If you're a fan of K-dramas or K-pop (looking at you, BTS ARMY), you've probably heard about South Korea's mandatory military service. It's a rite of passage for every able-bodied Korean man. But did you know not all soldiers live in barracks? Some actually commute from home like office workers! Let's dive into the fascinating, sometimes weird, world of the Korean military.
1. How Long Do They Serve? (Then vs. Now)
One of the most common questions is, "How long are they gone?" The service period has been shrinking over the decades.
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| Korean Subway |
- Army / Marines: Currently 18 months (down from 21 months).
- Navy: 20 months.
- Air Force: Currently 21 months (down from 24 months).
It sounds short compared to the past! About 20 years ago, Army service was 26-30 months, and the Air Force was a whopping 36 months (3 years!). While it's shorter now, losing 1.5 years of your youth is still a huge sacrifice for Korean men.
2. Not All Soldiers Live in Barracks? (The "Sanggeun" Secret)
Here's a fun fact most foreigners don't know. There's a special type of soldier called Sanggeun Reserve (상근예비역).
- Active Duty: Lives in the base 24/7, sleeps in barracks, wakes up at 6 AM for roll call.
- Sanggeun: Wears the same uniform, holds a rifle, but... commutes from home! They work 9-to-6 at a local military office or defense center and go home for dinner.
Who gets this lucky gig? Usually, it's men who are married and have children to support, or those with low education levels/financial hardship (though criteria change). If a soldier is a father, the military often lets him be a "Sanggeun" so he can care for his family after work.
3. Social Service Agents (The "Public Service" Alternative)
Then there are Social Service Agents (사회복무요원). They are NOT soldiers. They wear a different uniform (civilian style) and work at city halls, subway stations, or welfare centers.
- Why? They usually have health issues (bad back, poor vision, etc.) that make them unfit for combat duty.
- The Change: In the past, everyone wanted this role because it was easier than active duty. But recently, due to the low birth rate, the criteria have tightened.
- Interesting Twist: Sometimes, there are too many candidates for Social Service and not enough spots. If a candidate waits too long (3+ years) without being called up, they get an automatic exemption! (This is rare now, but it happens).
4. The Salary Evolution (From $40 to $1,500)
The most shocking change is the pay.
- 10 Years Ago: A sergeant earned about 100,000 KRW ($70 USD) per month. Yes, per month. It was barely enough to buy snacks.
- 2024-2026: Now, a sergeant earns roughly 1,250,000 KRW (~$1,000 USD), and with government savings matching, they can take home nearly 20 million KRW ($15,000) when discharged!
However, considering active duty soldiers are on standby 24/7, many argue it's still below minimum wage. But compared to the "slave labor" wages of the past, it's a massive improvement.
5. Career Soldiers (The Pros)
Everything above applies to conscripts (mandatory service). But Korea also has Career Soldiers (NCOs & Officers).
- They are professionals who chose the military as a job.
- They serve for longer terms (basic 4-5 years) and receive a proper salary, housing, and government employee benefits.
- They are the ones training and leading the conscripts.
Conclusion
So, if you're in Seoul and see a man in uniform on the subway at 6 PM, don't assume he's AWOL! He might just be a Sanggeun soldier heading home to his wife and baby. Korea's military system is complex, unique, and constantly evolving!
