Jang Seob Yoon
Research expert covering South Korea
Air transportation in South Korea - statistics and facts
South Korea's air transport industry is regarded as one of the most efficient industries in the world. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country's international passenger and air cargo traffic volumes were steadily on the rise. The opening of Incheon International Airport, South Korea's main international airport, in 2001 has played an important role in the global air transportation industry. The airport opened a second passenger terminal in 2018, further increasing its capacity to handle passengers and cargo.
The air transportation industry has experienced a resurgence to pre-pandemic levels of traffic. This is particularly notable as South Korea continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination, leading to a corresponding increase in the number of inbound visitors. This positive trend not only signals a revival for the aviation sector but also emphasizes South Korea's growing significance on the global stage.
Major airports and airlines in South Korea
Among the active airports in South Korea, Incheon International Airport is the largest, and it is recovering from the decline in revenue recorded in recent years due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Other major domestic airports include Gimpo International Airport, in Seoul, and Gimhae International Airport in Busan. Gimpo International Airport still plays a vital role in domestic flights, having been the primary airport for Seoul before the construction of Incheon International Airport. Despite the major challenges experienced by the airline industry, international inbound air passenger traffic is gradually restoring, with international flight numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels.Leading domestic airlines
Key players in the nation’s air transportation system are full-service carriers Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, with both leading the ranks in the number of international air passengers in South Korea. As for low-cost carriers (LCC), Jeju Air recorded the highest number of international passengers. South Korean LCCs primarily serve domestic and international destinations in Asia, such as Vietnam and the Philippines.Prospects for the air transportation industry
Like air passenger traffic, air freight in South Korea is also on the rise, with international outbound air cargo flights displaying record highs in recent years. Leading products that are exported from South Korea include medical supplies and IT-related items such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and smartphones. The leading destinations for air cargo exports mostly include regions in Asia, such as China and Vietnam, but also the United States.The air transportation industry has experienced a resurgence to pre-pandemic levels of traffic. This is particularly notable as South Korea continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination, leading to a corresponding increase in the number of inbound visitors. This positive trend not only signals a revival for the aviation sector but also emphasizes South Korea's growing significance on the global stage.
