It is one of only two United States Air Force installations in the Asian peninsula, with the other being found in Osan, nearly 6 hours away. Located approximately miles from the capital city of Seoul, Kunsan Air Base is often referred to by multiple names. The official name of the closest city is Gunsan, which the base is sometimes called.
The name Kunsan is used by locals and the US Government to try and differentiate the base from the city. The base was established in by occupying Japanese forces as an operating base. After the Japanese withdrawal, the United States took over the base. It first saw a limited use in , and by only a small handful of US troops remained in the area. The close of saw the complete withdrawal of US troops from the Korean Peninsula, leaving the base completely vacant. When North Korean forces invaded the south in , Kunsan Air Base was one of the first objectives to fall due its almost complete lack of defense.
Within a few months US forces quickly regained the base and began stationing troops and assets at the location. With the initial hostilities of Korean turning into full scale war, the United States and its allies built a network of bases across South Korea. A majority of these were haphazardly constructed temporary bases with unpronounceable names. It has yet to play a major role in any conflicts, but due to its location near the coast it remains an important installation.
Today, it remains in standby state while being periodically updated and upgraded. Housing at Kunsan Air Base is tied directly in with individual units. Incoming service members will need to fill out an application prior to arrival in order to secure base housing; however the privatized housing system in town is also available.
This is usually far more expensive, so a majority of service members choose to live on post. Agency Ratings. Restaurant Ratings Categories.
