In the Army In Korea
Eighth United States Army (EUSA)/United States Forces Korea (USFK)/United Nations Command-Korea
An unofficial patch approved for local wear on the uniforms of those assigned to the United States Postal Group-Korea, circa 1980.
The USAPG-K consisted of:
- Headquarters, Postal Group Korea
- 1st AG Detachment Postal
- 19th AG Detachment Postal
- 66th AG Detachment Postal
- 81st AG Detachment Postal
- 117th AG Detachment Postal
Ration Control
In the Republic of Korea (ROK) shopping was not just a threat to your personal budget. Shopping could ruin your career! The ROK government limited the importation of foreign goods and limited the amount money (Korean Won) that could be taken out of the country. This, of course, resulted in a robust blackmarket. The Eighth United States Army (EUSA) held each service member responsible for what he/she bought each month and limited even how much each person could spend depending on marital status and rank. (These were very un-PC times). Every purchase of controlled items (e.g., cigarettes, beer, liquor, televisions, stereos, video cassette records, and even specific brands of shampoo [!]) were recorded on a Ration Control Record.
To help, in a limited way, EUSA issued a listing of how much you could buy each month. The USFK form 34.
Note: Trying hard and being diligent would not save you from the wrath of EUSA/USFK if you made a mistake.
See side two, click here.
Here's a receipt from the Taegu commissary. Notice that certain items are coded 1133. These items would be recorded on the Ration Control Record, entered into a database, and maintained for all of:
The Black Market
The ration control system was begat by the black market. The black market was the illegal trade of goods available to USFK personnel (and their family members if they were command sponsored) for money from Koreans who would then sell the good to other Koreans. Items that could be popular on the black market ranged from just about anything like toilet paper and cast iron (in the 1950s and 1960s) to color TVs, diamonds, and mink coats (in the 1980s).
I would say that a black market (or parallel market as some call it) is the direct result of what happens when you try to have an economy directed by a central government. I leave it to economic wonks as to if government control of the market and consumers goods really does bring about good things, but in my limited experience the one outcome you could count on for sure was that taxing (import duties) or banning an item brought about an immediate increase in the take home pay of the criminals (Koreans and USFK personnel) who ran the black market rings.
Here's a news story ripped form today's headlines that shows the black market continues to flourish.
A book that tells a good (and true story) of how much money and crime can result from a black market is Robin L. Moore's, "Khaki Mafia." The book seems to be out of print, so you may have to order it from a library.
Trivia and AnecdotesA Korean gentleman in a semi-official looking uniform told me I had to pay to park on the street next next to the Korean public market between Camp Walker and Camp Henry. At least, he gave me a receipt.
Itaewon
Itaewon deserves it own web site, but for now here's the start with random clippings and thoughts:
From the Youngsong Gu official Web site: "... It was 1962 that the amusement center began in Itaewon when Mr. Hwang, an ex-service man opened 'Seven Club" only for US army. IN 1963, "UN club", "Gateway" and other clubs were opened,..."
This photo, unknown date (although I'd guess around 1977), shows a view of Itaewon looking up the famous Fish Alley. You can just barely see Mr. Hwang's 7 club. I can remember some nice summer evenings sitting on the roof and drinking beer. There were also pool tables, but I didn't play much as I had no skill at the game.
The UN Club was the first club I ever visited in Itaewon. However, I never went there that much afterward that first visit.
