Branch: U.S. Army
Location: Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Installation Type: Garrison
Status: Active


Overview

USAG Humphreys (Camp Humphreys) is the largest overseas U.S. military installation in the world, located near Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, approximately 65 kilometers south of Seoul. The garrison expanded dramatically under the Land Partnership Plan (LPP) and Yongsan Relocation Plan (YRP), consolidating U.S. forces previously dispersed across South Korea onto a single, modern mega-installation. The expansion — which grew the installation to approximately 14.7 square kilometers (3,640 acres) — was completed between 2016 and 2019, with U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) headquarters relocating from Yongsan Garrison in Seoul. Camp Humphreys serves as the command hub for all U.S. military operations on the Korean Peninsula.

Mission & Units

  • Primary Mission: To serve as the headquarters of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and 8th U.S. Army, and to sustain the alliance with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army in deterring aggression and maintaining armistice on the Korean Peninsula.
  • Major Units: U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Headquarters; 8th U.S. Army Headquarters; 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) / ROK-U.S. Combined Division; Area I Support Activity; 501st Military Intelligence Brigade; 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade; 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command elements; 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB)
  • Tenant Units: Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) elements; various joint and combined U.S.-ROK command elements; AAFES; Defense Commissary Agency; Naval Support Activity; U.S. Air Force liaison elements

Location & Access

  • Nearest Major City: Pyeongtaek (adjacent to installation); Suwon, approximately 35 km (22 miles) north; Seoul, approximately 65 km (40 miles) north
  • Nearest Commercial Airport: Incheon International Airport (ICN), approximately 85 km (53 miles) north; Osan Air Base (military, adjacent to Incheon corridor), approximately 25 km (16 miles) north
  • Gate Access: Multiple gates operate around the installation with varying hours; the Brian D. Allgood Gate (Gate 1/Main Gate area) is the primary entrance. Valid CAC or SOFA identification card is required for entry. Visitors must obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center (VCC). All personnel must comply with current force protection measures. Gate procedures and hours are subject to change based on the current DEFCON and force protection level.

Population

  • Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 36,000-42,000 (one of the largest concentrations of U.S. military personnel outside the continental U.S.)
  • Family Members: Approximately 15,000-20,000
  • Civilian Employees: Approximately 8,000-12,000 (U.S. and Korean national employees)
  • Total Installation Population: Approximately 60,000-75,000 (making it comparable in size to a mid-sized American city)

Key Facilities

  • Medical: Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital (BACH) — a full-service, Joint Commission-accredited hospital providing inpatient and outpatient care, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental, and emergency services; the largest U.S. military hospital in the Pacific region
  • Commissary: Yes — one of the largest overseas commissaries in the DoD system; fully stocked with a wide selection of American and international products; high patron volume
  • Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — large AAFES Exchange (PX) main store comparable in size to a mid-sized American department store; food court with multiple U.S. brand restaurants; Class VI store; car care center; furniture store; flower shop; and numerous concessions and specialty stores
  • Fitness & Recreation: Multiple large fitness centers (24-hour facilities available); indoor Olympic-size swimming pool; outdoor pools; bowling alley; movie theater (Dragon Hill equivalent); golf course (Camp Humphreys Golf Course); basketball, tennis, and racquetball courts; skate park; MWR recreation centers; Soldier and Family Assistance Center; Dragon Hill Lodge (Armed Forces Recreation Center, now located at Humphreys); extensive sports leagues and intramural programs
  • Schools: Humphreys Elementary School (DoDEA); Humphreys Middle School (DoDEA); Humphreys High School (DoDEA); all schools are on-post and serve the large dependent population
  • Childcare: Multiple Child Development Centers (CDCs) and School Age Services (SAS) programs; large capacity but still subject to waitlists due to population size; enroll immediately upon receipt of PCS orders; Family Child Care (FCC) network supplements CDC availability
  • Veterinary Services: Full-service military veterinary clinic on post; services include wellness exams, vaccinations, surgery, and dental care for authorized patron pets; appointments recommended due to high demand; also manages pet import requirements coordination
  • Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office on post; full range of services including wills, powers of attorney, tax assistance (VITA), SOFA-related legal questions, and general legal counseling; walk-in and appointment hours available; contact through garrison directory for current schedule

