ROK defense efforts are significant. The ROK also devotes a significant portion of its population to defense with universal conscription and a strong reserve training program. ROK cost-sharing contributions are also significant. This will represent about 29 percent of U.S. Forces Korea's won-based stationing costs for 1994. The ROK provides support to USFK through both direct and indirect means.
Direct support is provided through the direct cost-sharing program.
This support is applied to construction, logistics and local national labor requirements. Indirect support is provided through tax exemptions, the provision of rent-free land and facilities and reduced rates for utilities. Estimates of this indirect support vary. ROK cost-sharing support has grown over the years. We anticipate this positive trend will continue in the future.