During the Lunar New Year holiday from January 13 to 18, approximately 720,000 travelers from South Korea departed overseas through Incheon International Airport, with Japan emerging as the most popular destination.
Outbound Passenger Breakdown
Official data from Incheon Airport Corporation reveals that 718,880 passengers, including transit travelers, flew out over the six-day period starting January 14. Japan led with 185,432 departures, followed by China at 123,486. Southeast Asian countries saw 204,084 visitors, while Europe recorded 35,740 outbound trips.
Daily Travel Peaks
The highest number of departures occurred on January 14, the second day of the holiday, with 130,675 passengers. In contrast, the final day, January 18, expects the lowest volume at 104,721 passengers.
Airport and Airline Responses
Airlines have added 4,550 reserve seats to accommodate surging demand during peak travel times. Airport authorities plan special measures, including expanded staffing for guidance during crowded hours and enhanced entry management.
An airport official stated, “Arriving too early at the airport can worsen congestion.” The official added, “To ensure smooth travel, passengers should actively use public transportation and smart check-in services.”
