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It’s that time of year in Korea where the snow comes and treats you to a wonderland of white landscapes. A lot of people don’t realize it but Korea with a white sheet of snow and ice is a beautiful and inviting country. With all the hills, and valleys the winter time can be one of the best places for sledding or skiing. It’s only a few days after the new year and already we have gotten just over 6″ of snow. The driving is dangerous and the sidewalks are iced over just waiting for my boots to slip and feel the wrath of winter. Either way, it snows in Korea and you need to be ready for the bitter cold they have here. Some years are different than others but no matter it does get cold. I love coming here because it reminds me of home in CT. Good ole’ New England has 4 wonderful seasons and it’s hard to get that elsewhere in the world.

Yesterday the partially closed the base due to the weather and more storms approaching. I was a bit surprised but also relieved as I wasn’t feeling good. When you come here make sure you bundled up in December, January, and even through April. The Koreans still drive in dangerous road conditions so you have to be a little more on your guard. You always have to remember the country itself has only been driving for the last decades where Americans have been blessed with over 100 years worth of driving experience. Everything gets a little crazier in the winter here but also even more fun.

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Well I decided to write out of order and talk about Christmas in South Korea since that was yesterday for me. This is my second time celebrating Christmas in Korea and it is much different for someone who may not have deployed before even if it is becoming rare these days not to have been. There is a slight difference however than being in the AOR of Afghanistan or Iraq. The biggest difference is having direct access to over 100 sports bars yearning for a lonely soldier or Airman to come in and drink their loneliness away. No matter your situation, a South Korea Christmas can always be a very special event if you choose so.

So I personally am away from my 5 children and my wife for this year. I was lucky enough to see them for a week in December though so I couldn’t be happier. I was here alone in South Korea for the actual day itself though. So I am a bit lucky being that I saw part of my family before the big day. My Christmas was a simple day to myself and my pajamas sitting around my apartment. I chose to have a quiet day this year instead of finding festivities on base to join. Sometimes I just need that to feel good inside. Now that is me and what I chose what to do. Read more

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This is when the first process of acceptance happens for many. When the Air Force told me I was going to spend the next 12 months of my life in South Korea. I had just gotten married, and she was 2 months pregnant. I was notified right after New Year’s and let me tell you if you don’t think I had enough going on my plate already you could just imagine the rush of overwhelming fear I had when I received those orders in 2003.

I have watched guys close to 10 years in the service walk away from the military by turning down an assignment to Korea several times. I have heard the horror stories about Korea. I have seen people change to include myself after an assignment to Korea. Read more

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My name is Adam. I have spent almost 11 months in South Korea serving the U.S. Air Force. In my career I have come across a very large amount of individuals that are beyond terrified of getting orders to the Peninsula. I hope that some of my writings here will help take some of that fear away and help understand what an assignment to Korea means. I have been serving for 14 years and this is my third trip to South Korea.

You will read about the places to visit, activities to do, thoughts of missing family and friends, and much more through my posts. I hope you will enjoy and read on a regular basis.

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