Cultural tour helps U.S. Soldiers understand service in Korea

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Kohrs | U.S. Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen learned how to make Kimchi near Asan, Republic of Korea, Oct. 23, 2019. U.S. Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen enjoy a three-day cultural tour sponsored by the Korean Ministry of National Defense to help service members understand the Korean culture, appreciate their service in the Republic of Korea, and to help build the ROK/US alliance.(Photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Kohrs)  

SOUTH KOREA

11.14.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. Jacob Kohrs 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – One reason people join the Army is to experience the world. At times, that could mean war zones, but at others it could mean beautiful destinations like Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea.
During a service member’s off time, they’re not only allowed to, but encouraged to get out of the barracks and learn about the people and culture.
In the Republic of Korea, there are many free tours for service members to learn about and experience the Korean culture which dates back to between the 12th and 7th centuries B.C.
Soldiers, Airmen and Marines from Osan Air Base and Camp Humphreys experienced the historical culture of Korea on a tour sponsored by the Korean Ministry of National Defense, Oct. 22-24.
“This reinforces the relationship between our combined forces,” said Lee, Kyun, the Ministry of National Defense’s Spiritual Force and Cultural Affairs director. “It can be hard for service members to come to Korea because it is a new country and very different. So while they are here, if service members know about Korean history it will help their understanding of their service and be happier to serve here.”
The organization offers tours to several locations. During this three-day tour, service members made Kimchi, sweet rice cake and makgeolli, a traditional rice alcohol. They traveled to scenic locations such as the Gyeong Bok Palace and the Gwang-Myung Cave, and enjoyed traditional foods for every meal, both home-cooked and restaurant style.
“I loved seeing the village,” said Sgt. Christina Dye, a paralegal with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “We got to see Korea as it was in the past. The authentic culture versus the commercial culture that is normally around the bases, and I didn’t mind sleeping on the floor.”
The WayAm Village is a late Joseon period village that is still traditionally maintained. Here service members slept in a traditional manner, on the floor. They wore traditional clothes and experienced how a village would have run.
“We have been conducting these tours since 1970,” said Lee. “As of this year, we have provided tours to 18,000 service members.”
On average the MND hosts about 215 service members every year.
“I would highly encourage service members to go on one of these,” said Dye. “I feel that it would help them to respect the culture more.”
She went on to say that it is important that service members get to know the culture and the people of the country that we are helping to defend and understand the partnership between our two countries.
For more information about tours like this, contact your public affairs office or your local Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office.

• Date Taken: 11.14.2019
• Date Posted: 11.14.2019 20:45
• Story ID: 351836
• Location: KR