Camp Humphreys Introduces New PX Minimall and Broadcast Facility
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — Two newly opened facilities at Camp Humphreys, the Army and Air Force Exchange Troop Minimall and the American Forces Network Korea Broadcast Center, signify a modern advancement for the base, despite their differing purposes.
The PX Minimall commenced operations on November 8, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It marks the first new AAFES facility designed to support service members and their families relocating to Camp Humphreys from Area I and Yongsan.
Costing $6.2 million and spanning approximately 24,000 square feet, the facility boasts an extensive retail space offering various items, including food, toiletries, drinks, auto supplies, uniform gear, and computer accessories.
Notably, the Minimall houses a 124-seat food court featuring Taco Bell and Subway, with Starbucks scheduled to open soon. Additionally, it provides an eight-chair barbershop and a dry cleaner, conveniently located across from the barracks where Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division reside.
AAFES General Manager Stanley Young highlighted that the Minimall eliminates the need for Soldiers to take a 30-minute bus ride to the Main PX or barbershop. “This provides a service they were looking for and adds significant convenience,” Young noted.
Col. Joseph C. Holland, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Humphrey, emphasized that the Minimall’s opening enhances the services available to Soldiers. Earlier this year, the garrison launched new barracks, maintenance facilities, and a gym, with the Minimall filling a retail void in the area.
Karin Duncan, senior vice president of the Exchange for the overseas region, indicated that the Minimall would generate revenue to enhance the quality of life for service members, expressing optimism for the anticipated opening of four new facilities in the next year, including a significant 300,000 square foot PX.
New AFN-Korea Broadcast Facility Unveiled
Just one week later, on November 15, the American Forces Network Korea unveiled its new broadcast center. Ray Shepherd, the Director of the Defense Media Activity, discussed AFN’s enduring legacy of delivering news and entertainment to service members in Korea, dating back to the early days of the Korean War.
Reflecting on AFN’s historical roots, Shepherd recounted how, due to the rapidly changing front lines during the war, early broadcasting was conducted from mobile studios that adapted with the units. “Pusan Radio was the sole non-mobile station back then,” he mentioned.
Over the years, AFN established a permanent station in Yongsan and expanded its capabilities to cover the entire Korean peninsula, with a commitment that remains unwavering 66 years later. Shepherd affirmed that AFN-Korea’s mission continues to be providing high-quality radio and television programming to service members and their families in South Korea.
The new Humphreys facility spans 26,188 square feet on the first floor and 20,591 square feet on the second, equipped with three radio studios—one specifically serving the Yongsan area now that the previous Yongsan facility has closed. Plans for an additional radio studio are underway, alongside a large television studio outfitted with advanced video technology.
AFN Osan will continue broadcasts to Osan and Humphreys until the station relocates to Humphreys in early 2017, while AFN Casey will also transition as the 2nd Infantry Division moves to Camp Humphreys at a later date.
