48 Million International Passengers During Japan Golden Week and China Labor Day in Late April to Early May

66% Increase Compared to Same Period Last Year
Travel Sentiment Recovery and Construction Attraction Strategy Effective

Passengers at Gimpo Airport (Photo by Korea Airports Corporation)

During Japan's Golden Week (April 27 to May 6) and China's Labor Day holiday (May 1 to 5), the number of international passengers using seven international airports in South Korea (Gimpo, Gimhae, Jeju, Cheongju, Daegu, Muan, Yangyang) surged to more than 1.5 times compared to the same period last year.

On the 10th, the Korea Airports Corporation announced that the total number of passengers at the seven international airports nationwide during this period was 480,000, a 66% increase from 290,000 in the same period last year.

By country, passengers on routes to Japan accounted for the largest share at 41%, followed by China at 22%, Vietnam at 13%, and Taiwan at 12%. By airport, the growth rates were high with Cheongju Airport at 719%, Jeju Airport at 134%, Muan Airport at 68%, Gimhae Airport at 62%, Daegu Airport at 48%, and Gimpo Airport at 23%.

The corporation explained that the increase in international passengers was mainly due to "the recovery of overseas travel sentiment after COVID-19 and the expansion of airline services to regional airports," adding that "the corporation's support for airlines' new route overseas local marketing expenses, marketing to attract foreign visitors through incentives for travel agencies, and the government's resumption of the three types of visa-free entry systems for Chinese group tourists also had an impact."

Meanwhile, to fully recover passenger demand by the end of the year, the corporation is implementing various policies including ▲support for new route launch events ▲development of new demand products linked to sports and pets ▲familiarization tours for overseas travel industry officials invited to regional airports ▲sales of domestic inland route products to foreigners ▲promotion of Korean tourism experience events ▲and K-culture linked hospitality events at each airport.

Additionally, with the extension of the visa-free system at Muan and Yangyang Airports, plans are underway to expand inbound visitor demand in the Jeonnam and Gangwon regions through ▲implementation of operation incentive programs and increased support funds for travel agencies ▲and participation in tourism fairs for local sales activities.

Lee Jeong-gi, Acting President of Korea Airports Corporation, stated, "At a time when the full recovery of air travel demand is imminent, we will do our utmost to revitalize regional airports so that demand can surpass pre-COVID-19 levels."