About this Unit
Camp Hialeah was a United States military installation located in Busan, South Korea. Originally established by the Imperial Japanese Army in the 1920s, it was taken over by U.S. forces following World War II. During the Korean War, Camp Hialeah served as a crucial logistics and support hub, facilitating the movement of personnel and materiel for United Nations Command operations. The camp remained active as a U.S. Army base until its closure and return to the South Korean government in 2006, after which the site was repurposed for civilian use.
Historical Facts
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Origins: Camp Hialeah was originally established by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1923 as a military facility in Busan, Korea.
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US Occupation: After World War II, the United States Army took control of the camp in September 1945, using it as a base for American forces during the occupation of Korea.
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Name Significance: The camp was named "Hialeah" after Hialeah, Florida, following a tradition of naming overseas bases after American cities.
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Korean War Role: During the Korean War (1950-1953), Camp Hialeah served as a vital logistics and support base, processing thousands of troops, refugees, and prisoners of war.
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Port of Entry: Due to its proximity to the port of Busan, Camp Hialeah functioned as a major entry and exit point for US and UN troops and equipment throughout the Korean War.
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UN Command Base: It served as a headquarters for various United Nations Command units, including logistics, engineering, and transportation detachments.
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Post-War Use: After the Korean War, the camp remained a logistics hub, supporting USFK (United States Forces Korea) and the Eighth Army, especially for transportation and supply missions.
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Community Ties: Camp Hialeah had a close relationship with the local Busan community, organizing joint events and employing many Korean civilians.
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Closure and Return: Following the US-ROK Land Partnership Plan, Camp Hialeah was closed in August 2006 and officially returned to the South Korean government in January 2007.
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Transformation: After its closure, the former camp area was redeveloped into Busan Citizens Park, one of the largest urban parks in South Korea, preserving some of the site's historical legacy.
