KDVA Stories

Why Korea Is an Assignment of Choice

Korea can be far more than a duty assignment. For generations of Service Members, civilians, diplomats, and families, serving and living in Korea has created meaningful experiences, lasting friendships, professional growth, and a deeper connection to the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Serve Experience Remember
The Initiative

Tell Us Why Korea Mattered to You

KDVA invites current and former Service Members, civilians, diplomats, and families to share their stories and reflections about serving and living in the Republic of Korea.

Every Korea Experience Has a Story

Whether you served with United States Forces Korea, worked at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, supported the Alliance as a civilian or diplomat, or experienced Korea as part of a military family, KDVA wants to hear what made your time there meaningful.

Your story might be about joint operations, discovering Korean culture, building lifelong friendships, professional growth, family experiences, or contributing to one of the world’s strongest alliances.

Why Korea? Korea isn’t just an assignment — it can be life changing.
More Than an Assignment

What Makes Korea Different?

Mission

A Meaningful Mission

Serving in Korea connects people directly to the defense of the Republic of Korea and the enduring ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Experience

Culture & Community

Living in Korea offers opportunities to experience Korean history, culture, food, traditions, communities, and friendships in a deeply personal way.

Impact

A Lasting Influence

For many Veterans, civilians, and families, Korea becomes an experience that shapes careers, relationships, perspectives, and lives long after the assignment ends.

Share Your Story

What Would You Tell Someone About Korea?

Use these questions as a guide. You do not have to answer every question — tell your story in the way that feels most meaningful to you.

1

What was your initial reaction upon learning that you were going to Korea?

2

Why did you have that reaction?

3

What did you know about Korea?

4

Was there an “aha!” moment that made you think that being in Korea was good?

5

How did serving and living in Korea shape your career, life, worldview, or your family?

6

What experiences left a lasting impression, good or bad?

How to Participate

Your Story Can Take Many Forms

KDVA welcomes stories in whichever format works best for you. Selected submissions may be featured through KDVA’s website, social media platforms, and Journals.

Option One

Written Story

Share your reflections, memories, or Korea experience in writing.

Option Two

Video Story

Record yourself telling your story and submit the video to KDVA.

Option Three

Quote & Photo

A short quote paired with a meaningful photo is also welcome.

Share Your Korea Story

Help Show the World Why Korea Is an Assignment of Choice

Email your story to KDVAKoreaChoice@gmail.com and tag KDVA on social media using #KDVAKoreaAssignmentOfChoice .

No Deadline — Stories Are Always Welcome
Email Your Story
Stories From the KDVA Community

Why Korea Is an Assignment of Choice

Read stories from Veterans, Service Members, civilians, and others whose experiences in Korea made a lasting impact.