Korean War Legacy Project

Gary Routh

Bio

Gary Routh enlisted in the military in 1994, right after high school, hoping to have college paid for and seeking adventure. He originally planned to learn Arabic to pursue a career in archaeology in the Middle East, but soon discovered his language assignment had been changed to Korean, leading to his stationing in South Korea. There, he used his Korean language skills to spy on North Korean forces through radio communications. Routh describes the living conditions as akin to those in a ghetto. He also reflects on his relationship with the KATUSA and the cultural misunderstandings between American and Korean forces.

Video Clips

Listening in on North Korea

Gary Routh describes his job listening to North Korean soldiers on the radio in the 1990s. Occasionally, he would hear artillery practice or excitement on the other end, but most of the time, the job was monotonous. He explains that spying often involved hearing the same phrases from North Korean soldiers day after day.

Tags: Communists,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,North Koreans,South Koreans,Weapons

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American G.I.s and the KATUSA

Gary Routh reflects on his interactions with the KATUSA stationed alongside American G.I.s. He explains how American forces often found Korean customs, like bathing each other or eating ramen while sitting on the floor, to be unusual. Similarly, he notes that the Koreans viewed the Americans as strange, particularly due to the loud and harsh nature of U.S. soldiers.

Tags: Civilians,Food,Home front,Impressions of Korea,KATUSA,Living conditions,Prior knowledge of Korea,Rest and Relaxation (R&R),South Koreans

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Like Living in a Ghetto

Gary Routh describes life in the barracks while stationed in Korea, noting that the conditions were rough and the buildings were deteriorating. He explains that, while he could easily hang out with friends at any time, most of the experience felt like living in a ghetto. The lack of comfort and maintenance made everyday life challenging.

Tags: Seoul,Civilians,Food,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Rest and Relaxation (R&R),South Koreans

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