Osan Air Base | Base Overview & Info (2024)

Osan Air Base is one of two major airfields operated by the U.S. in Korea and the only USAF facility in the Republic of Korea (ROK) entirely planned and built by the U.S. from scratch during the Korean War. The base is located 4.7 miles southwest of the town of Osan, for which it is named, and 40 miles south of Seoul, the capital city. Prior to the invasion of the Republic of Korea by the North Korean communists in 1950, the area consisted of several tiny farming villages near the hillsides and a large number of rice paddie areas where the runway now lies. A large ginko tree marked the village square of one of these villages and still stands on a hill in the base golf course.

Established in November 1951, the base was originally named Osan-ni AB (but more often referred to by its "K-55" airfield designation) in November 1951. The first base commander chose the name "Osan-ni"for practical reasons, as it was the only village shown on military maps in the region and it was easy to pronounce. In 1952 the ROK government allowed the U.S. to acquire 1,250 acres for the air base. Throughout 1952, a aviation engineers constructed a 9,000-foot runway and base support facilities were constructed. On 26 December 1952, the Osan-ni's first operational flying unit and support elements of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing (FBW) arrived at the base, including advanced elements of the 18th FBW.The 18 FBW conducted combat air operations from Osan-ni AB in support of United Nations ground forces throughout the Korean War, and provided post-war tactical air power until October 1954. Please visit the Osan AB homepage for more information.

Meanwhile, the 58th FBW replaced the 18th FBW in March 1955, and assumed the air defense role with the F-86F. The wing remained the only permanently-based USAF tactical wing in Korea until July 1958. From that time, Pacific Air Forces rotated tactical fighter units into Osan AB over the next 13 years until the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron was permanently assigned to Osan AB in November 1971 (Harrumph!). The 51st Fighter Wing (FW) was originallyactivated at Osan AB on 1 November 1971 as the 51st Air Base Wing. The "51st" designation has remained at Osan AB ever since. Osan transitioned to standby status and hosted only temporary duty or transient units involved in Pacific Air Forces tactical operations. The base became a permanent peacetime installation. Osan has hosted many types of fighter aircraft in its history. Today, the host 51st FW flies the A-10 (Pilsung!)and F-16 fighter (Harrumph!) aircraft.

• 51 FW (Military at Osan AB) - estimated 3,751
• Tenant Units (Military at Osan AB) - estimated 1,931
• Family Members - estimated 2,071
• U.S. DoD and USAF Civilians - estimated 255
• Korean National Employees - estimated 907
• Retirees and their Family Members - estimated 580

Osan AB is located in the city of Songtan; Songtan merged with the city of Pyeongtaek.

City of Osan: over 240,000 - City of Songtan:110, 000 - City of Pyeongtaek: over 500,000 - Republic of Korea (South Korea): estimated 51.71 million

Osan Air Base is located in Pyongtaek City, Gyeonggi Do, South Korea. The base operator's phone number is 011-82-31-661-1110 or DSN 315-784-1110.

Satellite Locations

51 Force Support Squadron Bus Service from Incheon International Airport to Osan AB, Korea

When you arrive at Terminal 1, Incheon International Airport be sure to check-in at the Joint Forces Reception Center (JRC). After departing the customs and baggage claim area you will need to turn left and go to exit number 1. This is theJRC counter and they will advise you about bus service to Osan.The JRC in Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport is at the Arrival level, exit 3 (across from Paris Baguette). They are open 24/7.

You can transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 by free shuttle bus, which connects Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 and Terminal 2 to Terminal 1. It departs every 5 minutes. Total journey is about 15 up to 20 minutes. Stops: Terminal 1: Gate 8, third level. Terminal 2: Between Gate 4 and 5, third floor.

There is a 51 FSS bus that provides non-stop transportation to Osan Air Base from Incheon Airport, please see the information below.

For the latest information and prices, please visit:http://www.51fss.com/information-tickets-travel/

The cost depends on the type of travel (PCS/TDY/Leisure) per person (cash only), one way. Please note, pets are not allowed on the FSS Airport Bus.51st FSS has a van (9 Pax) which can be arranged in advance for transport of pets with the family (DSN: 315-784-4007). This service is available on weekdays only and the cost is $300. When used in conjunction with transporting dependents to Osan, it will be a reimbursable expense. FSS buses will drop you off at Turumi Lodge where you can check into your room.

Korean Express Bus (Airport Limousine) Service is available from Incheon International Airport to Osan AB, Korea. The bus is purple and has "Airport Limousine" written on its sides. Tickets cost 11,200 Won and you can exchange currency in the airport.

Arrivals at Terminal 1, the bus departs from bus stop 7A at Exit 7 (from 0700-2240) for Songtan and the ticketing offices are located close to Exit 4 and 9 (Arrivals Hall), first level (indoor) and offices close to 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 9C exit doors (outdoors).

Arrivals at Terminal 2, the bus departs from platform 41 at B1 (from 0640-2140) for Songtan and the ticketing offices located in the Traffic Center (B1).

Once you arrive at Songtan bus terminal you can call an Exchange Taxi at 1544-9080 (from a cell phone) or you can take a Korean taxi to the front gate, then bring your bags in through the walking gate, then take a base taxi from the front gate to lodging. The easiest way to get from Incheon to Osan AB is taking the FSS bus at the JRC counter (info above). It is more expensive, but you will be reimbursed on your travel voucher.

Patriot Express flight from Seattle, WA to Osan AB, Korea

Members coming in on the patriot express from Seattle will arrive at the passenger terminal on the flight line at Osan AB, Korea. You will process through customs and pick-up luggage at the Osan AB terminal. Your sponsor or unit representative should meet you at the terminal and take you to Turumi Lodge or your dorm room. If no transportation is available from your unit, you may call a base taxi at 1544-9080 (from a cell phone) and they will take you to Turumi Lodge. Base taxis accept American currency. Be sure to contact your sponsor prior to arrival so they will know the date/time of your arrival at Osan.

Please refer to the "AF Connect" app and Information, Tickets, & Travel – 51fss.com for the most current information, and be aware prices based on exchange rates fluctuates daily.

For the Osan Base Shuttle Bus visit the AF Connect App, this shuttle takes you around the base and is free.

For information on the bus that travels to Suwon, Camp Humphreys, and Camp Casey visit Inter-Garrison Bus Service :: USAG Humphreys (army.mil). If you are traveling from Osan AB, you can catch the bus at the bus terminal located next to the Smoothie King on base.

In addition there are taxis you can take from Osan AB to most areas to include Camp Humphreys for less than $30 one-way. Download the "Exchange Taxi" App for more information but be mindful of the additional charges from the app.

The Osan Operator will connect you directly to your requested party if DSN lines are open.

Commercial 011-82-031-661-1110 or DSN 315-784-1110