Camp Coiner's PX: What's the deal with the kimchi?

Question

So, I'm heading to Camp Coiner next month for a conference. Heard the PX there has some seriously killer kimchi, supposedly better than anything you can get off-post. Is this true?! I'm a kimchi fiend and want to stock up, but if it's not amazing, I'll just stick to my usual spots near Itaewon. I've heard some... conflicting opinions, lol. Anyway, any tips for navigating the PX itself, aside from the kimchi situation? It's a military base so, you know... It's probably gonna be a different vibe. Is it a big place? Or more like a small store?

elfi · Answer

if you're a kimchi fiend just get it, it's good enough and the price is right. the PX has weird hours sometimes, like they close for lunch or random training stuff so check before you go. also the checkout lines can be brutal if you hit the wrong time, early morning is way smoother

carinarohmann · Answer

Yeah, the Camp Coiner PX kimchi is... a thing. It's definitely got a cult following. Whether it's *better* than everything in Itaewon is subjective, of course. Some swear by it, others find it unremarkable. I'd say it's worth a try, especially if you're already there. Don't go out of your way, though.

The PX itself is pretty average size, not huge, not tiny. Think a slightly upscale commissary. Just remember your ID, they're pretty strict about who gets in. And be prepared for a bit of a military vibe, but nothing too intense. It's not like you're going through some top secret installation. It's a PX, after all. Just be polite and you'll be fine. Enjoy that kimchi!

birga · Answer

honestly the kimchi hype is real but it's more about consistency than being mindblowing. the PX kimchi is made in bulk by a specific vendor so it's always the same batch quality, which some people prefer over the hit-or-miss stuff at random markets. i'd grab a jar if you're already there but don't skip your itaewon spots

the PX itself is basically a department store with groceries, not huge but has a weird mix of korean snacks and american junk food. one thing nobody mentions is they sometimes have limited edition stuff like special korean sauces or snacks that don't make it to regular stores. check the endcaps near the refrigerated section

also heads up the parking situation can be annoying if you're driving, it's tight and fills up fast during lunch hours. better to walk from the main gate if you're staying nearby

romy · Answer

fwiw the kimchi at the PX is made by a company called Chongga which is the same brand you'll see in every convenience store here. so it's not some secret base recipe or anything. the real draw is the price like $5 for a big jar vs $10-12 at emart

one thing nobody mentioned is the PX has a little photo studio in the back where you can do passport photos for like 5 bucks. also they sell used uniforms and boots in the corner which is kinda weird but cool if you need cheap gear

parking is a nightmare

clarissarombach · Answer

ngl the kimchi debate is prob overblown but there's one thing nobody's mentioning: the PX has these big plastic tubs of it, like 2kg for cheap. great for cooking with if you're making kimchi jjigae or fried rice, not so much for eating straight. the stuff at the little ajumma stalls near itaewon station is way better for snacking

pro tip: the PX also has a little food court area with a korean vendor that does decent ddeokbokki and kimbap. not life changing but beats grabbing a burger from the american side. also if you're going during the week, avoid 1130-1300, that's when all the soldiers flood in for lunch and the lines get stupid

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