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59-562: The South Korean and United States governments came to an agreement to enlarge Camp Humphreys —a U.S. Army installation outside Anjeong-ri , a community in Pyeongtaek—and move the majority of US forces stationed in and north of Seoul to the Camp Humphreys area. Invoking eminent domain , the government obtained the surrounding land for the base expansion. This would result in the community's third displacement from their own land since

118-536: A duty free mall, department store and cinema. With the commencement of KTX services in 2004, Yongsan Station began to share these new services with Seoul Station and this gave rise to increased investment and development at the station. Great Train Express is a planned high speed commuter rail network in the Seoul Capital Area project consisting of three separate lines, named GTX A, GTX B and GTX C, with

177-533: A humid continental climate ( Köppen : Dwa ), but can be considered a borderline humid subtropical climate ( Köppen : Cwa ) using the −3 °C (27 °F) isotherm. 36°59′32″N 127°06′46″E  /  36.992236°N 127.112821°E  / 36.992236; 127.112821 Camp Humphreys 36°58′N 127°02′E  /  36.967°N 127.033°E  / 36.967; 127.033 Camp Humphreys ( Korean : 캠프 험프리스 ), also known as United States Army Garrison-Humphreys ( USAG-H ),

236-601: A 2004 land-swap pact, the U.S. promised to gradually return a combined 170 square kilometers of land housing 42 military bases and related facilities to South Korea and move U.S. military forces from garrisons in and north of Seoul to Camp Humphreys. With the creation of the Installation Management Command on 24 October 2006, U.S. Army Support Activity Area III was redesignated as U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys and Area III on 15 March 2007. On 13 November 2007, USFK and South Korean officials conducted

295-488: A common issue with most of the low lying riverside districts in the city. The name Yongsan derives from hanja and means "Dragon Mountain". In hanja, the characters are 龍 yong (meaning "dragon") and 山 san (meaning "mountain"). The oldest recorded mention of Yongsan is in a fable about two dragons that appeared over Hangang River in the 21st year of King Giru's reign during the Baekje Dynasty . Some also say that

354-473: A considerable black market developed, as did numerous variations of Korean staple dishes using newly arrived US food supplies. The withdrawal of most US personnel and infrastructure from Yongsan will free up a significant amount of land within the district, land which has been under foreign control for over a century. The first proposal for redeveloping the site came from the former president Roh Moo-Hyun in 2005. Since then, negotiations between South Korea and

413-795: A groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of Camp Humphreys. Under that plan, the 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea would be consolidated into two regional hubs in Pyeongtaek and Daegu by 2016. In 2010, the U.S. Army announced that a tour normalization policy would gradually be introduced. Single soldiers would typically serve two-year tours, and troops who brought families would stay for three years. Previously most troops served one-year unaccompanied tours in Korea. Additional infrastructure to accommodate more families would be built. On 2 September 2011, U.S. and South Korean officials participated in

472-472: A joint groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction for an elementary school to accommodate 850 students and a high school to accommodate 950 students on Camp Humphreys. On 26 August 2013, Camp Humphreys opened a new elementary school. The new elementary school will hold kindergarten through fifth-grade classes for a total enrollment capacity of 875 students. As of 2017 the U.S. Army called Humphreys "the largest power projection platform in

531-597: A military confrontation with the North. The ROK/US agreement allows USFK to move to one centralized location away from the congestion of Seoul and its surrounding areas. This relocation agreement results in returning two-thirds of the land currently used by the United States Military back to the South Korean government. By 2008, the U.S. military was to have consolidated 41 installations down to 10 due to

590-455: A new Camp Humphreys for a central elementary and high school. In 2013, construction completed the new schools and adjacent athletic fields accommodate 1,700 students. Humphreys Central Elementary School can accommodate 850 students with the high school accommodating 950. The elementary school serves kindergarten through fifth-grade classes, the middle school serves 6th and 7th grades and the high school cover 8th through 12th grades. Camp Humphreys

