Each year, thousands of U.S. and United Nations Command troops stationed in Korea are invited to leave the base and enjoy the journey that brings history, culture, and purpose into focus. The ROK Cultural Immersion Program, sponsored by ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, is more than a free tour. It’s a bridge between two nations built on an enduring partnership.

Since its launch in 2020, the program has annually guided service members and their families through Korea’s diverse regions. Every spring and fall, multiple sessions run simultaneously across Seoul-DMZ, Gangwondo, Jeollado and Gyeongsangdo. A special Jeju Island tour is also held separately in September. Participants are grouped by region and sent on three-day, two-night tours where transportation, lodging, meals, admissions and activities are fully covered.

While the destinations may vary depending on a group, the purpose remains the same: to help service members gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s history, culture and security perspective. Beyond just sightseeing, it’s truly educational, meaningful and motivational. It gives clear perspective on why your role in Korea matters.

In past years, I joined the regional tours to Jeollado and Gyeongsangdo and they were filled with unforgettable learning and connection. This spring, I joined the Seoul-DMZ session. Unlike other regional tours that included many families with children, the Seoul itinerary felt especially suitable for single service members. The tour offered a perfect taste of Seoul, ideal for independent explorers and younger troops. Even if you join the tour on your own, it’s a great chance to meet new friends along the way!

Key information

The trips are sponsored by ROK-US Combined Forces Command as part of the ROK-U.S. Alliance Strengthening Project and all expenses including transportation, hotels, meals, and activities are covered for eligible participants. The program is conducted with the official approval of US Forces Korea and recruitment of participants is overseen by USFK J1. You will likely be notified by your unit about the opportunity to participate in the tour, but you can contact USFK JI via email.

• Participants: Must be U.S troops, UNC troops or GS employees working in Korea and their dependent family members. You’re allowed to bring all your dependents.

• Duration: 2 nights, 3 days (Tuesday to Thursday).

• Sessions: 9 sessions per year (4 sessions in spring, 3 sessions in fall, and two Jeju Island sessions in September).

• Locations: Seoul-DMZ, East Coast-Seorak Mountain, Jeonju-Yeosu, Gyeongju-Busan and Jeju Island.

• Contact: As spots are limited, contact your leadership to reserve yours or inquire via email at: indopacom.humphreys.usfk.list.usfk-cultural-immersion-program@army.mil

To learn more details about the Cultural Immersion Program, please check out: Free ROK Cultural Immersion Program introduces US military community to Korea | Stripes Korea

Korea’s soul: Seoul

As Korea’s capital, Seoul is the perfect starting point especially for newcomers eager to explore the country. The city has served as the capital since 1394 through the Joseon Dynasty, Japanese occupation and today’s Republic of Korea. The name “Seoul” means “capital” in native Korean.

The city beautifully blends historical landmarks such as the Five Royal Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine and Namdaemun Traditional Market with modern icons like N Seoul Tower, Han River parks, COEX and Lotte World Tower.

Though Seoul only covers 0.6% of the country’s land, the city is home to about 9.3 million residents, nearly 18% of Korea’s population. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the city’s dynamic atmosphere through crowded streets, busy subway stations and endless energy!

Destinations

N Seoul Tower

Located at the top of Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower offers one of the best views in Seoul. Participants enjoyed a cable car to reach the top where they took in breathtaking views of the city, a mix of mountains, rivers and endless high-rise buildings.

Han River E-Land Cruise

The Han River Cruise felt like a small break from the busy city. As the boat moved slowly past bridges and buildings, participants spotted major landmarks like the 63 Building, the National Assembly Building and N Seoul Tower in the distance. The view of Seoul from the water felt peaceful and refreshing — very different from the streets and subways.

Myeongdong Street & Namdaemun Market

Participants stayed near Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Traditional Market, two of the most energetic areas in the city. During free time, many went out for street food, shopping or simply to explore the area with friends. These places are loud, colorful and full of life. For those new to Korea, it was a fun introduction to Seoul’s nightlife and local culture.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is where Joseon kings once lived and it’s the most iconic of the Five Royal Palaces in Seoul. Wearing hanbok like Joseon noble or royal members, participants walked through the courtyards and under the palace gates, guided by stories from Korea’s royal past.

National Museum of Korea

This was a quiet but powerful stop. As Korea’s most prestigious national museum, it houses countless relics from thousands of years ago. Inside the museum, the group saw everything from ancient pottery to Buddhist statues, each piece telling a chapter of Korea’s long history.

War Memorial of Korea

This memorial always leaves an impression. The group walked through displays of the Korean War and paused by the memorial walls engraved with names fallen during the war. For service members, it’s not just history, it’s personal. The experience reminded us of why the alliance exists and its cost.

DMZ Peace Park & Dora Observatory

On the last day, the group traveled north toward one of the most complex places on earth, the Demilitarized Zone of the two Koreas, also known as the DMZ. Inside the Dora Observatory building, they looked across the border into North Korea while a ROK military police officer explained the significance of the area. From the top of the observatory, visitors can usually spot Kim il-sung’s statue and North Korean troops in the distance. However, during our visit, entering the observatory was restricted due to current tensions. DMZ tours are never fully guaranteed as the conditions depend on the relationship between the two countries. Though the area may seem calm, the tension is there. It’s a place that makes you think about war, peace and what still remains unfinished.

USAG Yongsan

Camp Casey

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