SEOUL — Federally-employed U.S. civilians in South Korea saw their post allowance grow by 5 percentage points after substantial gain by the South Korean won against the dollar.

The allowance disappeared in November, as the won was struggling, and then rose to five percent of spendable income at the beginning of the year. As of Aug. 16, it rose to 10 percent across the peninsula.

For example, a family of four with an annual salary of $60,000 will see their allowance jump about $62 a check. The allowance is paid to compensate in part for the higher price of many goods and services in overseas areas. It is based on the employee’s salary, work schedule, number of dependents and duty station location.

Post allowances can be calculated at http://aoprals.state.gov/.

Traffic pattern changing near Dragon Hill LodgeSEOUL — Guests can expect different driving patterns around the Dragon Hill Lodge starting Monday due to a major roof renovation project, according to garrison officials.

"To increase the flow of traffic, we are making the main exit of the Dragon Hill Lodge into a right-turn only," said Ricky Oxendine, Emergency Services director at U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan, in a news release. "This is a traditional choke-point for drivers waiting to take a left turn onto 8th Army Drive."

"Drivers need to stop using this parking lot as a shortcut to 8th Army Drive," Oxendine said.

According to the release, half of the lower parking lot outside Sables will be used for the construction materials staging area, and parking will not be allowed. 1st Marine Division Road will be one-way and used as an exit only, except for people who live on the street.

"Drivers need to stop using this parking lot as a shortcut to 8th Army Drive," Oxendine said.