649-465: A series of large protests against the South Korean and American governments' plan to expand Camp Humphreys to make it the main base for most U.S. troops in South Korea. It concluded when residents of Daechuri and other small villages near Pyeongtaek agreed to a government settlement according to which they would leave their homes in 2006 and allow the base expansion. Compensation for the land averaged 600 million won (about US$ 600,000) per resident. Under

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708-473: A short distance outside the old city walls of Seoul. Yongsan was designated an "open district" by the Korean government in 1884 and subsequently a foreign community established itself in the area, consisting of French , Chinese and Japanese missionaries . Permission was given for missionary work to commence in 1887. Yongsan District, as an administrative district, came into being on April 17, 1896, under

767-720: Is a United States Army garrison located near Anjeong-ri and Pyeongtaek metropolitan areas in South Korea . Camp Humphreys is home to Desiderio Army Airfield, the busiest U.S. Army airfield in Asia, with an 8,124-foot (2,476 m) runway. In addition to the airfield, there are several U.S. Army direct support, transportation, and tactical units located there, including the Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division . The garrison has an area of 3,454 acres (1,398 ha) and cost US$ 11 billion. Camp Humphreys

826-491: Is a private university in Yongsan. It was founded in 1906 and is considered one of the top women's universities in South Korea. The university has produced a considerable number of successful alumni in media, journalism, politics, governments, and academia and is also home to one of the first and now most successful women-only ROTC programs in the country. The university is well known for its business programs and also offers

885-598: Is a civilian agency of the United States Department of Defense that manages all schools for military children and teenagers, as well as foreign service children and teenagers, in the United States and also overseas at American military bases worldwide. DoDEA currently manages four schools on Camp Humphreys. They include Humphreys Central and West Elementary Schools, Humphreys Middle School and Humphreys High School. In 2011, construction began on

944-416: Is a small mountain range about seven miles south of Camp Humphreys, with peaks reaching 958 feet in elevation. Larger mountains are located to the northeast, east, and southwest, all within 20 miles (32 km) with peaks reaching to 2,293 feet (699 m) in elevation to the south and 1,000 feet (300 m) in elevation to the southeast. Urban areas are situated mostly to the northeast of the airfield. Seoul

1003-403: Is also responsible for maintaining leisure facilities in the district including: Yongsan Sports Center, Ichon Hangang Riverside Park , Namsan, Hyochang Park & Yongsan Family Park. Since the establishment of a foreign community in Yongsan in the late 19th century, the area has been known as the most multicultural district in the city. This moniker was due in no small part to the presence of

1062-582: Is also the site of the US embassy housing compound. Forces and personnel assigned to Yongsan and South Korea as a whole fall under the jurisdiction of the Eighth US Army . As of 2021, most of the US personnel at the site, with the exception of embassy personnel, have been moved to Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, along with Eighth Army HQ, as part of a long-standing agreement between the governments of South Korea and

1121-677: Is an upmarket area to the east of the district and is the location of some of the most expensive real estate in Seoul, along with galleries and restaurants. Finally, Namsan, situated to the north, is a major tourist hotspot although Namsan Tower itself is located in Jung-Gu , not Yongsan. The Itaewon area besides Yongsan Garrison was designated a special tourist zone in 1997 on account of popularity not only with US military personnel but also Koreans and foreign tourists and residents. According to Korean government data, 20,000 foreign residents live in

1180-690: Is home to a 72,000 square foot concession mall, with laundry and dry cleaning services, an optical shop, domestic wireless and internet service providers, barber shop, florist, embroidery, giftware vendors and more. As of February 2020 , the Main Exchange food court offers Popeyes Chicken, Taco Bell, Arby's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Manchu Wok, Charleys Philly Steaks, Starbucks, Smoothie King, Auntie Anne's and Baskin Robbins. Pizza Hut and Popeyes also offer daily delivery service. There are also three shoppettes on Camp Humphreys. The Zoeckler Station shoppette

