(Armando R. Limon/Stars and Stripes), Numerous bars are tightly packed together in "Aragon Alley" in the Sinjang-dong Shopping Mall outside Osan Air Base, South Korea on April 6, 2014. I hope the city develops the neighborhood, so the airmen can enjoy themselves.". At least one airman thinks the name change is a good idea. You cant presume that things go beyond that, which is what you would have to do if you want to put them [all] off-limits.. For service, call DSN 315-782-4318 or 063-470-4318 from a cell phone. This run down neighb. Accurate picture?Inspections officially began in March with checks of 16 establishments in Dongducheon, some of them near Camp Casey. 52-3249 of the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing being refuelled over Korea, 1953. %PDF-1.7 Lake Chungju & Kosu Cave, . The interior looks like a converted brothel (private rooms with couches, barred windows, and wallpapered ceilings) giving it the nickname "Chinese Whore House," but the food is great and inexpensive. Paradiso Perduto Italian Cafe & Kitchen. Exercise Agile Reaper 23-1 kicks off in Guam, Tinian. The bottom line is that juicy bars have women that are there to talk to soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines, he said. The Wolf Pack welcomed back seven senior leaders from its heritage to provide feedback on the mission and professional development to Airmen. A Stars and Stripes reporter recently visited about a dozen juicy bars outside Osan and Kunsan air bases over a two-night period. Kunsan Air Base is a remote / unaccompanied assignment, and all 8 FW active-duty military members must reside on the installation unless authorized by the Installation Commander (Wolf). To get there, head west on Highway 21. The city of Gunsan itself is a very vibrant and upbeat community filled with 5-star restaurants, quaint coffee shops and numerous clothing stores. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for use under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on December 11, 2020, which may help prevent COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. Dunn Maintenance. "The new name doesn’t match this neighborhood at all," said Jang Gil-hoon, who owns a sportswear store there. "I get the opportunity to visit the Wolf Pack often as the 7th Air Force . <> Worldwide Numbers. 126.615858525039. From 1997 to 1998 he was the 8th . They abandoned the demonstrations after Osan placed all 500 businesses in the Songtan area off-limits because of fears of confrontations between servicemembers and protesters. Four ministries, including the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, are taking part in the inspections. Lodging Operations Manager. The U.S. Army's 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry recaptured the base and Kunsan City on Sept. 30, 1950. Best pizza in Gunsan. Maybe a Philly Steak Sandwich at 0500? Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Majority of inbound military personnel PCSing to Kunsan will fly in on the Patriot Express from Seattle and will arrive at the passenger terminal on the flight line at Osan AB, Korea. "I laughed when I saw the sign," said Staff Sgt. Off-base taxis are paid in Korean currency (won) and fare starts at3500 won. It is also recommended that you have at least one set available in your accompanied baggage. Phone: 011-82-63-470-110. There's nothing like a rooftop bar with a clear view of the city, especially during a sunset happy hour with friends, drinks in hand, and chill beats from a DJ. Ocotpus, cuttlefish, mussels, clams, and fish of all varieties are available for purchase. The Official Website of 8FSS - Kunsan AFB - United States Air Force - 8th Force Support Squadron - Kunsan Air Force Base After buying $40 in juice drinks for a Filipina in one establishment, he was frequently touched suggestively by the woman, who offered up her phone number with the promise she would negotiate a cash-for-sex transaction over lunch in the near future. While the Philippine government had denied most of those visa applications, the promoters were skirting the law by sending the women to other countries before they went on to South Korea. Located inside 8FSS Falcon Community Activities Center (CAC), Wolf Pack Caf at Kunsan AB offers a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items available 24/7 Wolf Pack Caf - 8th Force Support Squadron - Kunsan Air Force Base Theres only so much we can do as far as our folks being down there and seeing things, said Strunk, who received a commendation from the ministry last fall for his efforts at stopping prostitution and human trafficking. Yoo Kyong Chang Ashley Rowland chang.yookyong@stripes.com rowland.ashley@stripes.com. Aragon Alley has the highest concentration of bars in the area. For instance, although the number of juicy bars outside Osan Air Base has dropped precipitously in the wake of the 7AFs crackdown on the bars from a few dozen last year to nine in May the number of establishments off-limits for suspected human trafficking has held steady at nine since August 2013. All Rights Reserved. 