Military minimall for US troops in Korea

1 min readUpdated May 27, 2025Nov 16, 20164:00 AM

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A $6.2 million US military minimall has been officially opened for troops relocating to an expandedCamp Humphreys in South Korea.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) centre includes fast-food restaurants, a barber shop and a retail store, across the street from a new barracks at the US Army garrison 88km south of Seoul. This means soldiers will no longer need to take a bus to the central food court and commissary that previously served the whole post.

Soldiers at the opening ceremony were told the minimall will save them time and help alleviate queues and crowding. The complex also is near a chapel, theatre and gym.

Its 124-seat dining room has a Starbucks, Subway and Taco Bell. There is also a dry cleaner, an eight-chair barber shop and a grocery store that also sells other items.

Construction of the almost 24,000 sqft (2229 sqm) building three years ago, with the South Korean government paying $4.4 million and the AAFES $1.8 million. The South Korean government is funding most of the $10.7 billion overall expansion project.

AAFES regional senior VP Karin Duncan says four more amenities will open late next year, including a 300,000 sqft post exchange.

The US has about 28,500 serving military in South Korea, which remains technically at war with the North after the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice instead of a peace treaty.

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What this means

This highly focused AAFES expansion directly addresses an immediate need for US military personnel in South Korea, streamlining access to essential services and fast food. Unlike Panpuri's ambitious 16-store Asian expansion or Tiffany's upscale Blue Box Cafe opening in Singapore, AAFES’s strategy is less about market penetration and more about captive audience service delivery. The integrated minimall reduces operational friction for troops, likely boosting morale and on-base spending. The significant South Korean government investment ($4.4 million) shows a shared interest in infrastructure development. This targeted approach will likely succeed given the lack of direct competition and mandated customer base. Watch the details of the four additional amenities scheduled to open late next year, especially the 300,000 sqft post exchange, for further operational insights.

Maria Santos · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What is the total cost of the new minimall and who paid for its construction?

The minimall cost $6.2 million in total to build. The South Korean government contributed $4.4 million towards its construction, with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) paying the remaining $1.8 million.

What facilities are available inside the new minimall for troops?

The minimall includes fast-food restaurants like Starbucks, Subway, and Taco Bell within its 124-seat dining room. It also features a barber shop with eight chairs, a dry cleaner, and a grocery store selling various items.

Where is the new minimall located in relation to the main Camp Humphreys facilities?

The minimall is situated across the street from new barracks at the US Army garrison. This location means soldiers no longer need to travel by bus to the central food court and commissary.

What is the future expansion plan for amenities at Camp Humphreys?

Four more amenities are scheduled to open late next year, according to AAFES regional senior VP Karin Duncan. This includes a significant 300,000 square foot post exchange.

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