1239-537: Is located approximately 55 miles (89 km) northeast. The Ansong River flows from the east to west toward the West Sea and passes three miles northwest of the airfield. About 12 miles (19 km) west of Camp Humphreys, the river widens and empties into the Asan Bay, near Koon-ni Range. The numerous areas of water around Camp Humphreys has an effect on the weather. The abundant moisture is responsible for most of

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1298-487: Is located near the main gate by the Katusa snack bar and Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut offers delivery service daily for on-post residents. Also located near this facility, across from the walk-thru gate, is laundry/dry cleaning service and a barber shop. The 3rd MI shoppette is located in the same building as Charley's Steakery, which serves a selection of sub sandwiches. The post movie theater seats more than 550 customers and offers

1357-561: Is located next to the Han River , with level ground in the west of the district which has been used for transportation (rail) and commercial use since the early 20th century. To the east and north in the land is steeper and rises towards Namsan which lies to the north. Namsan has an elevation of 243m and consists mostly of granite . The low lying western section of the district is approximately 15-20 above sea level. This low-lying area has been prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall,

1416-418: Is one of the 25 districts of Seoul , South Korea. Yongsan has a population of 231,685 (2020) and has a geographic area of 21.87 km (8.44 sq mi), and is divided into 19 dong (administrative neighborhoods). Yongsan is located near Downtown Seoul , on the northern bank of the Han River , bordering the city districts of Jung to the north, Mapo to the west, Yeongdeungpo and Dongjak to

1475-560: Is served by Seoul Subway Line 1 , Line 4 , Line 6 , and the Gyeonggi-Jungang Line . Lines 1 and 4 serve Seoul and Yongsan stations and provide inter-connectivity with intercity rail services. Meanwhile, Line 6 passes through the district on a west–east axis serving Samgajki and Itaewon and the Gyeonggi-Jungang Line serves Yongsan station and provides connections to outlying suburbs and satellite cities to

1534-555: Is the largest U.S. overseas military base, housing some 500 buildings and amenities. In 2004, an agreement was reached between the United States and South Korean governments to move all U.S. forces to garrisons south of the Han River and relocate the United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command Headquarters to Camp Humphreys. Those movements were completed in 2018, and transformed Camp Humphreys into

1593-410: Is the most northern and largest intercity rail station in the country, with only a handful of smaller commuter and tourism-focused stations to the north. The original Seoul Station building closed in 1988 and was replaced by the current structure which integrates the station building with a large Lotte Outlet's complex. Yongsan Station, like Seoul Station, is a multipurpose facility which now consists of

1652-559: Is this area is popular with corporate executives and other wealthy individuals. Galleria recently opened a new department store in Hannam-dong which is partially focused on VIP customers and luxury goods. The department store is incorporated into the Nine One Hannam apartment complex, a luxury housing development built on the site of housing previously used by US military and government personnel. Young people gathered in

1711-809: The 23rd Direct Support Group reported to the 19th Support Command in Daegu . Only the basic functions remained with USAG Camp Humphreys. Later, the 23rd Direct Support Group and 19th Support were renamed the 23rd Support Group and 19th Theater Army Area Command. On 17 June 1996, the United States Army Support Activity Area III (USASA Area III) was established and made responsible for the peacetime support mission for Camp Humphreys, Camp Long, Camp Eagle and U.S. Army units assigned to Suwon Airbase. Camps Eagle and Long closed on 4 June 2010, consolidating installation support activities at Camp Humphreys. The Daechuri Protests were

1770-487: The Eighth U.S. Army Milk Plant. In 1974, with the activation of the 19th Support Brigade, Camp Humphreys was redesignated as U.S. Army Garrison, Camp Humphreys. USAG-Camp Humphreys was still responsible for all affairs affecting personnel stationed at Camp Humphreys, but the 19th Support Command was responsible for all support activities vital to the Eighth U.S. Army and its subordinate units. Those units formerly reporting to

