About this Unit
Camp Hialeah was a United States Army installation located in Busan (formerly Pusan), South Korea. Established during the Korean War in the early 1950s, it served as a major logistics and support base for U.S. and United Nations forces, facilitating the flow of supplies and personnel throughout the conflict. Over the decades, Camp Hialeah continued to function as a vital rear-area facility, housing various support units and providing maintenance, transportation, and administrative services. The camp was officially closed in 2006, and the land was returned to the South Korean government, later redeveloped for civilian use.
Historical Facts
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Multinational Use: The facility hosted not only American troops but also supported United Nations Command elements, including British, Turkish, and other allied forces.
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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.
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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.
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Environmental Cleanup Efforts: After its closure, Camp Hialeah required extensive environmental remediation to address fuel spills and other contamination before redevelopment.
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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.
