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Camp Humphreys Garrison in Pyongtaek

The relocation of US forces in South Korea (USFK) to the new base in Pyeongtaek is expected to be completed in 2017, one year later than originally planned.

The announcement was made by Kim Kie-soo, director of the office for USFK relocation at South Korea‘s Defense Ministry, and Lt. Gen. Bernard Champoux, commander of the US’s Eighth Army. The two officials spoke to reporters on Dec. 10 at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, which is currently under construction.

“As of the end of November, progress on construction of the Pyeongtaek base stood at 86 percent, and most of this will be completed next year. The relocation of the US army base will begin next year and will for the most part be completed by 2017,” Kim told reporters.

This means that the move will take place a year later than promised in the government’s original plan, which had been to finish the move by next year.

When asked about the reasons for the delay, Kim mentioned the bankruptcy of Keangnam Enterprises. “With Keangnam Enterprises entering receivership and the former chairman Sung Wan-jong committing suicide [due to scandal], a number of construction projects were halted, and we had to go through a new round of bidding,” Kim said.

“We also adjusted our facility plan in line with 2013 changes to the US army’s family accompaniment program,” Kim added.

The project to relocate the US military base was launched by an agreement between US President George W. Bush and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun in Apr. 2003.

During the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Oct. 2014, however, the US and South Korea changed the original plan and agreed to keep Combined Forces Command at the Yongsan Base and the 210th Field Artillery Brigade at a base in Dongducheon.

“Some facilities and forces will remain at the Yongsan base, including Combined Forces Command, a small liaison unit, and the Dragon Hill Lodge. We’re currently deliberating with South Korea about the exact size of the forces that will remain,” said Lt. Gen. Champoux.

When asked when the 210th Field Artillery Brigade would be moving to Pyeongtaek, the general said that “that will depend on when the ROK forces have the capability to take on the brigade’s responsibilities.”

By Park Byong-su, senior staff writer

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