1829-668: The Japanese occupation during World War II. The move originally included the headquarters of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command , which has operational control of South Korean, U.S., and U.N. combined forces during wartime. In March 2007, ROK Minister of Defense Kim Jang-soo and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates agreed to dissolve the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command on April 17, 2012. This would allow ROK forces to have wartime control of its military during

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1888-590: The Pacific". With the final stage of base expansion completed around 2020, Humphreys had tripled in size to nearly 3,500 acres, making it the largest U.S. overseas military base. To accommodate more families, up to twelve 12-story housing towers were built. The population of Humphreys is expected to exceed 45,000. Up to 93% of the $ 10.7 billion expansion cost was paid by South Korea under a 2014 Special Measures Agreement. The following are based at Camp Humphreys: The Department of Defense Education Activity ( DoDEA )

1947-818: The Pyongtaek area. Patients must be enrolled in the clinic via TRICARE and assigned a primary care provider prior to scheduling appointments. In September 2019, the Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital (BAACH) completed its relocation from Yongsan. This brings the full capabilities of an Army hospital to Camp Humphreys. Major services include general medical and surgical care, adult and pediatric primary care clinics, specialty clinics, clinical services, wellness and prevention services The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) operates: Yongsan District Yongsan District ( Korean :  용산구 ; RR :  Yongsan-gu , [jo̞ŋsʰa̠n ku] )

2006-602: The US Embassy here from its current location at Gwanghwamun . The presence of the Yongsan Garrison has had a significant effect on life in Seoul and South Korea at large, with the adjacent Itaewon area developing to serve the needs of US personnel stationed at Yongsan. The presence of US personnel, currency and supplies was of huge importance to the people of Seoul in the early years after the Korean War and

2065-570: The US over transfer of the land have taken place with the issue of relocating to Pyeongtaek and contamination of the Yongsan site causing delays to the plan. As envisaged in late 2019, the site will become an ecological park of some 3.03 million sq. meters, slightly smaller than Central Park in New York . In January 2021 the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the area would be called Yongsan Park . The name

2124-609: The United States. However, given its strategic importance and its symbolic nature in reassuring South Korea of US commitment to mutual defence and security, at least one US army brigade will remain to the north of Seoul to counteract the loss of the Yongsan Garrison. In addition, a small segment of the garrison will remain under US-ownership specifically to keep the Dragon Hill Lodge open, an important piece of infrastructure catering mainly to US military, government and associated personnel visiting Korea, and to eventually relocate

2183-611: The Yongsan Garrison. However, other establishments such as the Seoul Central Mosque have had a huge effect on the culture and demographic nature of the district. According to statistics from the Yongsan district office, the foreign community has been increasing every year since 2015, when the total number of foreign residents was 19,078. As of 2020, it was 21,067. The headquarters of the Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) are located in Yongsan, in between

2242-646: The Yongsan site has been used as a military installation, first by the Chinese and then primarily by the Japanese who established their military headquarters at the site from 1910 to 1945 . Following the end of WW2 , the US Army established a presence at the site which became known as the Yongsan Garrison . The large garrison, which has provided extensive services to US army personnel for over 60 years,

2301-501: The alleyway of Han River-ro 2-ga between Yongsan Station and the triangular area since the establishment of AmorePacific New Building. The street, where cute cafes and restaurants remodeled nearby houses were created one by one, began to be called "Yongridan-gil." Various subway lines such as Yongsan Station, Shin Yong-san Station, and Triangle Zone exist around and are emerging as a hot place for young people as they belong to

2360-469: The area, with the focal point being on Itaewon-ro where live music performances are held and international food markets take place. Close to Itaewon are Hangangjin and Hannam-dong . Both areas are known for their gentrified leisure-based economies with a large number of galleries, cafes and restaurants. Hannam-dong is also known for having the most expensive real estate prices in South Korea, with recent (2020) apartment prices reaching $ 6.16 million. Housing

