Camp Humphreys Korea PCS Guide: Housing, Schools & Korean Living

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Camp Humphreys is the largest overseas US military base in the world (3,500 acres, 35,000+ personnel) with 8th Army headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division, and massive expansion completed 2020. Located in Pyeongtaek (40 miles south of Seoul), it offers Korean culture, Asia travel, and brand-new facilities—but HIGH deployment tempo (9-12 month Korea rotations), cultural isolation (Pyeongtaek = industrial city), and 1-year unaccompanied tours common.

Key Numbers:

OHA vs. Rent: Comfortable fit (Korean rent ₩1,200,000-1,800,000/month = $900-1,350 USD, OHA covers easily)
Median 3BR Rent: ₩1,500,000/month (~$1,125 USD, cheaper than Japan/Germany)
School Quality: Good (DoDEA schools 7-8/10, brand-new facilities 2020)
Deployment Tempo: MODERATE-HIGH (2ID rotations, DMZ proximity, readiness focus)

What This Guide Covers: Mega-base living, 1-year unaccompanied vs. accompanied tours, Korean housing, DoDEA schools, and DMZ proximity reality.

Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

Official Name: Camp Humphreys (USAG Humphreys)
Location: Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (40 miles south of Seoul)
Size: 3,500 acres (largest overseas US base globally)
Population: 35,000+ (15,000 active duty + 20,000 family/civilians/contractors)
Branch: Army (8th Army HQ, joint service presence)
Major Units: 8th Army HQ, 2nd Infantry Division HQ, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 602nd Aviation Support Brigade
Mission: Korean Peninsula defense, DMZ security, readiness operations
Climate: Continental (cold winters 20-40°F, hot summers 75-90°F, humid 70% summer, monsoon Jun-Aug)
Nearest City: Pyeongtaek (adjacent, 500K population), Seoul 40 miles north (1.5 hours)

Want official data? Check DTMO OHA Calculator for current overseas housing rates and DoDEA Schools for school information.

Housing & OHA

No BAH at Humphreys - You Get OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance)

OHA works differently than BAH:

Covers ACTUAL rent + utilities (not a fixed amount like BAH)
Submit landlord lease + utility bills for reimbursement
Ceiling rates limit maximum reimbursement (varies by rank/dependents)
Move-in costs covered separately (key money, agent fees)

Current OHA Rates: Check official DTMO OHA Calculator → (rates change quarterly)

Reality Check: OHA EASILY covers Humphreys rent—₩1,200,000-1,800,000/month ($900-1,350 USD) is cheap compared to Japan/Germany. Utilities are ₩150,000-250,000/month ($110-190). Most families pocket ₩100,000-300,000/month OHA surplus ($75-225).

Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

Top Tier Off-Base (Best for Families)

1. Pyeongtaek City (Songtan Area)

Distance: 5 miles north (15-20 min via Route 1)
Median 3BR Rent: ₩1,500,000-1,800,000/month (~$1,125-1,350 USD)
Schools: Humphreys Central Elementary (10-15 min drive)
Why Here: Most established expat area, English-friendly shops, Korean-American community
Commute: Route 1 south or bus—moderate traffic (15-25 min)
Reality: Most popular for Americans—"Songtan" area has US-style amenities (Starbucks, McDonald's, English menus), Korean-American businesses, established community. Rent is highest (₩1,500,000-1,800,000) but OHA covers easily.

2. Anjung-Ri (Base Area)

Distance: Adjacent to south gate (5-10 min)
Median 3BR Rent: ₩1,300,000-1,600,000/month
Schools: Humphreys Central Elementary (on-base, 10 min)
Why Here: Closest to base, new development (post-2020 expansion), walk/bike access
Commute: Walk or 5-10 min drive to south gate
Reality: Best for walk-to-base access—new Korean apartments (built post-2018 for base expansion), modern amenities, close proximity. Rent mid-range (₩1,300,000-1,600,000).

