In one bar, a young woman introduced herself by grinding her buttocks against a customer. The official said businesses could then make temporary fixes in order to pass the checks, including telling their employees what to say during the inspections. "Serving one airman is a lot better than 10 Korean customers. Col. Michael Strunk, 51st Fighter Wing Mission Support Group commander at Osan, said officials had a gut feeling that illegal activity was taking place. . We believe that those business owners are going to fully cooperate with us because we are trying to protect foreign women workers human rights, he said. This tends to have poor results for a variety of self induced reasons. These markets offer the excitement of feasting on delicious street eats; almost every type of Korean street food can be found at the market. Across the street is the old sign for A-Town, hanging on a neon orange palm tree that blinks at night. The ministry said it will not release the results of inspections conducted this year until December 2014 or January 2015, in part because the government thinks releasing the results would tip off businesses that have yet to be checked about what inspectors are looking for, a MOGEF official said, speaking on customary condition of anonymity. Steve Cenov (left), 8th Air Force command chief, and Lt. Gen. Scott "Rolls" Pleus, 7th Air Force commander, speak to Airmen at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 23, 2023. Cuisines: Italian, Pizza, European. Latitude, Longitude 35.9274549834673 . 96264 Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, United States . It is approximately 150 miles south of Seoul. It's like a free aquarium show where you can eat the exhibits. Last summer, when the 7AF put a number of bars outside Osan off-limits, owners staged protests for three weeks, saying the military was trying to shut them down. The difference in atmosphere is obvious outside Osan, where juicy bars numbered 44 about a year and a half ago. Moon selected the winning name: "International Culture Ville," which reflects the city’s ambitions to become a major port for Northeast Asia, and its hope that A-Town will become a tourist draw as the city grows. If it swims and is edible, you can find it here (still swimming). \VKoE/gf'Npgo\+{|4|Nt|f33cp|/3bDOEZ$>PNk>1Qw}jS2l@r]>!s*DSoq<4?3_ 3 6+`Mf m yw R?3v%1c H=JLb%=P%{JK5-FM/rmZ;Se8"Y.]C=W!\) g>7.gM4$3wS The whole tone outside the (Osan) gate has changed, 7th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas said. Nearly all base facilities are closed during exercises to include BX and commissary. Behind the scenes of the Exercise Agile Reaper 23-1 and the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing. After completing the USFK Theater Specific Required Training, print out a copy of the certificate and bring it with you to in-process with your Command Support Staff. The city has done little to make the area nicer for residents or airmen, who sometimes come into his store looking for a garbage can for their cans and cigarette butts because they can’t find one on the street, he said. The class is held once a month and features a different dish each time. Bars are commonly found in the basement, first and second floors of many buildings in the area. 02 Kunsan hosts inaugural Wolf Leadership Forum. The Wolf Pack welcomed back seven senior leaders from its heritage to provide feedback on the mission and professional development to Airmen. Defend the Base, Accept Follow-On Forces, [and] Take the Fight North, The vision for the 8th Fighter Wing is to be "a resilient warfighting wing ready to deliver combat airpower at a moment's notice; honoring our legacy by fostering an environment of teamwork, dignity, and respect; enhancing the Wolf Pack culture of innovation, compliance, and excellence1-year tour with a 10-year vision. Numerous bars, restaurants and clothing stores fill the shopping area. In 2010, then-USFK commander Gen. Walter Sharp said it would be unfair to punish all juicy bar owners for the actions of a few. Many excursions await those interested in exploring the traditions and customs of this great country. It is one of two major Air Force installations operated by the United States in Korea. Gunsan is known for saengseon hoe (), raw sliced fish. The inspections included interviews with 51 Filipina employees, most in their 20s or early 30s. Kunsan Air Base . +82 634691234. 2 0 obj Theater opens 30 minutes before first showing. Ramada by Wyndham Gunsan: Excellent Hotel with Superb Service. Kunsan AB, Korea Please refer toCOVID Guidancefor the most updated travel information. Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions. We had an amazing year in South Korea. google_ad_host="pub-6693688277674466"; more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Base Information & Events Gunsan Saemangeum Air Show, Game on at Falcon CAC, Tournaments featuring Bingo, Chess, 8 Ball, and Ping Pong. %PDF-1.7 126.615858525039. Aragon Alley has the highest concentration of bars in the area. It serves udon, soba, nigiri, and fried cutlets.You can get a small bowl of udon, four pieces of sushi, and a pork cutlet for about 8,000W. The mayor agreed and even paid for the sign, Bearden said. The base commander said he wanted to change the name A-Town, short for America Town, to be more respectful of the South Korean residents living nearby. Just looking for some advice on a provisional itinerary for 2 weeks in South Korea flying in/out Seoul ICN in June as first time visitors. near Kunsan Air Force Base and "A-Town" Long Beach: near Kunsan Air Force Base and "A-Town" All alleys and residences in Internationl Cultural Village (commonly known as "A-Town") The following areas are off-limits to military personnel at night (night is defined as official sunset until official sunrise) Businesses will be notified before the checks take place. orhood is known for its dance clubs, eateries, and custom tailor shops all catering to the American military community at nearby Kunsan Air Base. 248-14 Naun-dong. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marcus Morris/Released) . The Kunsan AB (newcomer's information) provides information on bus schedules for travel between Kunsan AB and Osan AB, Kunsan AB and Incheon Airport, and Incheon Airport and Osan AB. Lodging Operations Manager. The major command is the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and the primary weapon system is the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Yet USFK continued to allow servicemembers to patronize the juicy bars outside its bases with the exception of businesses caught promoting prostitution or human trafficking. He walked away with telephone numbers of five Filipinas, who wrote them down or punched them directly into his cell phone. 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. He completed a master's degree in public administration from Troy State University in 1988. Ive had many airmen that have just come out and said that in conversation. Almost 4,900 foreigners were living in South Korea on entertainer visas as of July 2013. Dunn Maintenance. Kunsan Air Base is a remote / unaccompanied assignment, and all 8 FW active-duty military members must reside on the installation unless authorized by the Installation Commander (Wolf). In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Yoo Kyong Chang Ashley Rowland chang.yookyong@stripes.com rowland.ashley@stripes.com. They abandoned the demonstrations after Osan placed all 500 businesses in the Songtan area off-limits because of fears of confrontations between servicemembers and protesters. Email: Strunk said Air Force officials, working with various arms of the South Korean, U.S. and Philippine governments, have determined that juicy bar promoters were bringing the women into the country illegally on E-6 entertainer visas. Kunsan and Gunsan are spelled the same in Korean: . google_color_link="000000"; 782-4987. Kunsan Air Base South Korea Commissary is a US supermarket; Ramstein Air Base Commissary codes a US supermarket for Amex Gold and Blue Cash Preferred; . Kurt Weisel. Learn more about Kunsan on the homepage. Cody Martin. A Korea Special Tourist Association banner welcomes potential patrons in the Sinjang-dong Shopping Mall outside Osan Air Base, South Korea on April 6, 2014. While the Philippine government had denied most of those visa applications, the promoters were skirting the law by sending the women to other countries before they went on to South Korea. However, details that have been announced about the checks raise doubts about whether they present an accurate picture of what really happens inside the inspected establishments. Last October, South Koreas Ministry of Gender Equality and Family met with representatives from the U.S. and Philippine embassies, Osan officials and military police to discuss protection measures for women working on entertainer visas outside USFK installations. Hong said government employees typically do not work at night, and they do not want to disrupt work at any establishments, where owners fear the inspections will harm their business. All Rights Reserved. google_ad_width=125; Kunsan Air Base is a remote / unaccompanied assignment, and all 8 FW active-duty military members must reside on the installation unless authorized by the Installation Commander (Wolf). " 03/05/2021. Worldwide Numbers. . % 3. Dennis Hamm. