Ulleung Airport Expansion Committee Holds First Official Meeting with Seom Air CEO Ahead of Ulleungdo Route Launch

With the opening of Ulleung Airport approaching, expectations are rising for the expansion of local transportation infrastructure and the securing of flight routes.

The Ulleung Airport Runway Extension Promotion Committee held its first official meeting on June 24 with Choi Yongdeok, CEO of Seom Air, the airline planning to launch flights to Ulleungdo.

The Ulleung Airport Extension Promotion Committee and Seom Air airline are currently holding a meeting. Photo by Kyungho Ahn

This meeting was arranged to discuss ways to cooperate for improving transportation convenience for Ulleungdo residents and ensuring stable airline operations.

The committee explained to the airline the local residents' demand for flights, tourism demand, and seasonal imbalances, and requested support and cooperation for safe and sustainable route operations.

A representative of the committee stated, "Ulleung Airport has the potential to become not just a regional airport, but also a hub for tourism and logistics along the East Coast," adding, "We will work closely with the airline to ensure that local residents can experience tangible benefits from flight operations."

Choi Yongdeok, CEO of Seom Air, also commented, "Ulleungdo is an attractive market with both unique geographical features and tourism demand," and added, "We are thoroughly preparing for safe and regular operations, and will seek various ways to achieve mutual growth with the local community in the future."

This meeting is being evaluated as the starting point for substantive discussions on the stable establishment and sustainable operation of air routes to Ulleungdo in the future.

The committee plans to strengthen communication with relevant organizations and local residents, and will make every effort to ensure operational stability after the opening of Ulleung Airport.

Ulleung Airport is currently in the final stages of construction, aiming to open in the second half of 2026, with regular routes for small aircraft to be established first.