3 hard or soft tacos or 2 tacos and 1 serving of homemade Wings: $0.75 a wing Various flavors (No discounts or coupons), Lunch: Mexican Baked Chicken, Beef Enchiladas, Baja Fish Tacos, Spanish Rice, Oven Brown Potatoes, Spanish Style Beans, Hacienda Corn & Black Beans, Hacienda Green Beans, and Jalapeno Cornbread, Seonyeon-ri, Okseo-myeon, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do, South KoreaBldg: 1027 DSN: 782-5985Cell: 010-9917-7841. The local markets are a tradition in Korea and offers many hidden treasures to include a huge variety of inexpensive clothes, kitchenware and imported products. The ministry said it will not release the results of inspections conducted this year until December 2014 or January 2015, in part because the government thinks releasing the results would tip off businesses that have yet to be checked about what inspectors are looking for, a MOGEF official said, speaking on customary condition of anonymity. This tends to have poor results for a variety of self induced reasons. Four of those bars are currently off-limits, and the 8th Fighter Wing is in the process of placing the fifth bar off-limits after it was recently found to be participating in the selling of companionship, according to 7AF. KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --U.S. Air Force Ch. Bars are commonly found in the basement, first and second floors of many . Many interesting sites, including temples and historical landmarks are within an easy driving distance. The major command is the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and the primary weapon system is the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Stars and Stripes reporter Armando R. Limon contributed to this report. <> The city of Gunsan itself is a very vibrant and upbeat community filled with 5-star restaurants, quaint coffee shops and numerous clothing stores. She thinks city leaders want to improve the area, but she’s skeptical that they’ll do anything. "We are pleased to increase their level of comfort through . If given the opportunity you must visit. Dennis Hamm. % COMM phone number for Kunsan AB Installation Address, FAX phone number for Kunsan AB Installation Address, DSN phone number for Kunsan AB Installation Address, DSNFAX phone number for Kunsan AB Installation Address, Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=+Avenue+C+Kunsan+South+Korea+96264-2102, Emergency Contacts for Disasters & Evacuations, All newcomers must complete the mandatory online USFK sponsorship survey as well as, You will process through customs and immigration at Osan AB during the scheduled stop, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron will bus you from Osan AB to Kunsan AB where you will arrive at the Wolfpack Lodge or your previously booked dorm room. In 2009, Stars and Stripes first reported that prostitution and indentured servitude were everyday realities at many of these popular hangouts for American soldiers. Floor seating. from around the world. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. thinly sliced beef, homemade noodles, and piles of fresh vegetables that you cook in a broth on your table. google_ad_width=125; Recent visits to the Songtan juicy bar district showed that the area has, at least on the surface, noticeably changed. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Gunsan (Korean pronunciation: ), also romanized as Kunsan, is a city in North Jeolla Province, South Korea.It is on the south bank of the Geum River just upstream from its exit into the Yellow Sea.It has emerged as a high-tech manufacturing industrial city and an international trade seaport that is approximately 200 km (120 mi) southwest of Seoul on the midwest coast of the Korean Peninsula. View Details. It is one of two major Air Force installations operated by the United States in Korea. She said she wants Kunsan airmen to have a nicer area near their base where they can relax, instead of going to Osan or Seoul for fun. The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. google_ad_host="pub-6693688277674466"; Steve Cenov (left), 8th Air Force command chief, and Lt. Gen. Scott "Rolls" Pleus, 7th Air Force commander, speak to Airmen at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 23, 2023. google_color_text="697335"; If you search Gunsan, you will find information about the host city. google_ad_height=125; F-84G-25-RE Thunderjet AF Serial No. x=n\75@~$Y0{}0J;U-,c7AV>d+_WMx7r2bN\VI>+:ty!