Realignment of USFK Bases Carried Out With Long-term Plan

Major General James N. Soligan, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff of Headquarters US Southern Command said on April 25 that the US will relocate the US bases in 25 districts of South Korea to 2 areas including Osan and Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province and Daegu and Busan in Kyeongsang Province. He also said that the US would realign the US forces in Korea focusing on the two areas on long-term basis.

The Major General said in a meeting with reporters, “The US will move US forces to the two areas in Gyeonggi Province with a long-term plan and Daegu and Busan will serve as a foothold to swiftly dispatch reinforced US military forces in case of emergency.”

It is the first time for the US to unveil its plan for the operation of military forces focusing on the two areas in Korea, which means there will be a significant change in US-Korea Land Partnership Planing (LPP).

Soligan said, “Although I can’t elaborate on where US bases move and which US division will be subject to the relocation plan, most US bases will be moved to Osan and Pyongtak areas on long-term basis.” Soligan`s remark means the relocation of US bases to the south of Seoul is an accomplished fact.

On the reduction of US military presence, he hinted the possibility of the reduction by saying, “Although not the size of military but the system matters in terms of military capability.”

Meanwhile, he also added, “The US defense ministry is now considering plans for introducing a new weapons system including sophisticated smart bombs and upgraded Patriot Missile used during the Iraqi war to USFK.”

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com