Korean War and Military Camps

The Korean war

June 1950

North Korea invaded South Korea

June 1950

North Korea captured Seoul

Sept 1950

Allied forces started Operation Chromite

Sept 1950

Allied forces recaptured Seoul

Oct 1950

Allied Forces captured Pyeongyang

Oct 1950

Chinese Forces joined the war

Jan 1951

Allied Forces evacuated from Seoul

March 1951

Allied Forces recaptured Seoul

July 1953

Truce Agreement

The Korean war has never ended and formally the Koreas are still at war. Although there is a truce (Korean Armistice Agreement), the impact on the YangJu region is even today not to be underestimated. Dongducheon is only 24 km from the demilitarized zone (DMZ).

 

During and after the Korean War, Dongducheon’s strategic location made it a crucial military stronghold. Therefore, the city has long played a key role in the defense of Seoul, and has been heavily shaped by the presence of 20+ military bases established in and around the area—particularly Camp Casey, covering 14 square kilometers and employing both military personnel and civilian staff.


The YangJu Babyhome existed from 1963 to 1981. Below we will focus on Camp Casey but mention also some of the other army bases in the vicinity that existed during that period. Army bases not only from the US but also from the other foreign forces operating under the UN mandate.

Dongducheon

  • Camp Casey (US)
  • Camp Hovey (US)
  • Camp Castle (US)
  • Camp Mobile (US) – Closed in 2008
  • Camp Nimble (US) – Closed in 2006


Uijeongbu

  • Camp Kyle (US) – Closed in 2005
  • Camp Sears (US) – Closed in 2006
  • Camp Essayons (US) – Closed in 1994
  • Camp Stanley (US) – Heavily reduced in 2017
  • Camp Jackson (US) – Closed in 2018
  • Camp Falling Water (US) – Closed in 2006
  • Camp La Guardia (US) – Closed in 2006
  • Camp Red Cloud (US) – Closed in 2022
Yangju-Child-Care-Center-Korea-1970-062-web

Camp Casey

Camp Casey supported the YangJu orphanage with funds, food and fun. This was more than just charity; Staff members from the military base were spending time with the orphans. Without this support, the orphans would have suffered even more.


Some interesting facts:

  • In the early days during the Korean War, the Royal Australian Regiment was also stationed at Camp Casey.
  • In 2002 the defense chiefs of South Korea and the U.S signed an Agreement to close down all US bases in Dongducheon. Talks are ongoing when to close the remaining Camp Casey, Hovey and Castle.
  • Before closing Camp Casey the South Korean military have to be prepared to withstand North Korea’s long-range artillery.
  • Land pollution cleanup of the area will take a considerable amount of time.
1951
7th Infantry Division
1971
2d Infantry Division
2002
Joint Land Management Agreement
2018
Name changed to US Army Garrrison Yongsan-Casey

www.koreanorphanage.com


The YangJu adoption community would not have been possible without the help of former U.S. helicopter pilot Larne Gabriel, who, in the fall of 1969, was assigned to “A” Company, 7th Aviation Battalion, 7th Infantry Division at Camp Casey.

Larne Gabriel not only initiated the Koreanorphanage.com website but also became acquainted with the Kwak family.

Camp Casey 1970

Camp Casey

Operational. Houses around 6,300 military personnel. Home to the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division (2ID). 

Camp Hovey

Operational. Houses around 2,500 military personnel. Mainly a complementary camp for Camp Casey.

Camp Castle

Operational. Houses around 500 military personnel. More a support role than an immediate attack force.

Camp Mobile

Closed in 2008. Home to the 5th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Warrior and Replacement Company Regiment.

Camp Nimble

Closed in 2006. Home to the 2nd Infantry Division’s A and B Companies of the 702nd Main Support Battalion.

Normash

Located in Dongducheon from 1952 to 1954. Home to the Norwegian Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. 90,000 patients were treated.