<strong>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</strong> - Ten elementary school students from Keuk Dong University English Camp toured Yongsan Garrison July 31. For most of them, it was their first visit to a military installation.
As a part of Good Neighbor program, U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan partnered with the school to provide an eye-opening encounter with American culture, customs, and base facilities like the American Forces Network-Korea radio and television station. The group also visited the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Putt-Putt Golf Course on South Post, the USAG-Yongsan Fire Department and had lunch at the Town House Food Court.
"I never thought a place like this would exist in the middle of Seoul," said Ahn Kwang-mo, a staff member of Keuk Dong University English Camp.
The students and three visiting teaching fellows visited the AFN-Korea studios and we allowed to speak live on the radio.
"It was a great opportunity to be engaged in the actual radio show because my goal is to become a famous announcer," said Ryu Chae-hyun, a sixth grader from Sejong Elementary School. "But I see now that making comments on specific news and improvising are not that easy."
The teaching assistants accompanying the children said they were surprised to see the Korean-U.S. alliance in action.
"It is so interesting to see Korean and American cultures mixed together and contributing their own characteristics to the partnership," Carrie St. Louis, a freshman at University of Southern California, said. "My trip to South Korea, especially to Yongsan Garrison is something I'll remember for a long time, without a doubt."
"This is one of six student tours the garrison is offering to local schools this month," said USAG-Yongsan Community Relations Officer An Chang-sin. "It's that the younger generation understands the importantance of the Korean-American alliance and what we do to support the defense of the peninsula."
Garrison Commander Col. Dave Hall said he welcomes students with open arms. "We continue to strengthen our Good Neighbor Program," he said. "Our community relations outreach programs provide excellent opportunities to learn about each other."
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