Ration Control Program
Shopping Privilages
Shopping Privilages
April 28, 2024
NO RATION CARDS: Currently, there are no Ration Control cards needed for dependents (Retiree, GS, Contractor). The Ration Control program is still in-place in Korea, but it has changed. Some Foreign Military still require Ration Control cards, but that is not a topic for here.
NO COMMISSARY PURCHASE LIMITS: The purchase limits have been lifted, EXCEPT on alcohol. Limits still apply on alcohol. USFK J-1 does still monitor purchasing, so probably still NOT a good idea to be buying 500 packages of hotdogs or something.
VISITING RETIREES and DEPENDENTS CAN SHOP: Whether you are retired and living here, or just visiting, your DOD ID card gives you full access to the Exchanges, Commissaries, and all MWR facilities and services. It also allows use of the Post Office services, however you're mailing limit size is 16oz.
YES Retirees (RET) of the U.S. Military with a valid DoD Retiree ID card and their Dependents with a valid DoD Retiree Dependent ID card has unlimited access to the Commissary, Exchanges and MWR facilities whether they are living or Korea or even just visiting.
YES Un-Remarried Widows or Widowers of deceased Retirees with a valid DoD Retiree Dependent ID card have unlimited access to the Commissary, Exchanges and MWR facilities whether they are living or Korea or even just visiting.
YES if 100% Permanently Disabled with a Valid DoD Disabled American Veterans ID Card issued from a DEERS/RAPIDS ID Card Office. They have unlimited access to the Commissary, Exchanges and MWR facilities whether they are living or Korea or even just visiting.
NO the VHIC card does not give Commissary and Exchange privileges overseas.
USAG Yongsan: As of November 2023 Dragon Hill Lodge has the Greenstreet restaurant, Subway, Pizza Hut, Sables restaurant and an AAFES Shoppette with no closure dates in sight. The US Embassy Association building has a Korean GS25 store. That's it!
USAG Humphreys: Old Camp Humphreys is now the biggest USA base in the Pacific, and close to being the biggest anywhere, has everything, some of them 2 or 3 times, because they are spread all over the Hump. Even a Texas Roadhouse steakhouse. No need to to list all the services, because they have it all, on-base and off.
Osan AB: Osan is still a go-to spot. The Mustang Mall has AAFES, banks, Post Office, concessions and more, including a Chill's restaurant and the 24/7 CheckerTails restaurant. Check out the FSS website for information.
Camps Walker and Casey: Walker and Casey haven't changed much over the years. Yes, some renovations here and there, but no new major construction projects. They both still have all the typical AAFES support facilities and DECA commissaries. Personally, I would not call them tourist areas for shopping. They are great for the folks who live there, or for us in Korea who travel around and need something. But, if you're coming to Korea to visit, and you want to hit some on-base spots, Walker and Casey are probably not high on the list of 'things-to-do'.
Chinhae, Busan, Mujok, Kunsan: While Busan is a wonderful vacation spot within the Korea peninsula, it and the other sites listed here are not places you need to go to any on-base shopping.
And in case you're wondering... there is nothing north other than Camp Casey. All other bases are gone.
We know many of you know and have seen this.
The DOD expanded commissary shopping privileges in the U.S. effective 1 January 2020 as part of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018.
However, just to be clear, this is for CONUS, not overseas. Overseas Veterans should check with their local installation to verify privileges, which in Korea is USFK and the Ration Control program, which is what we report on here.
The Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) overseeing misuse and abuse of ration privileges is the DES Civilian Misconduct Office. This office was much more busy before the lifting of the Ration Limits. Violations were investigated, litigated through the JAG office, and then the Civilian Misconduct Officer sent a memo (letter) to the offending party informing them of the Exchange and/or Commissary suspensions. The offender must report to a DEERS ID Office for issuance of a new ID card with these privileges removed from the ID card. The suspension process was/is in general involves:
Ration Control Limits in Korea Current as of Nov 2023
