Combined Forces Command (CFC) has successfully completed the 2024 ROK Cultural Immersion Program, held in two phases throughout the year.

This program is designed for U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and United Nations Command (UNC) personnel and their families to enhance their understanding of Korea’s security, history, and culture, ultimately strengthening the spirit of the alliance.

Through this initiative, CFC hopes to facilitate the smooth adaptation of USFK and UNC personnel to their duties in Korea, fostering strong teamwork with their Korean counterparts. CFC also aims to ensure that participants, even after returning home, would remain steadfast supporters of Korea. In the end, the program will create a more welcoming and fulfilling environment for future service members and their families, encouraging them to volunteer for assignments in Korea.

Launched in 2020, the ROK Cultural Immersion Program was held in 10 sessions this year, each spanning three days and two nights. The program divided Korea into six regions, including Seoul-DMZ, Seorak-East Coast, Jeonju-Yeosu, Gyeongbu-Busan (regions 1 and 2), and Jeju Island. In 2024, a total of 1,900 participants joined the program, with 1,210 taking part in the first half and 700 in the second.

Notably, starting in the second half of this year, UNC personnel and their families were included as participants.

Colonel Andrew Mitchell, Deputy Chief of Staff with United Nations Command expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experience Korea’s security environment firsthand. He also emphasized that learning about the country’s culture and history had deepened their connection to Korea. Many participants from UNC reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to security through their work in UNC.

Moreover, the program was coordinated as part of the K-Military Festival, organized by the Ministry of National Defense. Participants had the opportunity to join the military parade held on October 1, Armed Forces Day. Captain David Calvo with 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command remarked, “Watching the Armed Forces Day parade made me even more impressed by the outstanding military capabilities and high morale of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.”

ROK Cultural Immersion Program includes visits to historical and cultural sites such as the Korean Folk Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace, as well as enhanced security-related excursions. These include the War Memorial of Korea, DMZ in Paju, the Cheonan Ship Memorial, and the West Sea Defense Memorial, all of which received positive feedback from participants.

Combined Forces Command stated that they will continue to offer meaningful ROK Cultural Immersion Programs for USFK and UNC personnel and their families. These programs will not only deepen their understanding of Korea but also contribute to a strengthened alliance spirit, further enhancing the combined defense posture.

Camp Casey

USAG Yongsan

Camp Humphreys

USAG Daegu

Osan Air Base

Fleet Chinhae

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