Courtesy Photo | Members of IMCOM's G9 Hospitality Team pose with Dragon Hill employees at USAG...... read more read more
USAG YONGSAN, South Korea -- Dragon Hill Lodge marked its 35th Anniversary on September 12th with a ceremony honoring its legacy, original employees, and continued commitment to serving the Total Defense Force.
The celebration began with a ceremony attended by distinguished guests, current and former Dragon Hill Lodge employees, and community members all gathered to commemorate Dragon Hill Lodge’s decades of service. The Dragon Hill Lodge was presented the United States Forces Korea (USFK) Certificate of Appreciation by Gen. Xavier Brunson, USFK Commanding General and Command Sergeant Major Jack Love on “35 remarkable years of service and excellence.”
The event featured remarks from Maj. Gen. William Taylor, Eighth Army Acting Commanding General, and Dragon Hill Lodge General Manager Brian Campbell. Both praised Dragon Hill Lodge’s enduring role in supporting U.S. Forces Korea mission.
“Dragon Hill Lodge has always been more than a hotel—it’s a home away from home for our U.S. Military Service Members and their families,” Campbell said. “This milestone reflects the dedication of our team and the strength of our mission in making life-long memories for our guests.”
Sixteen original employees were honored for their service since the lodge’s opening in 1990, receiving certificates presented by Taylor and Campbell. Their contributions were recognized as the foundation of DHL’s success.
“These individuals represent the heart and soul of Dragon Hill Lodge,” Taylor said. “Their commitment over the years has helped shape this facility into the welcoming refuge it is today.”
A reception was held in the Dragon Hill Lodge’s Naija Ballroom following the ceremony, where guests enjoyed stirring performances by the Eighth Army Band, a ceremonial cake cutting, and the culinary skills of the hotel’s Food and Beverage Team.
The ballroom and the adjoining Mezzanine Bridge space was decorated with photos and items honoring the hotel’s 35-Year history. Displays included photos of employees past and present, hotel dining menus from the 1990s and 2000s, and even historical items such as the original shovel used in the hotel’s groundbreaking ceremony held on Oct. 22, 1987.
To commemorate 35 years of Serving Those Who Serve, DHL also published a 35th anniversary book detailing its history, origin and changes throughout the decades. The book highlighted the DHL’s historical significance, tracing its origins back to the post-WW II U.S. military presence in Yongsan. Following the Korean War, the U.S. military utilized several hotels under the Status of Forces Agreement before plans for a dedicated facility were congressionally approved in the mid-1980s.
The DHL officially opened its doors on June 15, 1990, and over the years, it has expanded to include the Annex, Point Health Club, Soldiers Tower and the day-to-day operations of the Hartell House.
Dragon Hill Lodge continues to provide rest, relaxation, and sustainment for Soldiers, Families, and Civilians visiting or residing in South Korea. As it looks to the future, the DHL remains committed to excellence in hospitality and service.
Armed Forces Recreation Centers, operated by HQ IMCOM’s G9 Hospitality Division provide rest, relaxation and sustainment for Soldiers, Families, and Civilians and other members of the Total Defense Force. For more information on AFRCs, visit IMCOM’s Hospitality Division.
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2025 16:16 |
| Story ID: | 548796 |
| Location: | KR |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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