On-Base Postal Services

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The Magic Number is 16oz!

Military Retirees and retiree widows/widowers living in Korea are normally authorized a USPS APO mailbox on base, however... you are restricted to mailing and receiving only 16 oz. (1lb) of mail.  And, there is no guarantee of availability. Retirees, while authorized a box, are at the bottom of the priority list and not guaranteed a box, although usually do get a box.  Call and talk with the base post office you will be requesting a box from to verify.

 Greater Than 16oz Are Returned: Any incoming package that is greater than 16oz is automatically returned to sender, with no notification to the retiree

 16oz Exception:  Medication packages received, i.e. TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy Program via Express Scripts is allowed.

 SOFA Status: DOD authorizes retirees to use APO overseas, but SOFA agreements in every country can restrict it, as in Japan. In Korea however, SOFA laws allow retirees APO services, so while APO box privileges are authorized, they are not dependent on having SOFA status. Having SOFA Status does not play any part in retiree postal privileges in Korea.

Who is Authorized USPS APO Privileges

Retirees and Dependents Living in Korea

Retirees and their dependents are authorized USPS services, but as mentioned, with a 16oz limit.

Visiting Retirees in Korea

Visiting Retirees in Korea (not living in Korea) are not authorized USPS services

DOD 100% Disabled Amercian Veteran

Veterans with a DOD 100% Disabled American Veteran ID card DOD 100% Disabled American Veterans are not authorized APO privileges

VA VHIC ID Cardholder

VA Veterans Health Insurance ID Cardholders (VHIC) are not authorized APO privileges

DOD Civilian Retiree

DOD Civilian Retirees are not authorized APO privileges

USPS Mail Services

APO Box

Retirees are authorized an APO box or if a Virtual APO box if a physical box is not available. The APO box will be in the servicing post office you live in or near.

16oz

As mentioned, retirees are authorized only 16oz of mail delivery and sending

Picking Up Mail

The general rule is that you must pick up your mail every 30 days. However, depending on your installation it may differ. It's best to call the post office in your area for details so your mailbox remains active.

Mail Forwarding

Forwarding Address of your stateside mail BEFORE you get to Korea: Is there is a mailing address you can use to forward your mail from the U.S. to Korea before you actually get to Korea and obtain your Korea mailbox? No. To the best of out knowledge, there is no general address for this.

Mailroom Locations and Contacts

DOD Preserves APO Postal Services for Retirees Overseas, Nov 2024

After a lengthy multi year review, the DOD has approved the continued privilege of retirees having APO use overseas. This DOES NOT increase the 16oz limit. It simply allows continued privilege of APO use. Read the memo below.

Memo: DOD Preserves APO Postal Services for Retirees Overseas, Nov 2024

[Click to enlarge]

Regulation References for Military Retiree Postal Privileges

  1. Military Postal Service Procedures Manual (MPM), Section 18.2.j.
  2. Mailing Standards of the USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), para. 703.2.3.4 (Jul 9, 2023)
  3. Postal Bulletin: Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail Restrictions, para. U.

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