Discover South Korea through the Republic of Korea Cultural Immersion Program

U.S. service members wearing hanbok, traditional Korean dress, at Jeonju Hanok Village. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

If you’re stationed in South Korea, don’t miss the unique opportunity to explore the country through the Republic of Korea Cultural Immersion Program. This free tour program, hosted by the Combined Forces Command, allows you to immerse yourself in Korea’s culture, history, nature, cuisine, and top attractions with the help of experienced guides in a premium group setting. If you’re single, this is a great opportunity to make new friends. And if you’re stationed in Korea with your family members, you can bring them along!

The tour program offers more than just fun adventures. You can gain a comprehensive understanding of Korean history, culture, and security from a military perspective. It is an educational, meaningful, and motivational experience that highlights why you are serving in South Korea and how your service contributes to the national security of this country.

In early May, I participated in a cultural immersion program in South Korea in the cities of Jeonju, Suncheon, and Yeosu in South Jeolla Province, located in the southwest part of the country. Below are the destinations we explored during this two-night, three-day trip:

•Day 1

-West Sea Protection Hall and ROKS Memorial Hall PCC-772 Cheonan

– Jeonju Hanok Village and wearing hanbok (traditional clothing)

A South Korean navy guide describes naval battles sparked by a North Korean attack on the Northern Limit Line (NLL), which is the maritime border between North and South Korea. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Members of the U.S. military community admire the remains of the Cheonan, a ship cut in two after a 2010 attack by North Korea. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Members of the U.S. military community admire the remains of the Cheonan, a ship cut in two after a 2010 attack by North Korea. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

U.S. service members wearing hanbok, traditional Korean dress, at Jeonju Hanok Village. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

•Day 2

– Boseong green tea field

-Honam Patriots Memorial Hall

-Suncheonman Bay National Garden and Wetland Reserve

– Yeosu Maritime Cable Car

A peaceful moment between father and son during a walk in Suncheonman Wetland Reserve. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

The Yeosu Maritime Cable Car ride offers breathtaking night views of the city's coastal beauty. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

The Yeosu Maritime Cable Car ride offers breathtaking night views of the city's coastal beauty. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

•Day 3

-Muju Taekwondowon – Taekwondo show

Families take the monorail to Muju Taekwondowon Observatory to enjoy panoramic views. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Families take the monorail to Muju Taekwondowon Observatory to enjoy panoramic views. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Families take the monorail to Muju Taekwondowon Observatory to enjoy panoramic views. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Tour participants enjoyed martial arts performances at Muju Taekwondovon. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Key information

Sponsored by the Korean government as part of the Korea-U.S. Alliance Strengthening Project, all expenses, including transportation, hotel, meals, and activities, are fully covered for eligible participants. The program is conducted with the official approval of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and participant recruitment is overseen by USFK J1.

· Participants: Must be U.S. soldiers, UNC soldiers, GS employees working in Korea and their dependent family members.

· Duration: 2 nights, 3 days (Tuesday to Thursday).

· Sessions: 10 sessions per year (6 sessions in April-May, 2 sessions in October and two sessions on Jeju Island in September).

· Locations: Seoul-DMZ, East Coast-Seorak Mountain, Jeonju-Yeosu, Gyeongju-Busan (two different trips), and Jeju Island.

· Contact: As places are limited, contact your management to reserve yours or inquire by email at the following address: indopacom.humphreys.usfk.list.usfk-cultural-immersion-program@army.mil

To learn more about the cultural immersion program, please visit: https://korea.stripes.com/travel/free-rok-cultural-immersion-program-introduces-us-military-community-to-korea.html