2419-530: The area. Itaewon's popularity began to diversify and increase in the 1980s as international attention focused on Seoul and the 1986 Asian Games and 1988 Summer Olympics . The area has around 2,000 shops and a large number of bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes. The focal point of the area is the intersection in front of the Hamilton Hotel, on top of Itaewon Station. From there, several different areas branch off to form distinct communities. Immediately to

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2478-455: The axis where transportation is convenient. Being centrally located within Seoul, Yongsan is host to two of Seoul's most important intercity rail stations – Seoul Station and Yongsan Station . Both stations serve KTX , ITX , Mugunghwa and tourist services connecting the district with most parts of the country. Given the fact that South Korea is effectively landlocked due to the lack of cross-border transport with North Korea, Seoul Station

2537-557: The base was renamed Camp Humphreys in honor of Chief Warrant Officer Benjamin K. Humphreys, a pilot assigned to the 6th Transportation Company, who died in a helicopter accident. In 1964, Humphreys District command (later re-designated as the 23rd Direct Support Group) was activated as a separate installation command of the Eighth U.S. Army , providing all direct support, supply and maintenance, storage of all conventional ammunition in Korea, Adjutant General publications and training aides and

2596-520: The far west and east of Seoul. Yongsan is served by all types of buses that operate in Seoul - green (local), blue (city), yellow (circulation buses around Namsan) and red (express). One of the largest bus stations in Yongsan is in front of Seoul Station. Airport Limousine services 6030 and 6702 connect Yongsan with Gimpo and Incheon international airports. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these services have been suspended. Sookmyung Women's University

2655-422: The first two intended to serve Seoul Station (A & B) and Yongsan Station (B). Seoul station is also served by AREX , the airport railroad. AREX began operations in 2007 and provides 'all-stop' (commuter) and 'express' (direct services from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station) services. The service was extended in 2018 to serve the newly opened terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport. Yongsan

2714-544: The fog and stratus which occurs in the area. This is especially true from the spring through fall. The history of Camp Humphreys dates back to 1919, when the Japanese military built the Pyeongtaek Airfield. During the Korean War , Pyeongtaek Airfield was named K-6 after being repaired and enhanced by the U.S. Air Force to accommodate a U.S. Marine Air Group and the 614th Tactical Control Group. In 1962,

2773-586: The largest U.S. Army garrison in Asia. Under that plan, the 28,500 U.S. troop presence in South Korea was consolidated and United States Forces Korea moved from Yongsan Garrison in Seoul to Camp Humphreys. Camp Humphreys is 40 miles (64 km) south of the former base in Seoul and about 60 miles (97 km) from the Demilitarized Zone that divides North and South Korea. That puts the base about twice as far from North Korea as its predecessor, one of

2832-746: The latest movies in digital sound. The theater was recognized in 2011 as the "Best in the Army." A 24-hour laundromat is located adjacent to the walk-thru gate to Camp Humphreys. Korea is a ration control assignment. Upon arrival, military personnel, family members and civilian employees need to get a ration control card from their local Pass and ID Office prior to shopping in an AAFES facility. Department of Defense identification cards and ration control cards are always necessary to make purchases at all AAFES facilities in South Korea. The Camp Humphreys Army Health Clinic provides outpatient primary care services to active duty service members and their families living in

2891-466: The main reasons for the move. While the new location moves the bulk of U.S. troops out of the range of North Korean artillery, the North Korean military has developed large caliber rockets and ballistic missiles, as well as a nuclear capability, capable of reaching Camp Humphreys. The town of Anjeong-ri is located adjacent to the Camp Humphreys main gate. Smaller farming villages are located along

