Norah O'Donnell revisits her childhood home in South Korea

While reporting in South Korea this week for her interview with President Moon Jae-in, "CBS This Morning" co-host Norah O'Donnell had the opportunity to revisit her childhood home in U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, where she lived for two years.
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Delivered by Charlie Rose, Norah O’Donnell and Gayle King, "CBS This Morning" offers a thoughtful, substantive and insightful source of news and information to a daily audience of 3 million viewers. The Emmy Award-winning broadcast presents a mix of daily news, coverage of developing stories of national and global significance, and interviews with leading figures in politics, business and entertainment. Check local listings for "CBS This Morning" broadcast times.

[@josephgoolsby9221]

What a natural Norah was at only 10 years old, and she made such a wonderful contribution teaching the Koreans. Great job Norah!

[@Gothiczartan]

I went to the same school she did. I didn't knew she was a student at Seoul American Elementary School. Not sure if I had seen that girl like Norah. I've seen a lot of kids similar like her when she was young.

[@eewilson9835]

She lies on the evening news, and she lies right here, expecting us to believe that she was enlisted in the air force, employed by the us gov and ronald regan parked his helicopter in her yard so that he could conduct important School of the Americas moves with Child Nora. What a joke.

[@caringandloving2261]

As a Korean who resides inUS now, I can’t thank enough for all US military personnel who have sacrificed their lives and for still stationing in Korea to keep S. Korea safe from North Korea. Also I thanks Norah for returning to an old Army base to reminisce her childhood growing up in a tight military community, not only heighten my gratitude of military presence in South Korea, as the younger generation who have grown up the decades after Korean War era don’t share the same view but also showed Norah’s personable approach and her natural ability to communicate. I am her fan now!

[@jasonschmidt6688]

I was in 4th and 5th grade there from 84-86. I bet I crossed paths with Norah. Not sure if she was the same grade or a year older. I lived in the same duplexes. This brings back so many memories.

[@capmidnite]

Seoul American Elementary! Go Dolphins! I was there late 70s and early 1980s. Fort Dix stateside after that.

[@vocalkjy]

I appreciate all American forces who are defending South Korea and who fought in Korean war. Thank you so much from bottom of my heart.

[@kounika3655]

hes my father not bs

[@travissweat9098]

I cant wait for the conservative states to secede from the USS the United States of socialism, and watch the 10 to 20 cesspools to swiftly die in their own filfth.

[@joycedominguez1828]

@@travissweat9098 you're not an American I hope

[@MarkAnthonyHenderson]

That brought back some nostalgia for me also. I lived in South Korea during the '80s. Great memories. Thank you for sharing!

[@orangecrane1340]

Enjoyed watching this video of Norah in S.Korea. It was warming to me in 2021 as I wait for our son to return from his tour of duty in S.Korea.

[@nursetazzi]

My dad was stationed in Korea several times, the last time from 72-75. My brother and I went to all three schools on Yongsan over the years, until my dad was transferred to Ft Hunter Liggett for his terminal assignment. I have many fond memories of Yongsan, our home in RGH, and making the trip into post on the bus. You are very right, safety was never an issue on post. My parents never worried about my brother or me because on post we were safe.

[@capmidnite]

RGH!!! I lived there late 70s and early 80s, got bussed to Yongsan for school. The area outside RGH at the time was typical developing 1970's Korea: dusty streets, constant construction, open-air markets, Korean housewives washing their clothes by a well. I recently visited and the hill that RGH was built on is now an apartment complex. It's in the Sampoong neighborhood of Seocho-gu (right near Gangnam). I think there was a horrific department store collapse around there in the mid 1990s.

[@capmidnite]

I remember in RGH there was a multi-story central building we called "the Big Building." It housed the commissary, other retail stores, a swim club and it even had a lounge/nightclub on one of the floors. I also remember walking up and down endless hills in RGH.

[@jiminswriter4209]

Korea is and was a very safe country.

[@johnyi8464]

That exact colonel family housing is where I first tried beer in 8th grade. We mixed orange juice with it lol. So many nostalgic memories growing up as an army brat. It was such an amazing experience to meet friends from all over the world. Believe it or not, it was a perfect utopia, microcosm of an ideal United States. No racism or poverty. That was summer of 1993.

[@tj-kv6vr]

get real, there is ALWAYS Racism and always poverty.

[@capmidnite]

Our family lived in a DoD satellite housing complex south of the Han and I took the bus to Seoul American Elementary. That was in the early 80s. I think it was gone by the 1990s? Anyway the old neighborhood is one of the priciest pieces of real estate in South Korea: Gangnam/Seocho.