3. Pyeongtaek Station Area

Distance: 10 miles northwest (20-25 min via Route 38)
Median 3BR Rent: ₩1,200,000-1,500,000/month
Schools: Humphreys Central Elementary (25 min drive)
Why Here: Seoul access (KTX train to Seoul 30 min), urban Korean living
Commute: Route 38 southeast—moderate traffic (20-30 min)
Reality: Best for Seoul weekend trips—KTX high-speed train to Seoul 30 min (₩5,000 = $3.75), urban Korean city living, good shopping. Rent cheaper (₩1,200,000-1,500,000) but longer commute.

Mid-Tier Off-Base (Good Value)

4. Suwon City

Distance: 20 miles north (35-45 min via Route 1)
Median 3BR Rent: ₩1,400,000-1,700,000/month
Schools: Humphreys Central Elementary (45 min drive)
Why Here: Large city (1.2M population), shopping, Korean culture, Seoul proximity
Commute: Route 1 south—heavy traffic (35-50 min)
Reality: Best for families who want Korean city immersion—Suwon is major Korean city (Samsung HQ, Hwaseong Fortress UNESCO site), but LONG commute (35-50 min). Good for spouses working in Seoul area.

On-Base Housing (BRAND NEW - Still Wait)

Camp Humphreys On-Base Housing:

Location: Multiple housing areas on-base (Walking distance to everything)
Units: 4,500+ (2BR-4BR apartments, townhomes) - BRAND NEW (built 2018-2020)
Wait Times: 6-12 months typical (faster than Germany/Japan)
Cost: $0 rent (covered by OHA), utilities capped
Pros: Walk to base, brand-new construction, English community, HUGE commissary/PX
Cons: Wait times (6-12 months), high demand (everyone wants new housing)

Reality: On-base housing is BRAND NEW—built 2018-2020 for base expansion (modern, A/C, full appliances, huge commissary/PX). Wait times are 6-12 months (shorter than Germany/Japan) but EVERYONE wants on-base (new + convenient). Most families go off-base initially, then move on-base when available.

Korean Housing Reality (CRITICAL)

Unique Korea Challenges:

Jeonse System: Huge deposit (₩100-300M = $75,000-225,000) instead of monthly rent - AVOID (military families don't use this)
Wolse System: Monthly rent (₩1-2M/month) + deposit (₩10-30M = $7,500-22,500) - USE THIS (OHA covers)
Key Money: ₩5-10M non-refundable ($3,750-7,500) - OHA covers via MIHA
Agent Fees: 1 month rent - OHA covers
No Furnishings: Korean apartments = EMPTY (no appliances, no light fixtures)

Pro Tip: USE HUMPHREYS HOUSING OFFICE—they have pre-approved landlords (familiar with military). Korean Jeonse system is CONFUSING (huge deposits) = stick with Wolse monthly rent. Budget ₩20-40M upfront ($15,000-30,000) for deposit + key money + agent (OHA reimburses but YOU pay upfront).

Schools

DoDEA Schools (Department of Defense Education Activity)

Why DoDEA: American curriculum, English language, no Korean language requirement, free for military families.

Humphreys DoDEA Schools (ALL BRAND NEW 2020):

Humphreys Central Elementary School (K-5) - 7/10 rating - On-base, 800 students (new 2020)
Humphreys Elementary School East (K-5) - 7/10 rating - On-base, 600 students (new 2020)
Humphreys Middle School (6-8) - 8/10 rating - On-base, 700 students (new 2020)
Humphreys High School (9-12) - 8/10 rating - On-base, 1,000 students (new 2020)

Reality: DoDEA schools are BRAND NEW—built 2018-2020 for base expansion (modern facilities, technology, large campuses). Humphreys HS is 8/10 (strong AP, Korea cultural programs, Seoul field trips). Schools are ON-BASE (walk from housing = convenient).

Registration: Register through DoDEA.edu IMMEDIATELY after PCS orders (schools fill up, especially kindergarten and 9th grade).

Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 5-10% LOWER vs. US (Korea is cheap compared to Japan/Germany)
Housing: OHA surplus common (₩100,000-300,000/month = $75-225 pocket)
Groceries: Commissary + Korean grocery (Homeplus, E-Mart) = comparable to US
Gas: $4-5/gallon (₩1,600-1,800/liter) - cheaper than Europe
Currency: Won (₩1,330 = ~$1.00 USD typical, fluctuates)

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

Rent (3BR Songtan): ₩1,600,000 (~$1,200 USD - OHA covers)
Utilities (electric, water, internet): ₩200,000 (~$150 - OHA partial)
Groceries: ₩800,000 (~$600 - commissary + E-Mart)
Gas: ₩150,000 (~$110 - short commute)
Childcare (if needed): ₩600,000-900,000/month (Korean daycare) or $0 (CDC on-base, 3-6 month wait)
Misc (dining, entertainment): ₩400,000 (~$300)

Total: ₩3,750,000/month (~$2,820 USD with childcare) or ₩3,150,000 (~$2,370 without)

COLA Reality: E5 with dependents gets ~$300-500/month COLA (2025 rates). OHA surplus (₩100,000-300,000 = $75-225) + COLA = SAVINGS POSSIBLE. Humphreys is one of FEW OCONUS assignments where savings are realistic (cheap rent + OHA surplus).

State Taxes: NO state income tax while OCONUS (bonus!)

Pro Tip: Korea is CHEAP—rent ₩1,200,000-1,800,000 (vs. Tokyo ¥220,000-260,000 = $1,500-1,750), groceries comparable, entertainment cheap (Korean BBQ ₩20,000 = $15). Many families save ₩200,000-500,000/month ($150-375).

COLA (Cost of Living Allowance)

Current COLA: E5 with dependents = ~$300-500/month (varies quarterly)
Check Official Rates: DTMO COLA Calculator →
Reality: COLA + OHA surplus = savings possible

1-Year Unaccompanied vs. Accompanied Tours (CRITICAL)

Korea Tour Options:

1-Year Unaccompanied: Soldier only (no family), barracks/single housing, "hardship" tour
2-Year Accompanied: Family allowed, on/off-base housing, command-sponsored

Reality: Many soldiers get 1-year unaccompanied first—family stays in US (hardship), soldier lives in barracks, then can extend to accompanied OR rotate stateside. Accompanied = better quality of life but 2-year commitment. Unaccompanied = tough but only 1 year.

Pro Tip: Request command-sponsored (accompanied) EARLY—if you want family to come, request in orders. Unaccompanied = family CAN'T come (no housing, no school slots, no benefits).

Korean Culture & Language

Language:

On-Base: English everywhere (Humphreys = huge, self-contained = city)
Off-Base: Korean required (few English speakers outside Songtan)
Reality: Learn basic Korean ASAP ("Annyeonghaseyo", "Gamsahamnida", numbers). Korean alphabet (Hangul) is EASIEST to learn (2-3 hours).

Cultural Tips:

Bowing: Polite greeting (slight bow = respect)
Shoes Off: Remove shoes at home entrance, restaurants
Hierarchy Culture: Koreans value age/rank (respect elders)
Cash Culture: Many places DON'T take credit cards (carry ₩50,000-100,000 always)
No Tipping: NEVER tip (not Korean custom)

Pro Tip: Learn Hangul alphabet—takes 2-3 hours, lets you read signs/menus. Koreans LOVE when Americans try Korean language (even bad Korean = major respect points).

DMZ Proximity & Security

DMZ = 40 Miles North:

DEFCON Readiness: Korea maintains higher readiness than other OCONUS (DMZ proximity)
Alerts: Occasional alerts (NK missile tests, artillery drills) = normal
Training: More field training than Germany/Japan (readiness focus)
Reality: DMZ proximity is REAL but NOT scary—alerts are routine (happens 2-3x/year), life is normal 99% of time. Korea is SAFE (crime rate very low).

Pro Tip: Don't freak out about DMZ—Americans worry more than Koreans (they live with it daily). Alerts = normal, Korea is very safe, focus on enjoying assignment.

