Gimpo Airport Crowded Ahead of Lunar New Year Holiday

On the 28th, a day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from returning to hometowns, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. According to the aviation industry on the 26th, from the 28th to the 2nd of next month, a total of 1,271,129 passengers are expected to use 14 airports nationwide, including Gimpo, Jeju, and Gimhae (excluding Incheon Airport). The average daily number of passengers is 211,855. This is an 11.5% increase compared to 190,063 passengers during last year's Lunar New Year holiday.

Health authorities are deeply concerned that Omicron may spread further during the Lunar New Year holiday. On the 24th, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, in a special COVID-19 prevention address to the nation, said, “I earnestly request everyone to refrain from visiting their hometowns this Lunar New Year for the safety and health of all.” He also appealed, “If many people actively move between regions and meet each other during the holiday, it would be no different from pouring oil on a blazing fire.” Furthermore, he urged, “If it is unavoidable to visit your hometown, please complete your third vaccination before the holiday begins.” Here are photos of Gimpo Airport packed with crowds without any space to step.

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from traveling home, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from traveling home, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from traveling home, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from traveling home, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from traveling home, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from traveling home, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from returning home, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from traveling home, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, despite fears of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the government's request to refrain from traveling home, the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is crowded with passengers. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@