Housing

  • On-Post Housing: Privatized housing managed on post; extensive housing inventory including apartments, townhomes, and detached units built during the expansion; housing is generally modern and well-maintained given the relatively recent construction
  • Average Wait Time: Varies significantly by rank and family size; the large permanent party population can create waitlists; contact Housing Services Office immediately upon receipt of PCS orders; temporary lodging is available through the installation’s Lodging program (Dragon Hill Lodge equivalent)
  • Off-Post Housing: Available in Pyeongtaek city (Anjung-ri area, Paengseong, Songtan area near Osan AB). The area outside Camp Humphreys has developed significantly with the installation’s expansion. Average monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment: approximately KRW 1,000,000-2,000,000 (approximately USD 750-1,500 depending on exchange rate). Housing Services Office maintains approved landlord lists and OHA worksheets.
  • BAH Rate Reference: Check current Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

  • Sponsorship Program: All inbound Soldiers should request a sponsor through their gaining unit S1 or sponsorship coordinator. The 8th Army and USFK sponsorship programs are robust; sponsors assist with in-processing, housing, vehicle registration, and initial orientation to Korea.
  • In-Processing: Report to the USAG Humphreys In-Processing Center upon arrival. Comprehensive in-processing includes finance, SOFA registration, vehicle registration, ration control, medical, housing, and unit check-in. Full in-processing may take 3-7 days due to the volume of requirements unique to Korea and the large installation.
  • EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): ACS EFMP office is fully staffed given the large population. Pre-PCS EFMP clearance is mandatory for all accompanied tours to Korea. Korea is a controlled tour for unaccompanied personnel unless EFMP clearance is obtained. The EFMP office works with Korean medical and educational resources and will assess whether adequate services are available before approving accompanied status.

