My fiance received orders to report to Camp Casey, Korea 3 weeks after we get married. We are both determined to stay together, and plan on living in Korea no matter what it takes. I have A LOT of concerns though, as I have heard that living in the outskirts of Camp Casey is no picnic! I know that we will not receive a housing allowance and I will not receive healthcare, which I think we can work around. I have heard that families can become sponsored after arriving in Korea. Is it true that he will not be able to live off base as an E2? I have heard that Korea is trying to become more "family friendly", and he has been told that there should not be a problem with me going with him. My biggest concern though, is that because of his rank, it will make our time in Korea very very hard. Will I even be able to find work? I have heard that a lot of spouse are able to find work on base, which I would hope to do. If you could answer any of my questions, I would greatly appreciate it. Like I said, we aren't going to let anything get in the way of us being together, so me staying state side is not really an option for us.

I'm glad you found us, especially since someone gae you soe erronious information along the way. You will receive housing allowance, as well as a utility allowance, and health care is on a space available basis although (someone correct me if I'm wrong) that Yongsan sees everyone.

I'm not really sure if his rank will make it harder for you guys or not. Work, it seemed to me, is hard to find for spouses in general, but I'm sure someone here can tell you where to look. Good Luck!

A trip to Korea was our wedding gift from the Army too. You are definitely getting some wrong information from some where. Since you know that you a going over, go ahead and start the process of getting your passport and visa. And start saving money for your plane ticket. It can be expensive.

Whether or not he'll be able to live off base depends of his commander. He'll have to get approval. I can't tell you the likelihood of that happening or not.

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There's No Toilet Paper on the Road Less Traveled.

It's nice to know that the information I was given was bad, and reading through the forums here has been such a relief! I have about two months to get ready for all this and quite frankly, besides getting a passport and sofa when I get to Korea, I'm completely lost. If we are stationed at Camp Casey, where should I look for housing?

How should I go about getting my visa? Do I have to find a Korean embassy where I live? I also read something about an A-3 and I have no idea what that is or why I need it! I feel like I'm so misinformed and uneducated about all this right now

My husband was given orders for Korea. He has been here since March as an E3. Just like you, I was non-command spons. Just like you, I wanted to stay with hubby. We also have a one-year old which made us more determined to find a workable situation.

I got a job teaching English at a private hagwon. It took a little work to find someone willing to take on a "single" mother with a child. I found a great boss though that helped me set up daycare. All schools will pay for your plane ticket over and they will provide you will an apartment. This was really great for me because I had never been to Korea before, and someone was setting everything up for me. Catches- you have to sign a contract for a year, it does take a little work with background checks and visa proceedures, and you have to have a BA or BS. If you can do it, I would highly suggest it.

I am living around Seoul in Anyang City. My husband is up at Camp Casey. I see him every weekend and on holidays. The only time that I cannot see him is when they go into the field for a month once or twice a year. Other then that, it has been great for us.

I would NOT suggest living around Camp Casey. If distance is a concern, then you might want to try Uijungbu. They have many teaching opportunities there as well. You will be a little further from Seoul, but you will be on the Subway system...really convienent.

As for the command sponsored...we are in the process of applying right now. I think that hubby has to have so many months on his time here to get it. So, mine signed on for another year in Korea. From what I heard on this board...you won't know until you try.

Best advice...get a job. I certainly don't regret coming here. It has been a great chance for hubby, son, and me. We love Korea. If you have a job...you will be busy during the week and before you know it...hubby is in town! You will also get a chance to meet with some other foreigners that are not military living in Korea as well.

You will be recieveing healthcare here, and you can shop at the PX and Commissary. I heard the same thing that you did. I thought I would not be allowed, but it is a myth. You will need to pick up a ration card and do an orientation when you get here though.

Anything else I can help you with...let me know

Good Luck

you need to be cs to get a sofa stamp. I also think you might need to be cs to get an A3. Though I am not sure about that one...I am positive on the sofa stamp because I just found out myself.

BTW I forgot to mention that we do the shopping and Dr. Appointments at Yongsan. They are great!

When did they change the rules to not let NCS spouses get a SOFA stamp? I mean I know it's been 4 months since I left, but geesh!

Thank you so much for the great advice. I don't have a degree just yet. I'm going to be starting school online soon, and I'm hoping that my determination to find a job will pay off. I've heard that a lot of wives with husbands at Camp Casey live in Yangson (sp?). If I can only see him on weekends, then I will probably live in Seoul, seeing as it is more modern than the outlying areas. We're hoping and praying that his commander allows him to live off base, so he's going to go over first and then let me know what to do for housing based on that.

I'm REALLy glad that there is a spouse orientation and this forum. I still feel really lost, but it's nice to know that there are so many spouses who have done this before and are happy. If I end up in Seoul, maybe we can meet up!

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What exactly is the SOFA stamp?

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