There is a ROK (Republic of Korea) radio relay site about 1000 ft to the south of Richmond Site and slightly lower in elevation. The road to the ROK site forked off the Richmond road just before reaching the main entrance and went east around the perimeter of the U.S. site. The detachment of infantry soldiers stationed there also provided the security for Richmond Site when extra guards were needed and at times would even double-time over to the helipad to conduct rifle drill exercises.

I visited the ROK Army radio relay site a few times while at Richmond Site and was surprised at the starkness of their living conditions and station amenities.

There was not much furniture in the rooms and nothing on the building walls to break up the bareness or to add a touch of aesthetics. There did not seem to be any thought for comforts, recreation or any additional troop comforts like we had on our site.

Food rations on the ROK site were simple and plain, just rice and kimchi cabbage. The entire facility smelt of this common Korean food that is unpleasant to smell at first but you kind of get used to it after being in country awhile. I remember seeing the faces of the youthful soldiers as we walked by them on our tour. All the young qualified men in Korea are required to serve in the military for a few years so they are also naive, slender, quiet and shy. Some looked us with interest and curiosity while other young Korean solders on the radio relay site looked at us with a little nervousness. They were well disciplined troops and set on the floor as we visited the station.    Hi-Res Pic (71K)