->^^qnn)vI)5KZ@kRk9b&f,dli!ANTfz=]^;3a&.4^P1;18L$U!?QM?OMh|w~v 782-1844 After a little small talk, the women or their supervisors would ask visitors to buy the juicy girl a drink — most often the equivalent of $10 for a small glass of juice or purported shot of tequila, which also bought another 15 or 20 minutes of their time. Nearby restaurants serve the goods up raw, and sometimes still wriggling. Kunsan Air Base . The buses from Osan to Kunsan AB are usually full on Sundays and Holidays. Last October, South Koreas Ministry of Gender Equality and Family met with representatives from the U.S. and Philippine embassies, Osan officials and military police to discuss protection measures for women working on entertainer visas outside USFK installations. The scenes inside juicy bars near Kunsan and Osan were strikingly similar. Main: The Community Bank, which is affiliated with the Bank of America is the only banking service located on Kunsan AB. Please refer toCOVID Guidancefor the most updated travel information. But establishing the link to human trafficking and proving that the female hostesses were working against their wills was almost impossible. Taxis may also be requested utilizing the "Exchange Taxi" application on any smart device. Visit us often to find out what's going on around base and how you can be a part of it. orhood is known for its dance clubs, eateries, and custom tailor shops all catering to the American military community at nearby Kunsan Air Base. If it swims and is edible, you can find it here (still swimming). " Food was good. Serve as Primary Crew Chief (7 Level Qualified) F-16 Falcon Aircraft, Trainer, and Supervisor . In April 1951, the 27th Air Base Group became the first Air Force unit assigned to the base. 364 others named Anthony Barnett are on . Gunsan Saemangeum Air Show, Game on at Falcon CAC, Tournaments featuring Bingo, Chess, 8 Ball, and Ping Pong. Bethesda, Maryland, United States. USAG Daegu Kunsan Air Base Phone Directory CFC United Nations Command Leadership. It's like a free aquarium show where you can eat the exhibits. (Armando R. Limon/Stars and Stripes), Several bars alongside each other in the Sinjang-dong Shopping Mall outside Osan Air Base, South Korea on April 6, 2014. Home; Exhibits and Displays Defend the Base, Accept Follow-On Forces, [and] Take the Fight North, The vision for the 8th Fighter Wing is to be "a resilient warfighting wing ready to deliver combat airpower at a moment's notice; honoring our legacy by fostering an environment of teamwork, dignity, and respect; enhancing the Wolf Pack culture of innovation, compliance, and excellence1-year tour with a 10-year vision. 35.9274549834673, @gR8'6#%AZ|Q-Ww,"-U7so!g)_DSY\:l+)X?53s9>wvW(s@k/# Putting all the bars off limits to servicemembers was not the answer. Pacific Air Force Consolidates Silver Flag Training at Andersen . google_ad_host="pub-6693688277674466"; I wanted it to be more representative of the community," he said. The prostitutes disappeared long ago, he said, and the bar area started to become less rowdy about five or six years ago. - See 164 traveller reviews, 77 candid photos, and great deals for Ramada by Wyndham Gunsan at Tripadvisor. Welcome to the official website of the 8th Force Support Squadron at Kunsan AFB - United States Air Force. "All You Can Eat" Sunday Brunch Buffet 1000-1330. 7 days in Seoul (including arrival day at 10am, this will include the half day DMZ tour and possibly suwon/bukhansan/nami island if we run out of things to do or need a change of scenery. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 02 Kunsan hosts inaugural Wolf Leadership Forum. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown made a stop at Kunsan on Aug. 12 and visited with airmen and base leaders, according . Keeping watch7AF officials said the Korean government was crucial in pushing the juicy bars to close. Many excursions await those interested in exploring the traditions and customs of this great country. "I heard about A-Town before I even got here," said Senior Airman Daniel Lane. Kunsan hosts inaugural Wolf Leadership Forum. