US military base near Seoul faces scrutiny over cost and evolving threats

Camp Humphreys, a sprawling US military base near Seoul, South Korea, is facing scrutiny over its long-term viability. The base, which covers approximately 3,500 acres and hosts around 43,000 personnel, is the largest overseas installation for the US armed forces. While it serves as a cornerstone of the US-South Korea defense alliance, ongoing negotiations over cost-sharing and the evolving threat landscape, including North Korea's advanced missile technology, are raising questions about its strategic permanence. The consolidation of forces to Pyeongtaek, completed after multi-billion-dollar overhauls, aimed to shield troops from conventional artillery but the current threat environment necessitates a re-evaluation of fixed installations.