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1h ago

Trump Seeks U.S. Ownership of Base Land in South Korea

South Korea says the bilateral SOFA grants use of facilities without transferring title.

This file photo, released by the Associated Press, shows then National Security Adviser John Bolton speaking to the press at the White House in Washington on July 31, 2019. (Yonhap)
This UPI photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump answering reporters' questions during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington on Aug. 26, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • At a White House meeting with President Lee Jae Myung, President Trump said he wants to replace what he called a lease with U.S. ownership of land hosting major American bases.
  • South Korean National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said SOFA terms mean the United States is granted use of facilities and areas at no cost and that such sites are returned when no longer needed.
  • Security analysts described the ownership idea as leverage for upcoming security and cost-sharing talks, noting any title transfer would require National Assembly approval and is considered unrealistic with no precedent for U.S. ownership of foreign base land.
  • Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek is the largest overseas U.S. military base and headquarters of U.S. Forces Korea, and South Korea has lent 61 additional facilities totaling about 94.4 million square meters.
  • Under the current Special Measures Agreement, Seoul’s contribution for stationing costs rises to 1.52 trillion won next year from 1.4 trillion won this year.