The Korea Local Administration Review

The Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea and the Korea-US Administrative Agreement which are signed after the Korean War resulted in the presence of US troops in various parts of the country. US military bases are the United States in Korea, and the access and use of Korean citizens have been restricted. The location of use for military purposes, such as units of the US Forces in Korea, was named a donor area, and the number reaches 129. Of these, 80 areas are scheduled to be returned, and a large number of the core military facilities of the US Forces in Korea are being relocated to the US Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek. In addition to the existing donor areas being located in large cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, there are many cases where they are located in small and medium-sized cities such as Dongducheon, Uijeongbu, Pyeongtaek, Chilgok, Gunsan, and Pohang. This study began with the background that research on the characteristics of U.S. military bases in small and medium-sized cities is meaningful in the current situation in which small and medium-sized cities are declining, and it is necessary to find answers to overcome regional decline. The purpose of this study is to compare neighboring areas around US military bases and to understand their characteristics, focusing on the fact that there are many cases where US military bases are located in small and medium-sized cities. Descriptive statistical comparisons were performed through mapping of aggregation, Dong, and Ri units. In addition, through field surveys, the actual status of the region was grasped. As a result of the study, it was confirmed that the surrounding neighborhoods of US military bases located in small and medium-sized cities lacked the function of supporting housing, and that development was difficult due to the proximity of military facilities. In addition, it was judged that the flow of local traffic occurred mainly on military bases, and public welfare was insufficient due to the separation from the city center. However, various cultures coexist, and through this, it is possible to attempt to revitalize the region. This study will be the basis of military geography to understand the characteristics and actual conditions of neighboring areas formed by the location of US military bases in small and medium-sized cities.