The United Seamen's Service is a U.S. non-profit agency with a mission of providing ashore services to merchant mariners. The SC and the USO were founded by the United States Congress during World War II. In Busan, they operate two Seamen's Clubs and Seamen's Centers with restaurants and gift shops that have some imported goods. The large facility is at Pier 3, behind Busan Station. A smaller facility is located adjacent to Pier 8. The hours for the Pier 8 Club are: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and they have the same lunch specials as the main branch.
The Seamen's Clubs generate revenues to support the missions to seamen. While their primary responsibility is serving merchant seamen, they do welcome those who support the Club. A limited number of memberships are afforded those individuals; many have direct involvement with various aspects of the maritime industry, while others are recommended from outside that circle (like local teachers).
A USS membership card is one of several authorized forms of ID that permit entry, with others being merchant seamen cards, military and other government ID, and base passes. Each card-carrying individual is welcome to bring guests, make reservations, etc. Often, a guest subsequently applies for membership.
On weekends, the early breakfast specials are two steak & eggs specials--one with New York Steak and one with ground sirloin. The Club at pier 8 is open for breakfast, but closes at 4 PM. Contrary to rumors, they are "not" in process of raising prices. They do, of course, tweak them to add those things customers want (they've added grits and oatmeal, a variety of pies and cobblers, fruit syrups for pancakes and french toast, for example), and will continue doing so. Likewise, the gift shop continues to evolve in response to comments and requests from customers.
[edit] Dinner Menu
October~December ‘06
3pm ~ 9pm
All Dinners served with West Indies Pepperpot Soup, Arugula & Romaine Salad with Walnuts and Bleu Cheese Vinaigrette, Vegetables and French Bread.
MONDAY
- Beef-Chicken Pork Shish Kebabs w/Vegetables
- $16.95
TUESDAY
- Thai Green Curry with Chicken
- $13.95
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
- Pepper Steak Diane
- $19.95
FRIDAY
- Tuna Steak with Tropical Salsa
- $15.95
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
[edit] Thanksgiving and Christmas buffets
They also organize Thanksgiving and Christmas buffets. Both are open to the public at large.
Those who've found themselves without member cards should be visiting to obtain them. They will admit teachers who want member cards, and are asked to bring their business cards(if any), email addresses and two ID photographs with them. You'll also need your passport and visa information.
Members are entitled to automatically bring three guests to the holiday buffets. Parties and large groups can be admitted if the reservation request is submitted in advance.
The Seamen's Club is open seven days a week, beginning at 11am, and closing at 10pm. The Dining Room's last order is 9pm Sunday through Thursday, and 9:30pm Friday and Saturday. The Gift Shop closes at 9pm, and bar at 10pm. These hours can be adjusted to remain open when we have ships in port, or groups that schedule functions. For instance, you can schedule a banquet.
[edit] Directions
On the port side of Busan Station, walk through the parking lot above the train tracks, then head down the stairs and take a left.
[edit] Contact
If you have more questions, then call them at: (051) 462-8029 The manager's name is: Walt Christiansen. Everyone at the Club speaks English.
[edit] See Also