[@DarqJestor]

No racism or poverty, but orange juice in beer??? The horror!!!!

[@johnyi8464]

@@DarqJestor I think we were trying to imitate a screwdriver and it went horribly wrong.

[@DarqJestor]

@@johnyi8464 Well, you were just a kid. But now I'm going to have to drink a few beers to get the that horror out of my mind. 😜

[@TruckDriver2005]

My husband was stationed at Camp Casey in Korea 13 years ago, and we lived on the economy. It was an awesome country, and I never felt unsafe over there. Our baby was born in Korea, and I hope we can go back and visit someday.

[@ifbridges]

OMG! What a blast from the past - thanks! My father was stationed at Yongsan from 78-81. We lived outside of the post at RGH for the first two years and then on Yongsan for the rest. I THINK our house is shown at 1:11! I would have been there for 3rd grade to the middle of 5th.

[@MarkGoddard1973]

We didn't live on base in Yongsan, but our family was there in 1980-82. We lived in an off base apartment complex. This brings back memories. I did go to the same elementary school.

[@apok1980]

It’s funny, my former manager was an army officer stationed in Guantanamo Bay with his family. He told me his kids would be out at 1AM in the morning. I gave him a funny look and he told me that nobody has to worry about their kids because bases on foreign soil are closed loops and all kids and teenagers are thoroughly looked after by every adult on base. Kind of interesting. His kids are now grown and successful.

[@sa4347]

I remember that day when president visit that’s why it’s was my first day in America

[@juliaarango8363]

I had the good fortune to be stationed at Yongsan! It was such a happy time in my life.

[@capmidnite]

Back in the 70s and 80s South Korea was considered a hardship tour. Now the areas outside the US bases are better developed than inside.

[@juliaarango8363]

@@capmidnite I was there in the 1990s. It was WONDERFUL!!! On base and off base. In 1992 Seoul had 2 subway lines. Now they have over 9,

[@bobbyricigliano2799]

I traveled to South Korea twice for annual training as an Army Reservist 20+ years ago. The enlisted housing we were billeted in was newer and spotlessly clean. The permanent party soldiers we worked and trained with were solid and of high morale. Everyone worked hard, took their jobs seriously, and treated us great.

[@DavidHongMD]

Respect all of you!! I served from 2002 to 2004 in Camp Yongsan. I miss the place....

[@queent3343]

I'm glad she was able to go back. My dad was in the USAF and we traveled all over the world. All the bases we lived on overseas have now closed. It's like my childhood before 8 is gone. I do remember military school and it was a great education and remember always being safe and part of a tightknit community.

[@BearingMySeoul]

Yongsan is closed too. The city of Seoul still hasn't decided what to do with the land yet.

[@brucedewitt1711]

Great Story, I too was an Army Brat, spent 8 years in Germany. My ex-wife married a Marine and my daughter spent two years at Youngsan. I'd like to go back and visit my "home towns" in Germany but 2 of the 3 have been closed.

[@mariabarr1286]

Great information about a beautiful, classy lady

[@johnwahl752]

Norah, I asked my mother not too long ago if she worried about me going out into other neighborhoods and playing baseball and skateboarding. She said no. I do wonder a lot how I’m still alive and so many others don’t make it to natural death. Count yourself lucky. The 90’s were so different then they are these days. I’m glad I lived. All kinds of scars. All kinds of experiences. Isn’t like precious?

[@tj-kv6vr]

so is LIFE

[@debwarren608]

Our family lived there in 1969. Still looks the same

[@vernam.c.mendiola8903]

Wow! Awesome blast from the past Norah.🤩💪🏾

[@sharonduggins7332]

That is so wonderful!

[@Gothiczartan]

I was at the US Army Base for shopping and other fun things during the 1980s by the time I was in school. I went to that school. Lots more to discover from the 80s and the past that I never knew before.

[@destrysanchez7185]

I miss watching Norah on CBS This Morning.

[@martaparsons5633]

I am a military child. I lived in Germany during Bay of Pigs. Military children are smart and have seen a lot of the world when they are young. Great memories.

[@larrypontelandolfo9304]

I served there in 1966 and 1967 8th Army. Never foget it.. All the best ...

[@edwizard62]

I was stationed there during the same time. Awesome!!

[@georgewhitehead8185]

She said it all..."This Is A Great Country."