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. google_ad_client="pub-5023238660846020"; This hole-in-the-wall is best for takeout or a quick bite before hitting the bars outside nearby Kunsan National University. It is situated on the Gunsan Airport. Craving fresh pancakes at midnight? Interviews will be conducted with female workers outside the presence of their employers, he said. The Military Housing Office is ready to support you in the transition to Kunsan Air Base. Back To Top. The 8th MXS Corrosion Control Section executes a 30-day wash interval on all assigned aircraft to prevent corrosion and prolong the longevity of aircraft. Now on his third tour in South Korea, Bearden said he has developed a "great respect" for the country and that it’s wrong that an area in the middle of South Korea should be named after another country. He said owners need time to prepare documentation for inspections about employee pay. Bar girls were often enticed from the Philippines to work in the South Korean bars with false promises that they could earn legitimate incomes as singers and entertainers. The issue received international attention again in December 2013, when CNN aired a report about the link between U.S. servicemembers and South Korean juicy bars as part of a series on modern-day slavery. . However, he acknowledged that the women might be coached by their bosses to lie to inspectors and conceded that maybe we should think about that part more carefully.. For Reservations with children and Pet Friendly Rooms Please contact the Lodging office directly for accurate reservations. Outside Kunsan Air Base, the number of juicy bars has dropped from eight a year ago to five today. 1 0 obj Bars are commonly found in the basement, first and second floors of many . " Food was good. The base operator's phone number is 011-82-63-470-1110, or DSN 315-782-1110. However, at the insistence of the U.S. military, the juicy bars that once dotted the landscapes are gone. In 2009, Stars and Stripes first reported that prostitution and indentured servitude were everyday realities at many of these popular hangouts for American soldiers. "We are pleased to increase their level of comfort through . Located across from the bridge in Eunpa Park, this cafe is a great place to meet friends for a glass of wine or cup of coffee. When reporting to Kunsan ABUs and/or OCPs are the uniform of the day. google_color_link="000000"; Kunsan, It is critical to coordinate your arrival with your sponsor to ensure you have the basic necessities. Hotel Direct. If you search Gunsan, you will find information about the host city. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Ngon Restaurant, Ho Chi Minh City: See 49 unbiased reviews of Ngon Restaurant, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #583 of 5,841 restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. While on active duty he was a communications-electronics staff officer and was stationed at Keesler AFB, Biloxi MS; Griffiss AFB, Rome NY; Torrejon Air Base, Madrid Spain; Langley AFB, Hampton VA; Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; Ramstein Air Base, German. 5.9 miles from Gunsan Air Base. Lee Sung Dang is the oldest bakery in Korea. South Korea, The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, Israels window to strike Iran narrows as Putin enters equation, Air Force command climate investigation ends with Okinawa commanders removal, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. We have a new. Serve as Primary Crew Chief (7 Level Qualified) F-16 Falcon Aircraft, Trainer, and Supervisor . //-->, Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites, Although proprietors have recently changed the entrance sign to read "International Ville, Gunsan residents will always call it A-Town. 0118263-470-1110. Also check cheapest flight ticket for your upcoming destination here. Taxis may also be requested utilizing the "Exchange Taxi" application on any smart device. 3 0 obj Welcome to America Town, a tangle of narrow streets and neon lights where generations of airmen from tiny Kunsan Air Base have gone to eat, drink, buy souvenirs and meet women. A look into life on Kunsan Air Force Base from two wives perspectives. . If you search Kunsan on the internet, you will find information on the installation. 2 week itinerary. Three of the women said they were open to "having a boyfriend" and another said she wanted to "talk personally" over lunch about what it would take to accompany him back to his hotel room. This run down neighb. The city quietly unveiled the signs in late September, and put the tallest one on the turnoff that leads to the town. 01 Wolf Leadership Forum - Leading the Wolf Pack. Edit. Bearden said the new name will become more popular in about a year, because of the high turnover rate at Kunsan, where airmen serve one-year unaccompanied tours. Although proprietors have recently changed the entrance sign to read "International Ville," the military community and local Gunsan residents will always call it A-Town. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. For service, call DSN 315-782-4318 or 063-470-4318 from a cell phone. from around the world. Kunsan AB is located on the western coast of the South Korean peninsula bordered by the yellow sea. The entrance to A-town is a few miles north of the military . One bar was dropped from that list in December, while another was added in April. RELATED STORY:Congressman pushes for DOD post to enforce trafficking rules. <> DSN: If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. " nice Italian place in Gunsan " 10/06/2022. After buying $40 in juice drinks for a Filipina in one establishment, he was frequently touched suggestively by the woman, who offered up her phone number with the promise she would negotiate a cash-for-sex transaction over lunch in the near future. There are two fish markets that can be found in town: Haemang-dong and Bieung port. Kunsan Air Base is home to the 8th Fighter Wing which is known as the Wolf Pack, a nickname given during the command of Colonel Robin Olds back in 1966. At a few, the Filipinas — without disrobing — took turns writhing around them to blaring music. 315-782-1844 Bldg. Kunsan Air Base: 100 miles south: DSN: 315-784-6112/6113: Camp Red Cloud: 55 miles north: DSN: 315-732-6142: Daegu/Waegwan/Camp . It is also recommended that you have at least one set available in your accompanied baggage. Lake Chungju & Kosu Cave,Asan Hot Springs,Lotte World,Mt Naejang National Park and Kumsan Temple,Snow Festival at Dragon Valley,Pyonsan National Park, Chikso Waterfall & Neso Temple,Kyongbok Palace & Insa-dong Antique Market. Food: Japanese Food. Stars and Stripes reporter Armando R. Limon contributed to this report. Seong Jin Kim, 38th Fighter Group operating branch radar controller, looks at a radar at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 16, 2023. 35.9274549834673, The entrance to A-town is a few miles north of the military base along Airport Road. Gunsan City officials put up this sign for "International Culture Ville" in September at the turnoff to A-Town, a restaurant, bar and shopping area near Kunsan Air Base. endobj Gunsan Saemangeum Air Show, Game on at Falcon CAC, Tournaments featuring Bingo, Chess, 8 Ball, and Ping Pong. View Details. The Air Force's top brass are aware of the issues at Kunsan. More. Many interesting sites, including temples and historical landmarks are [] "All You Can Eat" Sunday Brunch Buffet 1000-1330. All Rights Reserved. Local corporations donated 12,500,000 won, approximately $9,000, for two new signs. And, inspections will take place during the day, not during the prime nighttime operating hours for juicy bars. Kunsan hosts inaugural Wolf Leadership Forum. google_color_url="1A4292"; Author: MATHEWS, ALEXANDER A Maj USAF AETC 502 ABW/CCE Created Date: 1/3/2023 2:57:03 PM I hope the city develops the neighborhood, so the airmen can enjoy themselves.". New Deputy Commander position accelerates PACAFs Allies and partners connection, PACAF A4 assesses Wolf Pack infrastructure needs, Atop the world: Point Barrow LRRS keep watch over North America, Around the Air Force: Accelerating the Legacy, Expanding Cyber Resiliency, Poppy Seed Warning, African nations hold Women, Peace and Security Panel at AACS 2023, An official website of the United States government, US-ROKAF RAPCON partnership dominates airspace, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. It is located on the west coast of the South Korean peninsula bordered by the Yellow Sea. Contact information for the base operator is:011-82-63-470-1110, or DSN 315-782-1110. The buses from Osan to Kunsan AB are usually full on Sundays and Holidays. It is one of only two United States Air Force installations in the Asian peninsula, with the other being found in Osan, nearly 6 hours away. South Korea has 265 businesses designated as entertainment venues for foreigners, though it was unclear how many of those are juicy bars that cater solely to the U.S. military community. Afterward, the ministry announced that it would increase its oversight of businesses that hire foreign entertainers through checks that include site visits, interviews with workers and business owners and documentation reviews. Maybe if they change the name, maybe they’ll get more than just GIs coming here to drink," said Master Sgt. google_ad_width=125; Theres only so much we can do as far as our folks being down there and seeing things, said Strunk, who received a commendation from the ministry last fall for his efforts at stopping prostitution and human trafficking.