Top PCS Move to Korea Resources Every Military Family Needs to Know
- UOTR Editorial Team
- Jun 29
- 8 min read
Preparing for a PCS Move to Korea?
These essential PCS move to Korea resources are designed to help military families navigate every aspect of life overseas. From the 8th Army Newcomers Page and USFK official site to the Welcome to the Pacific guide and TRICARE-Korean Hospital Handbook, these tools offer critical support for in-processing, healthcare, SOFA guidance, and cultural adjustment. Whether you're managing medical care, enrolling kids in school, or learning local expectations, these resources ensure a smoother transition and help you thrive during your time in Korea.
DMZ to the Sea PCS Resource Guide
If you’re PCS’ing to Korea, the DMZ to the Sea PCS Resource Guide is a must-have tool for navigating your move and settling into life on the peninsula — and eventually preparing to leave it when the time comes.
Published by our publisher, Oriental Press, this thoughtfully curated guide covers everything from pre-departure checklists and on-arrival essentials to local travel tips and cultural insights. Whether you’re a service member, family member, or civilian employee, this resource makes it easier to adjust to your new home in Korea.
The guide doesn’t just focus on the logistics — it helps you embrace the adventure of living abroad. Inside, you’ll find recommendations for navigating Korea’s impressive public transportation system, suggested mobile apps to make life easier, and etiquette tips for everyday interactions. It also highlights popular dining spots, markets, and family-friendly outings in the surrounding Pyeongtaek area, offering a great starting point for exploring life beyond the base.
Best of all, DMZ to the Sea encourages newcomers to make the most of their time in Korea, with travel suggestions spanning from the DMZ in the north to the southern coastal towns and beaches. Available as a free, easy-to-use digital PDF, this guide isn’t just about surviving your PCS — it’s about thriving in your new chapter overseas.
South of Seoul Blog Military Welcome Packet
The “US Military Virtual Welcome Packet,” curated by South of Seoul volunteers, offers a structured and comprehensive guide specifically for U.S. military personnel and their families moving to South Korea under the SOFA visa. It organizes essential information into tabbed sections, ranging from residency (Foreign Registration Card/ARC) to banking, phone service, healthcare, and local apps—designed to simplify both onboarding and life integration beyond U.S. bases. The packet isn’t government-sponsored; instead, it’s an empathetic volunteer-led resource that blends general expat advice with military-specific guidance gathered from real experiences and official sources.
8th Army Command Sponsorship Page
Planning your PCS to Korea with family? The 8th Army Command Sponsorship page is an essential stop for service members and families preparing for an accompanied tour.
This official site outlines the command sponsorship process, eligibility requirements, and key documents you’ll need to bring dependents with you to the peninsula.
From understanding how to request command sponsorship to tips on navigating the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) screening process, this page breaks down what can feel like an overwhelming process into clear, actionable steps. It also includes helpful links to additional resources and contacts to support you every step of the way.
While you’re getting organized, be sure to visit the Lodging, Utilities & Transportation (LUT) website as well. It offers practical information on securing temporary lodging, setting up utilities, and understanding transportation options both on and off post — all crucial details for a smooth arrival in Korea.
Check them out at 8th Army’s Command Sponsorship page and the LUT resource page to start your PCS planning with confidence.
8th Army Newcomers Page
New to Korea? The 8th Army Newcomers Page Has Everything You Need to Start Strong.
Before you even step off the plane in Korea, make the 8th Army Newcomers Page your go-to guide for a smoother transition. This official resource offers a centralized hub for everything from in-processing and command sponsorship to housing, finance, and daily living in Korea. Whether you're active duty, civilian, or accompanying family, this site ensures you're informed and prepared.
PCS transitions can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating overseas logistics. The 8th Army Newcomers Page walks you through essential tasks like setting up COLA, understanding on-base services, scheduling required briefings, and preparing for your new life in Korea. You'll also find helpful checklists, contact directories, and updated policies—all aimed at reducing stress and supporting your family’s relocation journey.
From arrival procedures to adjusting to life off-post, this page is a vital step in empowering your move and helping you feel connected from day one.
📲 Visit the 8th Army Newcomers Page for a full in-processing roadmap and essential living-in-Korea resources: https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/site/newcomers/
USFK Official Website
Understand the Rules Before You Arrive: The USFK Official Website Keeps You Informed.
If you’re heading to Korea under military orders, don’t overlook the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) official website. This critical platform provides command guidance, updates on SOFA status, area-specific curfew policies, and important alerts—such as COVID-19 protocols, when applicable.
Whether you're stationed on a large installation or a remote post, staying informed about host-nation agreements, force protection measures, and command expectations is essential. USFK.mil helps you understand your legal status under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which affects everything from driving privileges and law enforcement interaction to customs and quarantine rules.
The site also provides detailed guidance on leave policies, cultural expectations, safety briefings, and operational updates that could affect your mobility and base access. In short, it’s a one-stop shop for staying mission-ready and culturally informed while living in Korea.
📲 Check out the USFK official website to stay current with policies and protect your rights under SOFA: https://www.usfk.mil
Welcome to the Pacific from Stars and Stripes
Start Your Korea Journey with Confidence: “Welcome to the Pacific” from Stars and Stripes
Before you PCS to Korea, take time to explore the Welcome to the Pacific ePublication by Stars and Stripes. This downloadable guide is packed with practical information for service members and families moving to U.S. installations across the Pacific—including detailed sections focused on South Korea.
Whether it’s your first OCONUS assignment or a return tour, this resource covers essential topics like on- and off-base living, healthcare, education, shopping, dining, cultural etiquette, transportation, and more. You’ll also find helpful insights about military communities, local customs, and the unique challenges of living abroad.