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Long distance charges may be incurred if calling commercially. The coffee here is freshly roasted, and the view of the Eunpa Lake is beautiful. There are two fish markets that can be found in town: Haemang-dong and Bieung port. Kunsan and Gunsan are spelled the same in Korean: . Numerous bars, restaurants and clothing stores fill the shopping area. . If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. google_color_text="697335"; The class is held once a month and features a different dish each time. google_color_border="DED1E9"; Most of the scantily clad women who used to be seen smoking and waiting for male customers have disappeared, though two female employees in separate bars approached a reporter and asked him to buy them drinks. The entrance to A-town is a few miles north of the military . Flights Vacation Rentals Restaurants . Due to NIPR Net restrictions this website might not be displayed correct or complete. KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea &#8212; It&#8217;s 9 p.m., still early for a Saturday night, as airmen trickle into the mom-and-pop restaurants in this dimly lit neighborhood for bulgogi, ramen and . Congressman pushes for DOD post to enforce trafficking rules, Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, Israels window to strike Iran narrows as Putin enters equation, Air Force command climate investigation ends with Okinawa commanders removal, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. She graduated from Korea University and also studied at the University of Akron in Ohio. In that case, accurate inspections could not be done, he said. Kunsan Air Base South Korea Commissary is a US supermarket; Ramstein Air Base Commissary codes a US supermarket for Amex Gold and Blue Cash Preferred; . Clusters of airmen stand outside and smoke, and around the corner, where the diners turn into juicy bars, music is already starting to blare. Kunsan Air Base: 100 miles south: DSN: 315-784-6112/6113: Camp Red Cloud: 55 miles north: DSN: 315-732-6142: Daegu/Waegwan/Camp . Theater opens 30 minutes before first showing. Afterward, the ministry announced that it would increase its oversight of businesses that hire foreign entertainers through checks that include site visits, interviews with workers and business owners and documentation reviews. google_color_url="1A4292"; First choice not available so made another selection. Museum of the Kansas National Guard . Businesses will be notified before the checks take place. Make that the former America Town. google_color_link="000000"; Sadie Chambers, DAF religious affairs senior enlisted advisor, interacted with the Wolf Pack, Feb. 23 to 24, as special guests of the Wolf Leadership Forum. SEOUL A year after protests by bar owners brought the popular Songtan entertainment area outside Osan Air Base to a near-standstill, the 7th Air Force says its efforts to put "juicy bars" off-limits to U.S. servicemembers have helped dramatically lower the clusters of establishments thought to be involved with prostitution and human trafficking. The Filipinas — all dressed in short skirts, low-cut blouses and high heels — would hold hands with the customers or place a hand on a leg. The inspections included interviews with 51 Filipina employees, most in their 20s or early 30s. lI[4tjY7yI0mG2Zrg*8/?ktt. Craving fresh pancakes at midnight? It is critical to coordinate your arrival with your sponsor to ensure you have the basic necessities. He said 85 percent of the area’s customers are American airmen, and the rest are workers from the Philippines and Uzbekistan. "Defend the Base (Hooah), Accept Follow on Forces (Bring it), Take the Fight North (Wolf Pack).". endobj +82 634691234. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Kunsan, Local corporations donated 12,500,000 won, approximately $9,000, for two new signs. Bldg. stream Dream Ville is an apartment complex and hotel where many non-command sponsored military spouses or families live while assigned at Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan, South Korea. Moon selected the winning name: "International Culture Ville," which reflects the city’s ambitions to become a major port for Northeast Asia, and its hope that A-Town will become a tourist draw as the city grows. google_ad_type="text_image"; Toll Free Central Reservations (US & Canada Only) 1 (800) 780-7234. The history of Kunsan Air Base dates back to 1938, when Japanese forces occupying Korea built a base near Kunsan for fighter-interceptor aircraft.. "They see me as a real mama, and I treat them as my real sons," she said. An association representing the bars had been notified in advance that the inspections would take place. However, he acknowledged that the women might be coached by their bosses to lie to inspectors and conceded that maybe we should think about that part more carefully.. Many interesting sites, including temples and historical landmarks are [] What's missing are the infamous juicy bars that used to be part of the landscape. It is approximately 150 miles south of Seoul. Building A is pet-friendly, and building B is . Kunsan Air Base Official Website. Kurt Weisel. Domino effectU.S. Everybody knows about it in Korea. The 8th Fighter Wing hosted the inaugural Wolf Leadership Forum (WoLF) at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 23-24. Gunsan Marathon runs along this road