[@JaRule6]

I knew what I wanted to do at 10 years old. I wanted to be a fashion designer and I wanted to be a wife and mother. I accomplished all three and then realized that the fashion industry was dog eat dog and a backstabbing frenzy. So I focused all my energy I mean the best mother and wife I could be and now very happy homemaker

[@vivek27789]

Good for u 👍

[@davidfaas58777]

It's Tues April 11th 2023 And I never saw this before It reminds me of Someone That I used to know who Spent time in Korea now and then back in the 80s decade He would talk about the DMZ

[@thomaskim7548]

looks so adorable

[@sa4347]

We appreciate that

[@rory13251]

I was in Seoul and Camp Humphreys in Nov 2004 to Nov 2005. I miss Korea

[@is-haqdhealbani1422]

I love Norah O'Donnel she is very beautiful ❤

[@mrkeno1000]

Those gorgeous eyes have something to do with that

[@maryprior9386]

WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AND OTHERS AS OUR CBS ANGELS. I LIVED IN CONNECTICUT IN A INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY. I KNOW LIVE IN ARGENTINA WITH MY FAMILY AT 75 OMG. TIMES FLIES. EXCUSE CAPS

[@SoloYolo84]

That was EBS educational broadcasting system in Seoul I do remember watching those clips as a kid in summer days there

[@khawmtiti4460]

Norah is as beautiful as ever

[@suesheehan1976]

In the 1970s I lived in an apartment complex in Yongsan overlooking the U.S. Army base. Every year, on the Sunday night before the July 4th holiday they did a firework show. The first year we moved in that apartment (1970), on a Sunday night we all of a sudden started hearing loud bangs, and didn't know where they were coming from. We feared that finally the North Koreans had come down invading. My grandmother looked out the back window and decided it wasn't the North Koreans, and we all started enjoying the firework.

[@billhall3465]

Absolutely love that woman

[@bobvogel2412]

Norah makes my hair sweat. STILL! As in right now. In a heartbeat. Anytime. Anywhere. Whew!

[@robertwhite7071]

Wow, I served on Jongsan 1995-1996

[@Delatta1961]

I used to land helicopters behind her house. The LZ pad was small and only fit two helicopters, or one Chinook. It was an easier time

[@robertschill2686]

The funny thing is that she is completely oblivious to the way the city of Seoul has changed around the army base.

[@jackyu2819]

These far left journalists have their noses up in the sky.

[@capmidnite]

Interesting fact: Yongsan military base sits on land that was formerly occupied by a Japanese Imperial Army HQ, when Korea was a Japanese colony. There's a handful of buildings from that era still standing.

[@billr.1230]

I was stationed at Kunsan Air Base which is further south on the peninsula and along the Yellow Sea. You said the move to Camp Humphreys was to make it safer for American families. That is simply untrue. The move to Humphreys is because Yongsan is in the middle of Seoul, as pointed out by the colonel near the beginning of this video. That happens to be prime real estate and is worth millions and millions. The RoK government wanted the land back.

[@capmidnite]

Yes, prime real estate. It's also a political sore point, especially for the Left wing faction of South Korean politics. Yongsan happens to sit on the site of a former Imperial Japanese military HQ. Most South Koreans of course appreciate the US military presence in protecting their country, but to some it is some sort of neo-colonialist symbol.

[@sa4347]

My god lovely thank you Norah

[@bondwin7025]

Hard work and dedication!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@timmyjones1921]

This is so kool , so many people can never go home again and if they did their old homes are no longer there.

[@RWebster325]

And that was when I was teaching at Balboa High School DODDS Panama. I didn't go to South Korea until 1994 when I spent a year at Camp Bonifas.

[@jonomichi2262]

wow great story

[@Col_Fragg]

The footprint of Yongsan Garrison has been greatly reduced and most of the land has been returned to South Korea. Sadly, her childhood home and the surrounding neighborhood has probably been demolished since this piece aired.

[@frobi6852]

That neighborhood was for High ranking officers and US embassy personnel, they have moved to camp Humphreys a few years ago.

[@ellisduncan7641]

I went to Seoul American High in the 70s I was also born there at 121 evac hospital. We lived in I Tae Won. It's so Kool to see

[@henrylee8510]

SAHS (what we called you) was our rival. I went to SFS from 79 to 84 when I graduated, non military so couldn't go to SAHS. Great times, loved Itaewon.

[@samuelritts1740]

Nora is an American treasure

[@ronaldbose9645]

Officers' quarters were always nice.

[@GenXXXX70]

That's a great story.....

[@armendinaguerrero1898]

You are Amazing 🌹Norah

[@jamescrabtree3469]

We were there same spot, in the 70s, not much changed!!!!!

