Getting to Nonsan Army Training Center: A Fan's Guide (Felix Edition!)
Hey AROHA and K-pop fans! With Felix(Cha Eun-woo) from ASTRO recently enlisting at the Nonsan Army Training Center, I've been getting tons of DMs asking about how to get there. My younger brother actually enlisted there last month, so I thought I'd share everything I learned about the journey - whether you're sending off a family member or hoping to catch a glimpse of your favorite idol on their enlistment day!
The Official Shuttle Bus - Your Best Bet
Honestly, this was a lifesaver. The military provides free shuttle buses from major cities, and here's how to book:
Booking Process:
- Go to the Army Training Center website (www.katc.mil.kr)
- Click on "입영지원 (Enlistment Support)"
- Then "입영버스 예약 (Shuttle Bus Reservation)"
- You can book starting 14 days before the enlistment date
- Best part? It's completely free!
Where the buses depart from:
- Seoul: Seoul Station (super convenient!)
- Gyeonggi Province: Suwon, Anyang, and Uijeongbu Stations
- Incheon: Main Bus Terminal
- Other major cities: Chuncheon, Wonju, Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, and Gwangju stations
If You're Driving or Taking Public Transport
Coming from Seoul/Gyeonggi Area
By car: Take the Gyeongbu Expressway → Nonsan-Cheonan Expressway → exit at Nonsan IC. The whole trip took us about 2.5 hours, but traffic was pretty light that day.
By train: We actually did this route first. KTX from Seoul Station to Nonsan Station (about 1 hour 40 minutes), then a quick 15-minute taxi ride to the center.
By bus: Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Nonsan Terminal takes around 2.5 hours, then taxi from there.
From Other Regions
Busan area: About 4 hours by car via Gyeongbu Expressway, or 2.5 hours by KTX to Nonsan Station.
Gwangju area: Only about 2 hours by car via Honam Expressway, or take the train from Gwangju Songjeong Station.
Parking Situation
There's a main parking lot right in front of the training center that's free and holds about 1,000 cars. BUT - and this is a big but - it gets absolutely packed on weekends and holidays. We got there 3 hours early and still had to circle around a few times.
Pro tip: There's also a public parking lot called Yeonmudae about a 5-minute walk away. It costs ₩1,000 per hour but has way less traffic.
My Honest Advice
Arrive early - I cannot stress this enough. We thought 1 hour would be plenty, but the traffic around the base was insane. Give yourself at least 2 hours.
Consider public transport - The shuttle bus or train + taxi combo is honestly less stressful than driving and dealing with parking.
Taxi costs - From Nonsan Station or the bus terminal, expect to pay around ₩8,000-₩10,000 for a taxi to the training center.
Check the weather - We went on a rainy day and the parking situation was even more chaotic.
For fans - If you're going to support Felix(Cha Eun-woo) or other celebrities, be respectful of other families there and follow any guidelines the staff provide. Remember, it's a solemn occasion for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
The whole experience was pretty emotional, but knowing the logistics ahead of time definitely helped reduce some stress. And honestly? Seeing all the fans gathered to support Felix(Cha Eun-woo) and other celebrities who've enlisted there really showed how much this place means to so many families and fandoms. The staff at the training center were really helpful too, so don't hesitate to ask questions when you get there.
Whether you're there for a family member like I was, or you're an AROHA wanting to send Felix(Cha Eun-woo) off with love and support, I hope this guide helps make your trip a little easier!
Feel free to drop any questions in the comments below, especially if you're planning to visit during peak enlistment times when idols are enlisting.