OCONUS-Specific Information

  • SOFA Status: U.S. forces in South Korea operate under the U.S.-Republic of Korea Status of Forces Agreement (ROK-U.S. SOFA), initially signed in 1966 and revised multiple times (most recently with significant amendments in 2001). The ROK-U.S. SOFA governs jurisdiction, entry/exit, customs privileges, vehicle registration, and the legal framework for U.S. personnel and their dependents in Korea. Personnel and SOFA-status family members receive a SOFA card which must be carried at all times.
  • Host Nation Rules: South Korean law applies off-post. Key rules include: drug laws are extremely strict (zero tolerance; possession of marijuana — even from a U.S. state where it is legal — is a serious criminal offense in Korea and under UCMJ); alcohol is widely available but public intoxication that leads to disturbances can result in Korean police involvement; respect for Confucian social hierarchy is important in social and professional interactions; photography near military installations is restricted.
  • Curfew Policy: USFK operates a Liberty Risk Program (LRP) with curfew policies for U.S. military personnel in Korea. As of the most recent available information, USFK has historically imposed a midnight-to-0500 curfew (or similar timeframe) on all enlisted personnel below a certain grade, with waivers available through the chain of command. The Liberty Risk Program categorizes personnel by risk level (Liberty Risk 1, 2, 3) based on disciplinary history, with higher-risk personnel facing more restrictive curfew and liberty conditions. Off-post liberty is suspended for personnel on Liberty Risk 3. ALL military personnel — regardless of rank — must adhere to curfew when in effect and must not be intoxicated off-post. Commanders have authority to impose additional restrictions. Check current USFK General Order No. 1 and USAG Humphreys command policy letters for the most current curfew times and LRP procedures — these policies are subject to change based on theater conditions and incident levels.
  • Ration Card / Customs: Korea Ration Control Program applies. SOFA-status personnel are issued ration cards controlling the duty-free purchase of alcohol, tobacco, and other goods. Ration limits are strictly enforced. Reselling duty-free goods to Korean nationals is a serious violation of Korean customs law and the UCMJ and has historically resulted in criminal prosecution.
  • Vehicle Registration & Licensing: POVs must be registered through the USFK vehicle registration system. Personnel must obtain a USFK driver’s license to operate POVs in Korea. Importing a POV to Korea involves USFK import approval, Korean customs processing, and safety inspection. Vehicle ownership is subject to SOFA provisions. Due to Korean customs regulations, right-hand drive vehicles are not permitted. Many personnel choose to purchase Korean vehicles or use public transportation rather than ship a POV given the cost and complexity.
  • Language & Culture: Korean (Hangul script). English is spoken in areas near U.S. installations and in major cities but is limited elsewhere. Learning basic Korean phrases is strongly recommended. Korean culture emphasizes respect for elders, group harmony, and formal social interactions. Tipping is not customary in Korean culture. Removing shoes before entering a Korean home is standard. ACS and the Education Center offer Korean language classes. Cultural awareness training is mandatory during in-processing.
  • Currency & Banking: South Korean Won (KRW). Numerous ATMs on post accept U.S. debit cards; Community Bank Korea offers banking services on post. Korean banks (KB, Shinhan, Woori) are available off-post. Currency exchange facilities are available on and off post. Credit cards are widely accepted in Korea.
  • Travel Restrictions: Travel within South Korea is generally unrestricted but personnel must comply with USFK leave and pass policies. Travel to certain border areas near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) may require coordination. Travel to North Korea is strictly prohibited. International travel requires leave approval and commander notification per USFK policy; travel to certain countries may be restricted or require additional approval. Personnel must carry SOFA ID at all times.
  • Mail: APO/FPO address: [Name/Unit], Unit [Number], APO AP [ZIP Code] (verify unit-specific APO AP address through unit mail room; APO AP designator is used for Pacific theater). Mail from CONUS typically 7-14 days. Korea Post (EMS) is also available through the installation. Large packages can be shipped via commercial carriers to Korean address with SOFA customs exemptions where applicable.
  • Pets: South Korea does not impose a general quarantine for dogs and cats from the United States; however, specific import requirements apply including: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian endorsed by the USDA APHIS within 10 days of travel. Dogs must have a valid rabies titer test for re-entry to some countries. Certain dog breeds classified as aggressive may face restrictions under Korean law — consult the installation vet clinic and Korean quarantine authorities (Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency — QIA) for current breed restriction lists and import procedures. SOFA provisions may facilitate the import process. Always coordinate well in advance (6+ months) given Korean quarantine regulations.

Local Area & Quality of Life

  • Climate: Four distinct seasons; cold, dry winters (temperatures can drop well below freezing with occasional snow); hot, humid summers; pleasant spring and autumn. Monsoon season (Changma) typically runs June through mid-August with heavy rainfall.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate to affordable compared to U.S. major cities; Korean food, transportation, and services are generally very affordable. International goods and Western products on the economy can be expensive. On-post facilities (commissary, PX) help offset costs for authorized patrons.
  • Nearby Attractions: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage site, approximately 35 km); Seoul (approximately 65 km — Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namdaemun Market, Han River parks, Itaewon international district); Osan/Pyeongtaek local entertainment districts; Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) games; extensive Korean spa culture (jimjilbang); DMZ tours (with proper coordination); Korean national parks.
  • Spouse Employment: On-post NAF and AAFES positions are available in large numbers given the installation size; MyCAA scholarships for eligible military spouses; ACS Spouse Employment Program; teaching assistant positions in DoDEA schools; U.S. Government civilian positions through CPOL; remote/telework positions increasingly common. Korean work authorization under SOFA may allow some off-post employment — consult JAG office.

Contact & Resources

  • Official Website: https://home.army.mil/humphreys
  • Main Installation Phone: DSN 757-1110 or commercial +82-31-690-1110 (approximate; verify with current directory)
  • MWR Website: https://humphreys.armymwr.com/
  • ACS / Army Community Service: ACS office on post; full spectrum of family support services including relocation, EFMP, financial counseling, family advocacy, deployment support, and spouse employment; contact through garrison directory

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: U.S. Army IMCOM Pacific (home.army.mil/humphreys); U.S. Forces Korea (usfk.mil); 8th U.S. Army; Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) OHA tables; DoDEA Pacific; USFK SOFA documents; USFK Liberty Risk Program / General Order policies; Korea Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA); Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law

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