So, DH orders state camp walker. Not sure if we can get command sponsored yet. But, after long talks about how to make it work, DH and I have decided that DS and I will go with him and live off base. Now, here's where I need help. What all do I have to do other than passport and visa? shots/medical and where? I could come up with more ?s but my head is pounding right now trying to figure all of this out. pls help. Any info is greatly appreciated.

:bump

anybody? I could really use a little guidance here. Anyone know of a real estate site for rentals in areas other than seoul? That's all I've been able to find

go to your army relocation office on the nearest post....they will be able to help you with all of those questions. if you do not live near one, you can look up the number for the closest one and call them and request information. i hope that helps.

Hi ladies I was wondering if any of u know of an affordable hotel to stay for xmas break near camp walker or camp henry because I have vacation of 30 days but paying a hotel is imposible cause is so expensive and I havent seen my husband in over 8 months so I would really like to go mabye if one of u leave near by is interested in renting a room for a month im very easy going and organize
thanks
Angela:D

If you are not commnd sponsered depending on which post he is going to it may be very hard to go noncommand sponsered. You will need a visa and any healthcare will be on a very hard to get appointemnets (you are at the bottom of the list as is yoru son). When they are doing excerices you will not be allowed on base and depending on your DH rank /job he may no tbe allowed off base. I would really think about going unaccompianed.

I'll help you as much as I can. I'm not sure what to do regarding NCS status, but there is a load of information here: http://www.usfkforums.com/spouses-club-in-korea/821-non-command-sponsored.htm . There is a lot to wade through!

I know that many spouses come over NCS with very little problems. The potential issues are that your husband may not be authorized to live off base, he may be working very long days (12 hours) so that you would see him very little, if he's army there is a possibility he could deploy from Korea. If you have school age children, school and the base clinics are on a space-A availability.

If you are ready, willing and able to live in a very foreign country and potentially be on your own, go for it! It's a wonderful place and I love living here.

Make sure your husband requests or applies for command sponsorship. If there is an available slot for his job, he should get it.

As far as what you do for a visa and passport as NCS, I have no clue. For command sponsored, which I am, you get the no-fee military passport and an A-3 visa. The passport I got through my last base, and the visa I got when I arrived here, along with my SOFA stamp.

Look through the link I provided and I will browse it too to see if I find the information on the passport and visa.

As far as a place to live off base, your husband will have to go to the housing office for recommendations or seek out a realtor in town. There isn't much at all available to look at online for Korean rentals.

Oh I forgot about a couple of things. If you come NCS, you will have to pay for your plane fare out of pocket. I don't think it is reimbursed.

Also, many areas in Korea are still very traditional about paying for rental properties. By traditional, I mean that you will be required to pay for the entire year up front. This can be around $12,000 or more!

Found this: "I would not show up here without the proper visa. Can you get it done after you arrive? Probably. Do you need one more headache/serious concern those first few weeks? No. Here's the link for the Korean consulate in Houston. Check out their site and give them a call if you have questions. The AF took care of my family's visa since I'm command sponsored and provided an A-3 visa. Since your not command sponsored, it may be an A-3 or F-3, call and ask. Again, don't set yourself up for problems.
http://www.koreahouston.org/ "

Reminded of another potential issue. If NCS, your husband will be authorized to ship only Unaccompanied Baggage. I'm not sure if the weight allowance varies or not, but for my husband it was 500 lbs. The military will not ship your HHG at all for NCS.

What my husband has done several times (as he has been stationed here often) is to buy an entire new household every time he comes. Dishes, cookware, some furniture.

The good news is that many Korean apartments come fully or partly furnished.