[@metallicarock2309]

great

[@mcaesario]

That house in the middle of Seoul would be damn expensive. Even rich people would live in a cramped apartments. A 1 or 2 story house that comes with land is super rare

[@capmidnite]

It's US military housing on land set aside for the US military.

[@4700_Dk]

I remember in 1982, Korean duty was considered a hardship tour. Almost impossible to bring your dependents over.

[@av8tore71]

I had my wisdom teeth pulled at the 121 hospital there in Yongsan when I was a JAG lawyer at the Legal offices on the post 27+ years ago 1992-94

[@twobeer3316]

All us service members arrived at Yongsan to in process, then assigned to other camps for duty. We considered permanent residents there to be "spoiled" as it was a really cool place. Lol. 85-87...

[@esskay8768]

She was there while I was stationed in Yongsan in 1983. Small World

[@capmidnite]

I had a parent who worked at 121 Hospital and I was an Army brat in the late 70s and early 80s attending Seoul American elementary that time.

[@yonokzeller5402]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🥰

[@ssvinny2536]

cute story!!!

[@kfelix2934]

I used to take the bus from Osan AB to S.Seol bus terminal and then walk to the subway and I could be in Itaewon in maybe 30mins

[@larrylebowski8386]

I’ve always liked her very much. And a bit more now.

[@Cletus_the_Elder]

Every servicemember and support staff stationed in South Korea should know the South Koreans, by a vast majority, are grateful for their presence. The rest begrudgingly accept the military presence as an unwanted necessity or they are a tiny minority who are nationalistic hardliners or North Korean sympathizers whose position is that all foreign military should leave the peninsula.

[@anandazen30]

Every military assignment we had I would’ve preferred to live on base. I felt safe and open doors late at night especially in Hawaii

[@Wong-Jack-Man]

Props for making the neighborhood look like a typical model American suburban neighborhood from the trees to the sidewalks and home designs. You couldn’t tell from any other quintessential neighborhood in the u.s.

[@inquisitvem6723]

Looks like a suburb in middle America.

[@johnwahl752]

I have no problem talking to you Norah.

[@almightyblackdollar3669]

Sad to say they shut down that base but Dragon Hill hotel still open

[@trex1448]

Bit of a shame that she has no actual memories of the country and only talks about the military.

[@dLimboStick]

I was working on a contract in 1993, and took my 2 year old through that neighborhood too Trick r Treat for Halloween.

[@maureenwessling9241]

She used to be so nice.

[@tj-kv6vr]

I lived there as well 52 years ago, but it was a Quonset Hut and had SOS for breakfast.

[@capmidnite]

I heard from a veteran that back then South Korea was a hardship tour and poor Korean orphans would beg for money at the gates of the US military bases. If you go back now to South Korea, you would be amazed at the development.

[@deerhoda7574]

Charlie Rose. Then I realized 5 years ago.

[@johnpritchard5410]

Norah!

[@tonywalton1052]

I lived in Saigon.

[@ronaldedson496]

Girlfriend was Korean, father was the only Korean in charge of American PX during Korean War. Uncle was largest shareholder of Samsung.

[@bssc23]

Great story but just recommended. We lived in 4946 for a few months in 1974 until we moved to 4916.

[@peacenow4456]

I lived for 4+ years in Japan and I still dream about our first quarters. The bases are beautiful and Nora's home was very lovely!

[@mikethemechanic7395]

Her dad was in the rear with the gear 😂

[@victorcarrillo734]

The Cutest 🥰

[@llcooljason6719]

Omg

[@pennytrue2741]

Lol Norah had broadcasting down at ten years old. She still talks and acts the same 😂. She was clearly born to be a journalist

[@4catsnow]

Deployed there for a year after The Pueblo...afterbirth of the world...

[@raymondlenhart6033]

Beautiful women. Excellent reporter

[@johnwahl752]

I thought I wanted to be a fire fighter. Then it was a musician. Then a Navy Seal. Now I don’t know.

[@ronaldedson496]

My brother lived there too. Nike Hercules missile tech.

[@timmoretz6628]

Looks like a warm fuzzy recruitment video

[@Joseph-zd2ru]

She's only one amazed.

[@airforceups1]

Damn I want me some Noah.

[@valbuilded]

She now features on the CBS Evening News every weekday at 6:30pm ET / 5:30pm CT.

[@davec484]

Noah's Ark

[@chaseredux3724]

I bet Charlie always wanted to be a flasher.

[@kirkmo1666]

OMG she is so fine.

[@abdilnur2009]

Is it me or the house looks small

[@suzannevandivort3278]

You were only there 2 years!

[@Wow_wow1]

Man, that colonial looks very young for his rank.