December 3, 2024
NO RATION CARDS: There are no Ration Control cards needed for dependents of retiree, GS or contractor anymore. The Ration Control program is still in-place in Korea, but it has changed. Some Foreign Military still require Ration Control cards, as do units and few other exceptions, but dependents no longer require them. Ration control is based on your DOD ID card now.
NO COMMISSARY PURCHASE LIMITS: The purchase limits have been lifted, EXCEPT on alcohol. Limits still apply on alcohol. USFK J-1 does still monitor purchasing, so probably still NOT a good idea to be buying 500 packages of hotdogs or something
VISITING RETIREES and DEPENDENTS CAN SHOP: Whether you are retired and living in Korea or just visiting, your DOD ID card gives you full access to the Exchanges, Commissaries, and all MWR facilities and services.
Retired U.S. Military & Dependents
SHOPPING PRIVILAGES: YES Retirees (RET) of the U.S. Military with a valid DoD Retiree ID card and their Dependents with a valid DoD Retiree Dependent ID card have unlimited access to the Commissary, Exchanges and MWR facilities whether living in Korea or just visiting.
BASE ACCESS: Go To the Base Access page
VEHICLE REGISTRATION: Go To the Base Access page
ABOUT THIS ID CARD IN DEERS: Go to the DEERS ID Card page
Widow of Deceased U.S. Military Retiree
SHOPPING PRIVILAGES: YES Un-Remarried Widows or Widowers of deceased Retirees with a valid DoD Retiree Dependent ID card have unlimited access to the Commissary, Exchanges and MWR facilities whether living in Korea or even just visiting.
BASE ACCESS: Go To the Base Access page
VEHICLE REGISTRATION: Go To the Base Access page
ABOUT THIS ID CARD IN DEERS: Go to the DEERS ID Card page
20/20/20 Designated DOD Beneficiary
SHOPPING PRIVILAGES: YES 20/20/20 Designated Beneficiaries (divorced spouse) with a valid Designated Beneficiary ID card have unlimited access to the Commissary, Exchanges and MWR facilities whether living in Korea or just visiting.
BASE ACCESS: Go To the Base Access page
VEHICLE REGISTRATION: Go To the Base Access page
ABOUT THIS ID CARD IN DEERS: Go to the DEERS ID Card page
DOD 100% Disabled American Veteran & Dependents
SHOPPING PRIVILAGES: YES if 100% Permanently Disabled with a Valid DoD Disabled American Veterans ID Card issued from a DEERS/RAPIDS ID Card Office. They have unlimited access to the Commissary, Exchanges and MWR facilities whether living in Korea or even just visiting.
BASE ACCESS: Go To the Base Access page
VEHICLE REGISTRATION: Go To the Base Access page
ABOUT THIS ID CARD IN DEERS: Go to the DEERS ID Card page
VA VHIC ID Card - Veteran Health Identification Card
COMMISSARY & AAFES EXCHANGE SHOPPING PRIVILAGES: NO USFK Instruction (USFKI) 1501.01 does not allow Duty Free purchases by VHIC card holders
BASE ACCESS: Go To the Base Access page
VEHICLE REGISTRATION: Go To the Base Access page
ABOUT THIS ID CARD IN DEERS: Go to the DEERS ID Card page
Here's What's Available for On-base Shopping
USAG Yongsan: As of December 2024 Dragon Hill Lodge has the Greenstreet restaurant, Subway, Pizza Hut, Sables restaurant, bakery and an AAFES Shoppette. There are no closure dates in sight. The US Embassy Association building has a Korean GS25 store. So for Yongsan, that's all folks!
USAG Humphreys: Old Camp Humphreys is now the biggest USA base in the Pacific and close to being the biggest anywhere. It has everything, some of them 2 or 3 times, because they are spread all over the Hump. Even a Texas Roadhouse steakhouse and two House of Pancakes, one of them a real sit-down restaurant (in the old Flightline/Alaska Mining Company restaurant) . List of all the services around Humphreys, because they have it all.
Osan AB: Osan is still a go-to spot. The Mustang Mall has AAFES, banks, Post Office, Fedex, food court, concessions and more, including a Chill's restaurant and the 24/7 CheckerTails restaurant. Check out the FSS website for information.
Camps Walker and Casey: Walker and Casey haven't changed much over the years. Yes, some renovations here and there, but no new major construction projects. They both still have all the typical AAFES support facilities and DECA commissaries.
Chinhae, Busan, Mujok, Kunsan: While Busan is a wonderful vacation spot within the Korea peninsula, it and the military sites in the area are not really the go-to places for on-base shopping. They do serve their own communities well.
And in case you're wondering... there is nothing north other than Camp Casey. All other bases are gone.
