Location
Kunsan AB is located on the western coast of the South Korean peninsula bordered by the yellow sea. It is approximately 150 miles south of Seoul. The base is named after Gunsan City, a port town seven and a half miles east of the installation. Many interesting sites, including temples and historical landmarks are within an easy driving distance. The base operator’s phone number is 011-82-63-470-1110, or DSN 315-782-1110.
History
Kunsan AB is home to the 8th Fighter Wing made up of two F-16 fighter squadrons, the 35th Fighter Squadron and the 80th Fighter Squadron. More information is available on the Kunsan Air Base homepage under the section entitled About Kunsan.
Mission
“Defend the Base (Hooah), Accept Follow on Forces (Bring it), Take the Fight North (Wolf Pack).” The major command is the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and the primary weapon system is the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Population Served
Military (U.S. Air Force): 2,600
Military (U.S. Army): 185
U.S. DoD Civilian: 29
Korean Nationals: 450
Family Members: 0
Base Transportation
The Kunsan AB homepage (newcomer’s information) provides information on bus schedule for travel between Kunsan AB and Osan AB, Kunsan AB and Incheon Airport, and Incheon Airport and Osan AB. This includes information on travel fees, and departure schedules.
The buses from Osan to Kunsan AB are usually full on Sundays and Holidays. If you are PCSing to Kunsan and planning to take the bus, please make prior arrangements with your sponsor for bus tickets.
The AAFES Taxi Service is available in Bldg 712, for service call DSN 315-782-4318. Taxi fare starts at $1.80 and prices go up depending on the distance.
Sponsorship
Due to a recent change from the Korean government, Vontage is no longer accessible in Korea. Do not purchase Vontage prior to your arrival. All services must be used through LG Daecom at Kunsan AB. We recommend you ask for a sponsor at least 90 days before you depart your present assignment. Kunsan AB has group Command Support Staffs so you might need to contact one of the following: 8MSG/CSS, 8MXG/CSS, 8OG/CSS or 8MDG/CSS which can be found in the global. If you belong to a Det, AFN, Army or 8FW tenant unit please search the Kunsan AB global for the appropriate agency and contact them via email. Additionally, you can contact the INTRO monitor Airman and Family Readiness Center at your current base for assistance. The INTRO program manager will help you obtain a sponsor. Once you receive your orders, forward a copy to your sponsor. If you are unable to contact your sponsor, contact the group command support staff at your gaining unit or your local Airman and Family Readiness Center.
All personnel who PCS to Kunsan will arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN), located about 25 miles west of Seoul, Korea. After arriving at ICN you will go through Immigrations and then Customs. Due to the mission at Kunsan, sponsors may not be able to meet incoming personnel at Incheon. After exiting the secure area turn RIGHT and walk to the end of the Air Terminal. The last area on the LEFT (Near gate 14A) is a U.S. Military Reception Center with military personnel in uniform waiting to assist you with any questions you have. Check with them on the bus schedule and catch the next bus to Kunsan Air Base. DO NOT TAKE A TAXI FROM INCHEON TO KUNSAN! (YOU WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED FOR IT ON YOUR TRAVEL VOUCHER)! Once you arrive at Kunsan your sponsor should meet you and take you to the Billeting Office. If at this point you still have not been assigned a sponsor call 315-782-6000 for the Command Post to locate someone from your unit to assist you.
Due to the unique mission at Kunsan AB newcomers often arrive only to find their sponsor is on their Mid-tour leave. To ensure you have someone to meet you and show you around please make every effort to contact your group’s Command Support Staff (CSS) and flight chief to let them know when you are arriving. If you have had limited contact with your sponsor or have not received your sponsor please locate a contact number for your gaining unit or call 315-782-1110 (base operator) to be connected to your CSS.
If you do not have a mail box your mailing address will be as follows: Rank, Name, PSC 2 Box 5000, APO AP 96264. It is advisable for you to contact someone from your unit if you have not been assigned a sponsor to ensure you receive as much assistance as possible before you arrive.
Temporary Quarters
You or your sponsor can make your reservations in advance. For more information and Reservations call the Kunsan Billeting Office, also known as the Sea Side Inn at 011-82-63-470-4604/4743 or DSN 315-782-4604/4743.
Relocation Assistance
If you need any assistance contact the Military Personnel Flight, 011-82-63-470-5276 or DSN 315-782-5276, or the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Relocation Assistance Manager at 011-82 -63-470-5644 or DSN 315-782-5644. Every Friday there is a Newcomers Briefing at the Base Theater. Kunsan is a remote duty station and does not have a loan closet. However, the local Kunsan AB 5/6 organization does staff an Airman’s Attic behind AAFES in the LG Daecom bldg.
Critical Installation Information
Kunsan AB is a true remote assignment. It is much more austere than Osan AB. We are not configured to provide adequate support to family members and when we try, it often comes at the expense of the permanent party people. Therefore, no 8 FW active duty military members will be authorized to live off base without the Installation commander (Wolf’s) approval. This includes those who intend to bring non-command sponsored dependents to Korea or already have non-command sponsored dependents in country.
U.S. officials have placed some restaurants and clubs off limits because of possible food or water contamination, unsanitary restrooms, history of sexually transmitted diseases, or availability of drugs. Safety factors such as fire hazards or no clear evacuation route may also cause a business to be placed off limits. The use of natural bodies of water for swimming is prohibited for military people in Korea, unless approved by commanders. These places are off limits because of possible contaminated water, lack of adequate lifeguards, and/or enforcement of safety rules/procedures.
BDUs are the uniform of the day. Have one set available in your accompanied baggage. Kunsan AB has many exercises and you may be arriving during one.
There are two banking agencies located on Kunsan AB. The USA Federal Credit Union and the Community Bank, which is affiliated with the Bank of America.
The WON (Korean Currency) exchange rate is approximately 1,000 WON to the American Dollar (subject to change).
Many services locations offer free wireless internet so you can stay in contact with your family. However, you cannot use Vontage while stationed in Korea due to Korean government limitations.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.