Camp Hialeh

• Origins: Camp Hialeah was originally established by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1923 as a military facility in Busan, Korea. • 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. • Name Significance: The camp was named "Hialeah" after Hialeah, Florida, following a tradition of naming overseas bases after American cities. • 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. • 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. • UN Command Base: It served as a headquarters for various United Nations Command units, including logistics, engineering, and transportation detachments. • 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. • Community Ties: Camp Hialeah had a close relationship with the local Busan community, organizing joint events and employing many Korean civilians. • 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. • 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.