I guess I indroduced myself in the wrong area earlier. I have been at Osan since February and really like it. Now that the weather is fine I am interested in what there is to do besides shopping and drinking. Is there anyone who has the scoop on things like hiking, climbing and camping? I would even be interested in indoor rock walls, there must be some somewhere! Any input would be great!

Welcome to Korea!
There is plenty to do in here if you are willing to get out away from the base. Hiking, climbing, camping are all pretty easy to accomplish in Korea. There are usually groups looking for new members advertising in the local English papers and magazines (Korea Herald, Korea Times etc.). There are a few good places in Seoul with indoor rock walls. Using Google you can find quite a bit of info. Take some tours around the country if you have the time. I arrived in Kunsan over 30 years ago, traveled around Korea, liked the place and have been here for most of the intervening years. Enjoy your tour.

Thanks for the info, I have taken some tours, and I've done a little exploring on my own. I think the major obstacle is trasportation. I love your "Avatar" is that one of the Palaces in Seoul?

The train/subway system is very extensive. If you just stick to places easily accessible using this mode of transprotation you won't hurt your budget too much and you will have more things to do and see than you can fit into a 2 year tour of duty in Korea.

While the building in my avatar resembles the royal audience hall at Kyongbok Palace in Seoul, it is just one of the stock backgrounds available on Yahoo.

Step 1. learn the subway map.
When you come up to Seoul on the subway from Osan (only 1600 Won), if you transfer at Seoul Station (Seoul Yuk), walk to light Blue Line, ride to the second stop (428) SamgakChi, you are by the USO and Gate 1 of Yongsan;a short walk to the PX, Town House, bus station/serviceclub,Reggies,Underground, Bowling Alley;farther to Dragon Hill.

If you get off at the first stop (427) Sook Myung Women's University, there is an Outdoor Rock Climbing Wall 1/2 block North on the corner in a tiny park, beside "Internet Plaza". A block south to KFC; Outback is across the street. Walk toward the tallest skyscrapers south and a long block away is the USO and a snack bar. Good place to rest up, freshen up. Closed Sunday.

Signs are often NOT in English, but you can get off easier and sooner at stop
(134) Nam Yeong, next stop after Yongsan Station. A short walk east to stop (427) area. I suggest a Korean friend or a buddy who knows the language for off Base or off Post adventure...

Take one of the MWR trips to Cheju Island. Its good now because it is swimming season at the beaches. I had a blast there a long time ago. Camping up around the Mt. Sorak area can be a lot of fun, just don't let any locals talk you into camping on a sandbar with them. Last time I was up that way, the rain started and washed them all away! I can't remember the name of the lake, up in Suwon?, I think. One of the guys who is there and has a present memory can probably tell you. Its a big lake and you can take food and drink and fishing gear, then hadishi will take you out to a floating dock in the lake. If I remember right, hadishi will provide the fishing gear for you, probably rent it to you. I had a lot of fun there with the yobo.

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Turk Quid Pro Quo

There are several excellent areas to hike not far from Osan. I am sure there are probably several hiking clubs in the area. This is one of the favorite pastime events in Korea. If you ask some of the Korean employees on Osan they can direct you to these clubs. They vary based on experience and age. I have seen 90 yo hiking on some of the mountains. Chiak San is to your east. That is the mountain they use to show on the playing of the national anthem at the movie theaters. It has the two small pile of rocks on the separate summits. It is not one of the more beautiful mountains; it was a little challenging physically for some. Anything with an Ak in the name is a little more challenging physically. You can also schedule a trip to Seork San. I would hold off until the fall though when the leaves are changing. You will meet some really nice people on the trails. If you go a little south near Daejon you have Gaya San. That was my first and had me hooked. I have done them all.

Good luck and happy trails.

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Chill