2950-414: The mid-2010s with the addition of upmarket apartment buildings are high grade office space. On the west side of Yongsan is Seoul Dragon City , a new multi-tenant hotel development which is planned as the first phase of a major redevelopment project on the site of the disused railroad marshaling yard. The development includes four hotels run by three hotel chains: Novotel , Mercure and Ibis . Hannam-dong

3009-657: The name "Yongsan" (which means "dragon mountain" in Korean) comes from the shape of the area's mountains, which resemble that of a dragon. During the Joseon period, Yongsan served as an entry point to the city of Seoul for seaborne travelers and merchants, with a small port facility in operation by the Han River. As such, the area became known for commerce and is considered the first example of capitalism taking place in Korea. Given its commercial importance and growing size, it effectively became Korea's first satellite city as it sat

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3068-540: The name "Yongsan-bang". In October 1945 it became "Yongsan-gu" and in 1946 "Yongsan District of Seoul." The smaller administrative units, "dongs", were introduced in 1955. Yongsan is divided into the following areas ('dongs'), each of which is served by a community center ( 주민센터 ). The Yongsan district office is located close to Noksapyeong Station on Noksapyeong-daero. The district office provides services to Koreans and foreign residents in Korea, including issuing documentation, taxes, public safety and medical services. It

3127-472: The north and spread towards HBC is a lively bar, club and eating area. To the south of the station are more shops and multi ethnic cuisines influenced by the presence of Seoul Central Mosque . This area has seen a large increase in the number of small shops selling clothes, jewellery and associated items, as well a large number of tailors who have historically catered for US military personnel. Every October, Itaewon Global Village Festival takes place in and around

3186-522: The northern and southern sections of Yongsan Garrison, close to Samgakji station . On March 20, 2022, South Korea's President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol announced that he would take office on May 10 of the same year in the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan District, Seoul. Being at the center of the city, the district hosts numerous foreign embassies . Since the 19th century

3245-509: The perimeter. The installation covered an area of 1,210 acres (490 ha), but as part of the Yongsan Relocation Plan that number has grow by 2,328 acres (942 ha) to 3,538 acres (1,432 ha). The immediate area around Camp Humphreys is mostly agricultural and consists mainly of rice fields. There are some rolling hills in the vicinity, but for the most part the elevations are less than 150 feet (46 m). There

3304-647: The relocation agreement. USFK's only jail facility in South Korea is at Camp Humphreys. Osan Air Base is in Songtan , a district in Pyeongtaek. The Korean War Monument of the South African Air Force was opened on 29 September 1975 by the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea in memory of the 37 South African Air Force members who served during the Korean War. Pyeongtaek has

3363-618: The southwest, Seocho and Gangnam District to the southeast, and Seongdong to the east. Yongsan District is a district in central Seoul, South Korea. It sits to the north of the Han River and is part of the Seongjeosimni (Outer old Seoul) area immediately south of Seoul's historic center in Jung district on the southern side of Namsan . It is home to roughly 250,000 people and is divided into 20 dong , or neighborhoods. Notable locations in Yongsan District include Yongsan Station ,

3422-552: The sprawling Yongsan Electronics Market , Haebangchon and the Itaewon commercial district. Itaewon is widely known as one of the most ethnically diverse regions in Korea. Many foreigners gravitate to its shopping centers and nightlife. It is the site of Yongsan Garrison, a large United States military base which, as of 2021, has gradually been wound down with the US forces being moved to Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek . Yongsan

3481-588: Was chosen after a poll in which residents submitted 9,401 name proposals in 2020. Yongsan has a diverse economy with major differences between areas within the district. The area around Seoul Station and Yongsan Station is dominated by large corporations and KOSPI 200 companies based in Yongsan include Amore Pacific , Orion Confectionery , Cheil Worldwide , HYBE Corporation and Hyundai Development Company . The aforementioned AmorePacific opened their global headquarters next to Shinyongsan Station in 2017. The Yongsan area has seen considerable development since

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