Asia Travel

Why Humphreys is Special:

Asia Hub Location: Seoul 40 miles (1.5 hours), Japan 2 hours flight, China 2 hours, Thailand 5 hours
Incheon Airport: 1.5 hours north, budget airlines (AirAsia, Jeju Air) everywhere
Weekend Trips: Seoul (Gangnam, palaces, DMZ tours), Busan (beaches, 2 hours KTX), Jeju Island (Hawaii of Korea)
Space-A Flights: Free military flights to Osan (30 min), Yokota Japan, Kadena

Popular Weekend Trips:

Seoul: 1.5 hours, Gangnam, Gyeongbokgung Palace, DMZ tour, K-pop
Busan: 2 hours KTX, beaches, Haeundae, seafood, temples
Jeju Island: 1 hour flight, volcanic landscape, beaches, waterfalls
Tokyo, Japan: 2 hour flight, culture, sushi, temples ($200-300 roundtrip)
Bangkok, Thailand: 5 hour flight, temples, food, beaches ($300-400 roundtrip)

Pro Tip: Seoul weekends are COMMON—KTX train ₩30,000 roundtrip ($22), 30 min from Pyeongtaek Station. Gangnam, palaces, shopping, K-pop culture. Budget ₩100,000-200,000/month ($75-150) for Seoul trips.

SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement)

What SOFA Protects:

Early Lease Termination: PCS orders = no penalty
Driver's License: US license valid + SOFA license (no Korean test required)
Legal Protection: US military law applies (not Korean criminal law for most offenses)
Taxation: No Korean income tax (covered by SOFA)

What SOFA Doesn't Cover:

Traffic Violations: Korean police ticket you (heavy fines, lose license fast)
Landlord Disputes: Housing Office helps but Korean rental law applies
Criminal Acts: Serious crimes = Korean prosecution (DUI, assault)

Pro Tip: SOFA violations = BIG DEAL—Korea has complicated US military history. ONE DUI = international incident (curfew restrictions for ALL personnel). Follow Korean laws RELIGIOUSLY.

What's It Like to Live at Humphreys?

Mega-Base Reality:
Humphreys is largest overseas US base globally—self-contained city with 8th Army HQ, 2ID, brand-new facilities (2020). Most jobs are:

2nd Infantry Division: Combat arms, readiness operations, MODERATE-HIGH deployment
8th Army Staff: HQ operations (strategy, planning), MODERATE tempo
Support Units: Hospital, logistics, aviation—MODERATE tempo

Quality of Life (Pros):

✅ BRAND NEW facilities (built 2018-2020 = modern, huge commissary/PX, entertainment)
✅ CHEAP living (rent ₩1,200,000-1,800,000, savings possible)
✅ Seoul access (1.5 hours, KTX train, weekend trips common)
✅ Asia travel hub (Japan 2hr, China 2hr, Thailand 5hr)
✅ DoDEA schools (7-8/10, brand-new 2020)
✅ No state income tax (while OCONUS)

Quality of Life (Cons):

❌ 1-year unaccompanied tours (family separation common)
❌ Cultural isolation (Pyeongtaek = industrial city, not Seoul)
❌ DMZ proximity (higher readiness, more training)
❌ Language barrier (off-base = Korean required)
❌ Limited spouse jobs (on-base competitive, Korean economy requires language)
❌ Monsoon season (Jun-Aug = heavy rain, humidity 80%)

Honest Assessment:
Humphreys is best for soldiers focused on career + readiness—brand-new base (2020), Korean culture immersion, Seoul access, cheap living—but 1-year unaccompanied tours, cultural isolation (Pyeongtaek ≠ Seoul), and DMZ proximity are real. Best for: Soldiers who embrace Korea culture, families who are self-sufficient, those who explore Seoul/Asia. Worst for: Families who get 1-year unaccompanied (separation tough), those who need English everywhere (off-base = Korean), or those who hate training tempo.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Real Numbers (E5 with Dependents):

Songtan Example (Most Popular):

Rent: ₩1,600,000/month (~$1,200 USD - OHA covers)
Utilities: ₩200,000/month (~$150 - OHA partial)
Commute: 15-20 min (gas ₩150,000/month = $110)
Groceries: ₩800,000/month (~$600 commissary + E-Mart)
Childcare: ₩750,000/month (~$560 Korean daycare) or $0 (CDC)
Misc: ₩400,000 (~$300)

Total Monthly: ₩3,900,000 (~$2,930 USD with childcare) or ₩3,150,000 (~$2,370 without)

COLA + OHA Reality:
E5 COLA = ~$300-500/month. OHA surplus = ~₩200,000/month ($150). Total allowances EXCEED costs. Savings possible (₩200,000-500,000/month = $150-375).

