FAQ Index

You can obtain a copy of your DD 214 Discharge form from the National Archives website.

• Go to National Archives webpage
• Then Request Service Records Online
• Then DD 214/Separation Documents
• Click the Make A New Request button 
• Go through the screens that follow

YES

Retirees are authorized base legal services where/when available to include Wills, Notaries, and more.  Contact you base's office for specific details of that bases hours and policies.

YES, of course.

As with anywhere you might decide to live, there are disadvantages.  Heck, even heaven has one... the fact one is there and not here :)  So, lets look at some of the disadvantages to living in Korea as a Non-SOFA status Retiree.

• Medical Many of the older retirees have problems getting medical care for some of their more serious conditions as they age and need to make routine trips to the US. On post medical is slowly moving to a no retiree DHA model. Off post medical care is adequate, but not equal to US standards. Best off post hospitals are in Seoul.
• Aging Support Korea lacks many of the elderly services available in the US. No home care support or traditional nursing homes. Families are expected to do these things.
• Air Quality The air quality (yellow dust) is not that good.
• US Mail Limited to 1 pound of incoming mail can be problematic at times.
• Korean Banking Koreans now want additional documentation and having been in Korea for a minimum of 5 months before you open a bank account even with an ARC.
• Driving Traffic and parking are bad. Once you reach 75 years old getting and maintaining a driver’s license can be problematic.
• Garrison Support Reductions Military installations (garrisons) are not retiree friendly for basic support. As seen this year installations no longer support retirees for taxes

Yes, several.  There are NFCU's at Osan AB, Humphreys, Camp Walker and Camp Carroll. There are also NFCU ATMs at other sites, and other ATMs on the bases, such as Bank of America Community Bank ATMs will accept FCU cash cards.

• Go to the Banking page of this site

Yes, but you will need a Korean Visa.  Tourists visiting are not allowed.to have Community Bank accounts, ad if you do have/get one, it will close when you leave Korea.

• Go to the Banking page of this site

A non Retired DAV Vet with a VA VHIC ID card cam access bases in Korea, BUT has no shopping privilege's in Korea, UNLESS you obtain an approved ETP. 

• Read more about this on the Ration Control Page for VHIC ID cardholders