South Korea’s regional airports are experiencing an unprecedented surge in international arrivals, signaling a robust growth in demand for diverse destinations beyond the capital, Seoul. The Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) proudly announced on Tuesday that a record-breaking 1.57 million foreign travelers entered the country through its five key regional gateways between January and May this year.
These pivotal gateways include Gimhae International Airport, Jeju International Airport, Daegu International Airport, Cheongju International Airport, and Yangyang International Airport, all playing a crucial role in expanding South Korea’s tourism landscape.
The influx of international visitors through these five strategically important airports marks an impressive 42 percent increase compared to the previous year. This growth rate significantly outpaces that observed at airports serving the capital region, highlighting a strong shift in travel preferences towards regional attractions.
Remarkably, this figure not only represents a substantial year-on-year increase but also surpasses the pre-pandemic peak of 1.11 million travelers recorded in 2019. This demonstrates a sharp and accelerated recovery, with a growing number of international tourists opting to travel directly to Korea’s vibrant regional cities and provinces.
This impressive growth aligns perfectly with the South Korean government’s ambitious vision to attract 30 million foreign visitors annually, primarily through enhanced regional tourism initiatives. KAC attributes this success to its dedicated efforts in transforming regional airports into primary international tourism hubs by aggressively expanding flight routes and continually elevating passenger services.
To achieve this, the corporation has actively participated in major international aviation forums and events, diligently working to secure new air routes and forge stronger partnerships with overseas airport operators and global airlines, thereby broadening South Korea’s connectivity.
As a direct result of these proactive strategies, six international carriers, including prominent names like Starlux Airlines, Spring Airlines, and Ruili Airlines, are set to launch a total of 12 new international routes, further boosting accessibility to Korea’s regions.
KAC has also provided extensive route support through various promotional campaigns, including special initiatives during Japan’s Golden Week holiday. This support extends to financial assistance for airlines’ overseas marketing efforts and attractive incentives for travel agencies that successfully bring inbound travelers through these vital regional airports.
To significantly enhance the overall travel experience for international visitors, the corporation has implemented advanced multilingual guidance systems. Furthermore, it has expanded dedicated boarding zones for pre-booked taxis serving international terminals at key locations such as Gimpo, Gimhae, Cheongju, and Daegu airports, streamlining ground transportation.
“We are firmly committed to continuously expanding our international route network and upgrading our services. Our goal is to ensure that foreign visitors can enjoy more convenient and seamless travel experiences across the entirety of South Korea, discovering all the unique beauty and culture our country has to offer,” stated Heo Joo-hee, head of KAC’s global business division.
stlee0329
