In 2004, an agreement was reached between the United States and South Korean governments to relocate the United States Forces Korea from the heart of Seoul to Camp Humphreys, outside the mid-sized city of Pyeongtaek, and to a second major garrison outside of Daegu

The process, scheduled to be completed next year, will consolidate more than 28,000 troops into two regional hubs and will transform Camp Humphreys into the largest U.S. Army garrison in Asia.

As the population of the garisson increases from 12,000 Soldiers, Family Members and contractors to 37,000 in 2016, the city of Pyeongtaek, in co-operation with the central South Korean government, have developed ambitious plans.

These include a major Samsung semiconductor chip plant, the world’s largest fuel cell power plant, an expanded maritime port, a free economic zone as well as tens of thousands of new housing developments.

UC Berkley’s Bridget Martin is researching the links between Militarism and Urbanization in South Korea. In the second of our two-part conversation, she talks about the intensity of South Korean urban redevelopment, the goals behind USFK base consolidation and restructuring and the historical relationship between American military bases and South Korean society.

Music on this episode is the Pearl Sister's 'Love House' (펄시스터즈 사랑의 교실) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AAvLhCeUwc