We started the day with a long drive in the charter bus to the US Army Base Camp Casey, which is only around twelve miles from the northern border. We were given a tour by Grace, a Pitt chemical engineering alumnus, and Will, a Pitt business alumnus, who have both been stationed at Camp Casey for the past nine months. The 3500 acre base is settled in between several mountain ranges and is the first line of defense if conflict with North Korea were to break out. Given her chemical engineering background, Grace showed us some of the relevant units she works with. The first team was the Stryker unit that drives and operates the Stryker vehicles. The 8-wheeled, heavily armored vehicle is typically called when a dangerous subject if suspected during conflicts. For example, if there is report of chemically enhanced bombs or weapons, the Stryker would be driven to the site. Samples would then be taken and analyzed within the built-in lab equipment to determine if the report truly is a chemical threat. The Stryker is also armed with a 50-cal machine gun and a grenade launcher if infantry related conflict were to occur on a mission. We then were shown some different testing equipment that is utilized when the Stryker may be overkill. The different sensors and testing equipment are also able to detect if a substance is dangerous and can help the team determine what it is before sending it to a lab for verification. They also demonstrated the process of putting on the protective suits that they wear when going into hazardous areas. Along with oxygen tanks, masks, and carrying the equipment, their missions are hot, heavy, and exhausting.
After the tour, we ate at the Impact Zone, an American food restaurant on the base that soldiers enjoy. Being an American base, the stores and restaurants only take American cash. To make soldiers feel more at home, they have installed stores with American groceries and some household name American restaurants. While the military side of things was what I expected, I wasn’t aware of some of the amenities provided. Camp Casey has several gyms, sports fields, pools, a golf course, and weekly excursions for soldiers to go out and explore South Korea on off days. Because we weren’t military personnel, this is truly a unique experience that very few outside of the military get to have. Hearing some of the difficult experiences soldiers go through and the struggle of being in a foreign country for so long put in perspective the sacrifice military members make to protect the country.
After the tour of Camp Casey, Grace took us on a short hike in the nearby Mt. Soyosan. Though much shorter and less strenuous then the day before, we got lots of great views along the way. From water falls to temples carved into the mountain, it was a great break from the bustling cities of Seoul.
After a long drive back to southern Seoul, we were all hungry. We were so hungry, a group of us went to get Korean BBQ … twice. The first place we went had phenomenal pork belly, marinated pork, and even pork skin. After being cooked in front of us over hot charcoal, we ate and moved on to the next spot. The second Korean barbecue specialized in beef, which was so tender and flavorful. They also served us barley tea instead of water, which was very similar to water but with a darker color and slight nutty taste. We then took the subway to the Banpo Rainbow Bridge just a few stops away. Every evening on the half hour, the bridge shoots out water and lights, performing a show along to music. While waiting for the next show to start, we threw some frisbee by the Han River. When the show started, lots of people gathered by to take in the water and rainbow lights. Overall, the day was a diverse mix of military, hiking, Korean BBQ, and a light show.