This isn’t just another checklist—it’s a real-world survival guide created by and for the military-connected community. From tips on navigating Korean food markets to understanding public transportation and accessing local services, Welcome to the Pacific is designed to make your transition smoother, smarter, and more enjoyable.
📲 Download the full guide and get the inside scoop on living well in Korea and beyond: https://epub.stripes.com/docs/Welcome-to-Pacific-K_180522/Welcome-to-Pacific-K_180522.pdf
The BDAACH Patient Guidebook
Taking Charge of Healthcare in Korea: The BDAACH Patient Guidebook is Your Go-To Resource
Moving to Korea with family? Don’t overlook the BDAACH Patient Guidebook, your comprehensive guide to navigating care at Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital and its satellite clinics across USAG Humphreys and other installations.
Healthcare systems abroad can feel confusing—especially with referrals, pharmacy access, appointment scheduling, and emergency procedures. This patient guidebook breaks it all down clearly, covering topics like check-in protocols, MHS GENESIS access, pharmacy services, mental health support, EFMP, and insurance payment through TRICARE. It even includes contact info for patient advocates and billing offices—so you're never left guessing.
Whether you're managing recurring appointments, enrolling a newborn, or filing a claim, this guide ensures you're fully equipped. It empowers you with knowledge about medical readiness, your rights under HIPAA, urgent care procedures, and how to update DEERS or use the Virtual Education Center—all with confidence.
📲 Download or save the PDF to your phone today, and feel prepared to proactively manage your family’s healthcare needs in Korea:
The TRICARE-Korean Hospital Handbook
Master Korean Healthcare Like a Local: The TRICARE-Korean Hospital Handbook Has Your BackPlanning your move to Korea? Before booking appointments, familiarize yourself with the Navigating Korean Hospitals Handbook provided by the 8th Army Newcomers site. This essential PDF is your go‑to guide for accessing off‑post care through TRICARE at host‑nation facilities across Areas I–IV, including Seoul and Pyeongtaek.
Health care overseas can feel daunting, especially when adjusting to different procedures and language barriers. The handbook walks you through the referral process for TRICARE Prime users (aside from urgent/emergent care) and explains cashless options at network hospitals. It also outlines emergency protocols (where private clinics may close after hours) and clarifies billing for Select beneficiaries—including how to pay upfront and file claims.
Beyond logistics, it prepares you for cultural differences you’ll encounter—like room sharing, visiting restrictions, and less conversational bedside manner—while empowering you with tips on language assistance, interpreter services, and courtesy shuttle access briandallgood.tricare.mil.
The handbook also includes a detailed directory of English‑friendly, TRICARE‑certified hospitals and clinics across Korea, complete with contact information, service hours, shuttle logistics, and specialties.
📲 Download and save this essential PDF to your phone—so you're ready to confidently schedule routine care, handle emergencies, and seamlessly manage claims throughout your tour.
Pyeongtaek Living 101
Looking to dive deeper into daily life off-post? The Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workbooks, created by the team at South of Seoul, are fantastic downloadable guides designed to help new arrivals settle into the local community with confidence.
These free, easy-to-follow workbooks cover essential topics like navigating healthcare, understanding public transportation, dining out, shopping, and connecting with community resources around Pyeongtaek.
Perfect for military families, civilian employees, and international residents alike, these guides provide practical, real-world advice for everything from ordering at a Korean BBQ restaurant to managing apartment utilities. Whether you’ve just arrived or have been here for a while and want to explore more of what the area has to offer, these workbooks are a valuable tool for making life in Korea a little easier — and a lot more fun.
Download them for free at South of Seoul’s website, and start making the most of your Korean adventure today.
Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3)
Moving with school-age children? Don’t start your PCS without checking out the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3).
This essential resource protects the educational rights of military-connected students as they move between states and overseas locations, helping to ease school transitions and reduce disruptions in your child’s academic progress.
PCS moves can be tough on students, with differences in enrollment requirements, class placements, extracurricular eligibility, and graduation standards from one location to the next. MIC3 ensures military children receive fair, consistent treatment by establishing shared rules and guidelines across all 50 states and DoDEA schools. Knowing your rights under MIC3 is crucial when transferring records, securing proper class placements, and advocating for your child — especially during critical high school years.
Additionally, military parents should be aware of their rights under the Military Student Parent Bill of Rights, included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This law further reinforces your ability to advocate for your child’s education and smooth transitions between schools. You can read the full Parent Bill of Rights at mic3.net/resources.
Visit their website to learn what protections are in place for your family and how to confidently navigate your child’s school transition during your next PCS.
Promise Act's Free Special Needs Binder
Empower Your Family's Education Advocacy: The PROMISE Act’s Free Special Needs Binder
Before your next PCS—or even for daily education planning—don’t miss out on the Special Education/504 Plan & EFMP Binder offered at no cost by the PROMISE Act (Partners in PROMISE). This dynamic digital+physical binder, crafted by special-education experts and military spouses, is packed with tools, templates, and checklists that help you track evaluations, IEPs, 504 plans, service logs, medical documentation, and communications with schools and EFMP specialists.
Managing your child’s education across duty stations can feel like a juggling act. This binder brings clarity and confidence by organizing critical records and deadlines in one streamlined location. Originating from seasoned military parent advocates and EFMP case workers, it guides you through documenting goals, accommodations, progress notes, and meeting preparations, ensuring you always stay ahead.
This binder isn’t just paperwork—it’s peace of mind during transitions, guarding your child's rights to Free Appropriate Public Education under IDEA/Section 504. Perfect for new assignments, reassignments, or navigating transitions within EFMP programs.
📘 Download or order your binder today and gain the structure and resources needed to advocate effectively and confidently across the military moves: https://thepromiseact.org/resources/binder/
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