in the spring bringing a surprising number of local runners. Behind the scenes of the Exercise Agile Reaper 23-1 and the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing. The official said businesses could then make temporary fixes in order to pass the checks, including telling their employees what to say during the inspections. We have a new. Lake Chungju & Kosu Cave,Asan Hot Springs,Lotte World,Mt Naejang National Park and Kumsan Temple,Snow Festival at Dragon Valley,Pyonsan National Park, Chikso Waterfall & Neso Temple,Kyongbok Palace & Insa-dong Antique Market. Lee Sung Dang is the oldest bakery in Korea. Food: Japanese Food. Ngon Restaurant, Ho Chi Minh City: See 49 unbiased reviews of Ngon Restaurant, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #583 of 5,841 restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. Gunsan City recenty renamed the area "International Culture Ville" in hopes bringing new development to the bar and restaurant district. The United States first used the base in 1945, but on a very small scale. Bearden asked Gunsan City mayor Moon Dong-shin if he wanted to change the name. The Kunsan AB (newcomer's information) provides information on bus schedules for travel between Kunsan AB and Osan AB, Kunsan AB and Incheon Airport, and Incheon Airport and Osan AB. Ive had many airmen that have just come out and said that in conversation. . We knew certain things were going on, but we didnt have the proof necessarily, he said. " nice Italian place in Gunsan " 10/06/2022. Use coupon code FLYDREAM to get upto 25000 off. When it actually crosses the line and we no longer have authority, like checking on immigration status, thats where the Korean government becomes very important, and theyve been very supporting in continuing partnering with us and working those issues.. The issue received international attention again in December 2013, when CNN aired a report about the link between U.S. servicemembers and South Korean juicy bars as part of a series on modern-day slavery. Seong Jin Kim, 38th Fighter Group operating branch radar controller, looks at a radar at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 16, 2023. Bars are commonly found in the basement, first and second floors of many buildings in the area. Some of the businesses have reopened as dance clubs and sports bars, and the military continues to monitor them through patrols and feedback from airmen. In one bar, a young woman introduced herself by grinding her buttocks against a customer. People tell stories," Senior Airman Michael Downard said over dinner at Big Boy Restaurant, a clean but simple one-room diner with five tables, sagging wallpaper, and a pink plastic pig on the front counter. Enjoy!0:09 Best part of Kunsan=the friendships. All newcomers must complete the mandatory online USFK sponsorship survey as well as USFK Theater Specific Required Training. "There’s always going to be prostitution, no matter what you do," said a Filipina working at a bar in America Town, an off-base bar and restaurant district near Kunsan Air Base. When reporting to Kunsan ABUs and/or OCPs are the uniform of the day. . Although proprietors have recently changed the entrance sign to read "International Ville," the military community and local Gunsan residents will always call it A-Town. The mayor agreed and even paid for the sign, Bearden said. Bearden suggested calling the area Barley Town, or B-Town, after the barley fields surrounding the district. "The military makes this place what it is, and it’s A-Town," said Staff Sgt. Author: MATHEWS, ALEXANDER A Maj USAF AETC 502 ABW/CCE Created Date: 1/3/2023 2:57:03 PM Kunsan commander Col. Bryan Bearden suggested renaming A-Town after he arrived at the base in late spring. The economy is aboutthe same as the US national average. Available for both RF and RM licensing. Former 8th Fighter Wing Commanders and Command Chiefs visited Kunsan Air Base as part of the inaugural Wolf Leadership Forum, Feb. 23-24, 2023. . The pizzas are covered in real cheese and cooked in. The Army's 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion built a 5,000-foot runway to replace the sod runway built by . from around the world. //-->, Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites. Across the street is the old sign for A-Town, hanging on a neon orange palm tree that blinks at night. . Welcome to America Town, a tangle of narrow streets and neon lights where generations of airmen from tiny Kunsan Air Base have gone to eat, drink, buy souvenirs and meet women. The DoD has a bad habit of losing money on something and thinking that the answer to the problem is to contract that service out to a company that knows how to operate in that industry and not just break even but to make a profit.