Camp Gary Owen Heliport (H-172)

Military Conversion and Realignment. The heliport was part of Camp Gary Owen, a U.S. Army post. Its closure was a direct result of the broader U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) transformation and relocation plan. This strategic plan involved consolidating numerous small bases located north of Seoul and near the DMZ into larger, more modern hubs further south, primarily Camp Humphreys. The goal was to improve operational efficiency, enhance force protection, and return valuable land to the South Korean government.

The site of the former Camp Gary Owen and its heliport has been completely demilitarized and returned to South Korean control. The land has been subject to significant redevelopment. Satellite imagery of the coordinates shows the area has been largely cleared and re-graded. It is part of a larger region in Paju that is being transformed into industrial complexes (such as the Paju LCD Cluster), commercial zones, and public spaces under plans like the Paju Unification Economy Special Zone. The specific location of the heliport is no longer recognizable as an aviation facility and is part of this broader redevelopment.

Camp Gary Owen was a critical forward-deployed U.S. Army installation located just south of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Its strategic position made it a key 'tripwire' element in the defense of the Western Corridor, a traditional invasion route to Seoul. The camp hosted various units of the 2nd Infantry Division, including armored cavalry and infantry battalions. The H-172 heliport was essential for the camp's mission, supporting air cavalry operations, reconnaissance and screening missions along the DMZ, rapid troop transport, and MEDEVAC services. It primarily handled military helicopters such as the OH-58 Kiowa (reconnaissance) and AH-1 Cobra (attack), which were vital for mobility and firepower in the rugged terrain.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the heliport. The closure was part of a permanent strategic realignment of U.S. forces in Korea. The land has been repurposed for civilian economic development by the South Korean government, making any return to military or aviation use highly improbable.