be good to know is how long it takes you to get the housing .. oh and if you can get housing off post.

The only thing hubby knows is that he is working for 2ID and the zip code is Casey.. nothing specific job wise but it looks like he is expected to complete a leaders safety course and start working the day after he arrives. I am interested to see if accomodation near Casey as Doogieah suggests would be better?

Now I am over the shock of obtaining command sponsorship I just started sorting HHG to ship and those to store. Two is bad enough, four must be a nightmare! I feel for you.. good luck with the move!

Geordie,

I have been contacted a couple of realtors in or around Yongsan (in case we get approved to move off-post). Based on what I heard from them, there are so many apartments around Yongsan ready-to-move-in condition (even fully furnished). They said there's no problem that we can find an apartment within a week and move in right away after making coordination with housing office for temporary furniture, unless you want to sleep on the floor like many Koreans do.

I was told by my Battalion CSM that I will be given enough time to settle my family before I report to WRC at Camp Stanley for inprocessing. I am expecting 10 days just like what we are getting PTDY for house hunting elsewhere.

1. Your husband should know better but let him contact his unit commander (officer) or CSM (enlisted) to verify this. Otherwise, your husband will be shipped to 2nd ID the day after you arrive in Korea. His sponsor can pick you guys up from Incheon airport if he is E7 and above.

2. We just received a welcome packet (Camp Casey) from my gaining unit. There are many useful info including "The Seoul Survivor."; it looks like a little handbook contains all the info for spouses who live in Seoul. You can also find e-version of it on USFK website.

3. During the research we found out that there is no CDC in area I. That''s the main reason I don't even want to consider to request moving my family to TDC area. My wife is working at home and she needs to rely on CDC at least 3-4 days a week. If you want to find a job in Seoul, you want CDC around unless you want to leave your kid with Korean nanny (which more expensive) or Korean day care.

Well, more to follow. Feel free to ask anything. There are so many helpers in this forum who are very wise and knowledgeable.

Good luck!

Thanks USANATO, very useful! I am kinda leaning towards living off post, however, as hubby is an E6 I am not sure if it is allowed, and we have heard we don't get all the housing allowance and electricity bills themselves can be $1,000 a month?!?!

1) So far, we have no sponsor and no info as to which unit he will be going too.

2) A welcome pack would be wonderful, it sounds like they are looking after you already. That's a good sign! I guess there is still time for us to receive something.

3) I am not sure about working in Korea at the moment, as it seems most of the jobs on post (except NAF positions) require US Citizenship (which I don't have) so the UK Embassy is kinda my only option. I agree the CDC is a great thing to have on your doorstep though and at least I know it is there if I need it.

Thanks again!