Camp Hialeah, Korea

• Origins as a Japanese Facility: Before becoming a U.S. military installation, the site of Camp Hialeah in Busan (formerly Pusan), South Korea, was used by the Imperial Japanese Army until the end of World War II. • Named After Hialeah, Florida: The camp was named "Hialeah" by American forces after the city of Hialeah, Florida, continuing a tradition of naming overseas bases after U.S. places. • Key Logistics Role During Korean War: Camp Hialeah served as a major logistics and supply hub during the Korean War, supporting UN forces with vital materiel and transportation. • POW Processing Site: During the Korean War, the camp was used as a processing and transit point for prisoners of war (POWs), accommodating thousands at its peak. • Home to the 20th Area Support Group: The 20th Area Support Group, a key logistics and support command responsible for the southern region of Korea, was headquartered at Camp Hialeah. • Multinational Use: The facility hosted not only American troops but also supported United Nations Command elements, including British, Turkish, and other allied forces. • Strategic Location: Located in the vital port city of Busan, Camp Hialeah was essential in receiving and distributing supplies, vehicles, and personnel arriving by sea. • Closure and Return to South Korea: The camp was officially closed on August 10, 2006, and the land was returned to the South Korean government, marking the end of over 50 years of U.S. use. • Environmental Cleanup Efforts: After its closure, Camp Hialeah required extensive environmental remediation to address fuel spills and other contamination before redevelopment. • Transformation into Busan Citizens Park: The former camp site has since been redeveloped into Busan Citizens Park, a major urban green space opened in 2014, symbolizing the transformation from a military base to a place for public enjoyment.