The operator of South Korea's main gateway Incheon International Airport estimated that about 5,202,500 people traveled to foreign countries through its airport. An estimated number of about 1,205,440 went abroad to other seven airports run by the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC).
According to data released by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), some 3.12 million South Korean tourists flew over to Japan in the first half of 2023, accounting for the largest portion of the total number of foreign tourists with 29.2 percent. South Korea's neighboring country became a popular tourist spot for South Koreans after all coronavirus-related travel restrictions were lifted this year.
The low exchange rate of the Japanese yen has also made traveling to the island country more affordable. On July 12, the Japanese currency almost reached its lowest level in eight years against the South Korean won, being quoted at 9.12 per won.
South Korean airport operators are trying to attract more passengers through unique travel items. KAC earlier revealed its plan to collaborate with Yanolja, a major domestic online travel service platform operator, to provide travel products at airports located in rural areas such as Yangyang County on the eastern coast and Muan County on the western coast.
