Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) is located on the southern coast of the Republic of Korea (ROK), approximately one hour west of Busan, the country's second largest city. CFAC is home to about 300 Sailors, U.S. DOD Civilians, and family members, Chinhae offers Sailors a small-town comfort not found in Korea's larger cities. Spacious base housing and a sense of closeness helps make Chinhae the Navy's "best kept secret."
CFAC is an installation of Commander, Navy Region Korea (CNRK), and supports the operational role of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK). CNFK is the US Navy's representative in the ROK and provides leadership and expertise in naval matters to the ROK to improve institutional and operational effectiveness between the two navies and to strengthen collective security efforts in Korea and the region. To this end, CNFK works closely with its ROK counterparts throughout the year, and coordinates U.S. Navy participation in several major joint and combined training activities each year. Sailors serving with CFAC, CNRK, and CNFK can expect a challenging and interesting assignment, in an advanced country with fascinating cultural and recreational opportunities.
Duty in Korea
Most Americans have little or no knowledge of Korea’s history and culture, and much of what they do know may be an erroneous impression garnered from the news media or old newsreel footage from the Korean War. In reality, the Republic of Korea is a vibrant, vital country of more than 48 million people, all striving to keep up in this fast-paced, modern society.
Koreans have become world travelers, world-class economic competitors, and they are highly regarded participants in world affairs. Underpinning all their vast economic and commercial accomplishments over the last twenty-five years, though, lay the Korean people’s spiritual wealth, their traditional respect for elders, their strong belief in community, their love of nature, and their sense of national pride.
Embark on your Korean experience with a sense of adventure and your journey may surprise you in new and wonderful ways. Soon after you arrive, you will realize the Korean people are very friendly. They will exert themselves to the utmost to understand you. Many Koreans, especially in Seoul, speak English. At times though, communication can be a frustrating task. The key is to exercise patience, speak slowly (not loudly!) and express gratitude. Your reward will be their readiness to cooperate and to support you.
Many newcomers find South Korea to be an exotic place. Keeping an open mind and being willing to experience and appreciate cultural differences will make your tour of duty here one of the most memorable of your military career.
CFAC Public Affairs Office
Commander Fleet Activities Chinhae
CFAC_PAO@fe.navy.mil