The United States Forces Korea (USFK) military said Friday that it will close its resort facility in the Asian country's southernmost island of Jeju later this month under a plan to realignment of its installations across South Korea.

The USFK will shut down Camp MacNab on March 21 and return its nine acres of land to South Korea, the USFK's Public Affairs Office said in a news release.

"Camp MacNab has been a rest and recuperation get-away for members of United States Forces Korea for over two decades," the release said.

"The installation served as a religious retreat for some and asa training ground for others over the years. Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division have performed mountain rappelling on nearby mountains as a special training program," added the release.

After the closure of the Camp MacNab, the United Services Organization will work with local tourist agencies and hotels to provide a discounted tour package for USFK personnel visiting the island, the release said.

Under an agreed agreement called the Land Partnership Plan, theUS military is to close 34 of its 41 major military camps scattered all over South Korea and return the land to the host country by 2011.

In return, South Korea will grant 4.5 million square meters of land for the reconsolidation of US troops here.

About 32,500 US troops are stationed in South Korea. By 2008, more USFK troops will be reduced, only 25,000 troops will remain here.

Source: Xinhua