What's the difference in active duty and public service in korea?

[shutupihateyou]

I'm more curious to it now after yoochun's mess. I only have a subtle info about it so enlighten me more. Also, does all men require to be in active duty but unless they have their reasons, they can choose public service? Is that it?

[HugeBoi Minos Wife]

I dont know much but public service is much more "comfortable"? Well you work in an office and you have your free time just like regular workers. Basically going to work for a certain period of time, then you can go home once ur done and stay with your family later, active duty cant ever do that.

 

And I dont think you can choose (unless there was a manipulation from a higher up relative) but they go through tests and its up to the adminstration (military) to decide whether you are fit for active duty or not. Those going for public service usually have health issues.

[Gen_ki]

Pretty much all men are expected to do active duty, unless there is an issue. Celebrities can pull some strings and get into public service. Also, if a person passes a test, they can spend their service as a police officer. 

 

One con about public service is that it is longer than active duty. 

[footballfina]

There are two tiers of service: active duty or non-active duty service. Length of service varies according to branches: 21 months for Army and Marine Corps, 23 months for Navy, 24 months for Air Force. The non-active duty service, e.g. civil service or public service worker, is from 24 months to 36 months.

 

EXEMPTIONS INCLUDE

Certain medical conditions, depending on the severity, either exempts one from service or allows civil service instead. This includes those who have donated organs. Graduates from special high schools may work at selected workplaces for 3 years instead. Those with a master's degree in engineering may work at research institutes or pass a test and do a PhD for 3 years instead.

[Sunmo]

Active duty = serving as a soldier/marine/pilot in the armed services, ranges from 21 to 24 months

Public Service= working as a government clerk, ranges from 24 months to 36 months

 

FAQ about public service: cr:

1.) If you pass and become a level 4 soldier, which is a Public Service Personnel, what does a public service personnel actually do? 

>He will work in the city hall, subway, factory and other places. Like a government worker. Depends on where he is assigned.

 

2.) At the end of the day, where does he go home to? To his own home or there is a dorm for all Level 4 soldiers?

>He will go home to his own home.

 

3.) Is he going to have a semi-bald hair like Level 1 and 2 soldiers?

>No, he won’t.

 

4.) After the 4 weeks training at Nonsan Training Center, what’s his life going to be like?

>He will go everyday to his own home, after 5pm. Actually, they are not called soldiers, so they will only learn how to use a gun and grenade and basic knowledge of army and combat for 4 weeks. Then after that, they will live like a citizen.

[loup]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_South_Korea

very interesting sites (even if some laws since 2009 modified some details i'm thinking) :

http://askakorean.blogspot.fr/2009/03/military-service-series-part-i.html

http://askakorean.blogspot.fr/2009/04/military-service-series-part-ii-life-in.html

http://askakorean.blogspot.fr/2009/04/military-service-series-part-iii-korean.html