Savings Potential: GOOD—Humphreys is one of few OCONUS assignments where savings are realistic (cheap rent + OHA surplus).

Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality:
Limited (Pyeongtaek = industrial city + on-base jobs only). Korean economy requires fluent language.

Top Spouse Employers:

Camp Humphreys (NAF/GS jobs): Commissary, PX, CDC, services ($12-20/hr or GS-5 to GS-9)
DODEA Schools: Teachers, aides, substitutes ($40K-65K/year - competitive)
Brian Allgood Army Hospital: Nursing, admin, medical ($45K-75K/year)
Remote Work: Best option if US employer allows overseas (VPN required)
Korean Economy: Very rare (language + visa required)

Reality Check: Spouse employment is VERY challenging—on-base jobs competitive (everyone applies), Korean economy requires fluent Korean, remote work is ONLY realistic option for most spouses.

Childcare:

CDC (on-base): $600-1,200/month (rank-based), 3-6 month wait list
Korean daycare: ₩600,000-900,000/month, Korean language immersion
Apply EARLY: CDC wait list is 3-6 months—apply day you get orders

Common Questions About Humphreys

Q: Is Camp Humphreys a good assignment?
A: Yes, if you embrace Korea + accept tour realities. Humphreys offers brand-new base (2020), cheap living, Seoul access, and Asia travel—but 1-year unaccompanied tours, cultural isolation (Pyeongtaek ≠ Seoul), and DMZ proximity are real. Best for soldiers who want Korea experience.

Q: What's the deal with 1-year unaccompanied tours?
A: Common for first tour—soldier only (no family), barracks living, family stays in US. Can extend to 2-year accompanied OR rotate stateside after 1 year. Request command-sponsored (accompanied) EARLY if you want family.

Q: Can we save money here?
A: YES—rare for OCONUS. Rent cheap (₩1,200,000-1,800,000), OHA surplus common (₩100,000-300,000/month), COLA helps. Many families save ₩200,000-500,000/month ($150-375).

Q: Is DMZ proximity scary?
A: NO—routine. Alerts happen 2-3x/year (NK missile tests), life is normal 99% of time. Korea is VERY SAFE (low crime). Don't freak out.

Q: Can my spouse find work?
A: Very challenging. On-base jobs competitive, Korean economy requires fluent Korean, remote work is ONLY option for most spouses.

Q: Is Seoul easy to visit?
A: YES—1.5 hours. KTX train from Pyeongtaek Station 30 min (₩5,000 = $3.75). Weekend Seoul trips are VERY common (Gangnam, palaces, shopping, K-pop).

Q: How are DoDEA schools?
A: Good (7-8/10) + BRAND NEW. Built 2020 (modern facilities, technology). Humphreys HS is 8/10 (strong AP, Korea cultural programs).

Next Steps

Planning Your Humphreys PCS

1. Check Official OHA Rates
DTMO OHA Calculator → (rates change quarterly)

2. Request Command-Sponsored (if want family)
Early in orders process—unaccompanied = family CAN'T come

3. Register DoDEA Schools EARLY
DoDEA School Registration → (kindergarten and 9th grade fill fast)

4. Learn Basic Korean (Hangul)
Takes 2-3 hours, lets you read signs/menus

5. Calculate Your Budget
Use our PCS Copilot → to generate your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

6. Ask Questions
Use Ask Military Expert → for specific Humphreys questions.

Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense and Korean sources. For additional information:

Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) - OHA rates, COLA rates, per diem
Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
DoDEA Schools - Department of Defense Education Activity school information
MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
Camp Humphreys Official Site - Base information, contacts, welcome packets
8th Army Official Site - 8th Army information

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

Camp Humphreys Korea PCS Guide - Housing & Local Intel