Going through customs will be made easier, Justice Ministry says

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Going through customs will be made easier, Justice Ministry says

Published: 19 Jun. 2023, 13:03

Incheon International Aiport bustles with travelers. [NEWS1]

The Ministry of Justice announced it will make immigration clearance quicker for foreigners coming to Korea.

Incheon International Airport will add more immigration officers during busy times between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the ministry said Sunday.

It added it will operate immigration counters more flexibly, turning some manned immigration counters for Koreans into those for foreigners if left empty.

The ministry will also consider allowing all foreigners, regardless of their nationality or visa status, to use the automated immigration clearance service.

Currently, only registered foreigners aged 17 or above and those from regions with which Korea signed a memorandum of understanding — such as the United States, Hong Kong and Macau — can clear immigration through the service.

The ministry's decision follows a huge increase in travelers.

There were 14.2 million passengers arriving at and departing from Incheon International Airport between January and April, according to the ministry.

That's up 740 percent on year. There are a lot of incoming flights, especially between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., also lengthening queues for passengers.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]