Incheon: Incheon International Airport, South Korea's primary international gateway located west of Seoul, is set to implement a specialized immigration lane for foreign businesspeople recommended by domestic business associations starting next week, the airport operator announced on Wednesday. This initiative is aimed at streamlining the entry process for these individuals.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the introduction of this measure, which is scheduled to commence on Sunday, follows a proposal discussed during a meeting between President Lee Jae Myung and leaders of major business associations in June. The Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) has been working in collaboration with relevant government agencies and prominent business groups, including international business chambers, to facilitate this expedited entry process for foreign businesspeople endorsed by Korean economic associations.
Presently, South Korean nationals using automated immigration kiosks spend approximately two minutes on average to complete the immigration process. In contrast, foreign nationals who rely on traditional in-person counters face waiting times ranging from 24 to 35 minutes. The new system is expected to significantly reduce these wait times for eligible foreign business travelers.
The fast-track lane system will undergo a trial period at Incheon International Airport until December. Depending on its success, the system could potentially be extended to other airports across the country. Additionally, the government is contemplating a plan to extend access to automated immigration kiosks, currently available to South Korean nationals, to foreign travelers as well.
Lee Hak-jae, the president and CEO of IIAC, remarked, "With this new policy, foreign business travelers will find Incheon International Airport more convenient to use. We will continue to support government initiatives and improve passenger services."