2025 South Korean Airport Strike Affects Popular Chinese Tourist Airports
The strike, called by the National Airport Workers' Federation, will begin on September 19th and affect 15 airports. Popular airports for Korean tourists to South Korea include Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, Daegu, Cheongju, and Jeju. Other airports affected include Yangyang, Gunsan, Wonju, Gwangju, Muan, Yeosu, and Ulsan.
The demands of the National Airport Workers' Union this time include additional manpower, shorter working hours, improved treatment, and changing the shift system from 3 groups and 2 shifts to 4 groups and 2 shifts. The National Airport Workers' Union also stated that if the demands are still not met after the general strike, it will not rule out launching an indefinite strike.
What to do if there's a 2025 Korean airport strike? Tips to avoid long lines
The strike coincided with the Korea Blockchain Week on September 23rd and 24th. Many people chose to fly to Korea in advance to participate in the event. Currently, many netizens have reported online that they have to wait 1 to 2 hours to enter Incheon Airport.
Apply for SES fast clearance and pass in 10 seconds
However, there are actually some tricks to circumvent this. For example, friends who have previously applied for SES fast clearance can pass the process in 10 seconds because they have already created their files and do not need to go through an immigration officer.
Gimpo Airport is less crowded and closer to the city.
Or you can choose to fly to Gimpo Airport, which is closer to the city. Netizens said that there are almost no people there and you can go through customs quickly.
Remember to apply for an e-Arrival Card three days before departure
If you haven't applied for the SES and haven't booked a flight to Gimpo Airport, it's recommended that you at least complete the online Arrival Card. There are both physical and electronic Arrival Cards. Physical cards can be picked up at the airport and will also be distributed on board. However, it's recommended to complete the e-Arrival Card three days before departure to avoid having to queue at the airport for an Arrival Card. Simply enter your personal information, flight details, and accommodation location; no screen display is required after application.
e-Arrival Card application website:
https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/main/index.do?locale=CH
Charlie Kirk's death fuels anti-China sentiment in South Korea, with thousands protesting against visa-free entry to China.
Meanwhile, the shooting death of American right-wing youth opinion leader Charlie Kirk has intensified right-wing sentiment in South Korea. Kirk had visited South Korea and Japan before his death. The right-wing student group Liberty University organized a march in memory of Kirk. Another key focus of the march was anti-China sentiment. Thousands of people held banners reading, "Visa-free entry for Chinese = security threat," expressing opposition to the South Korean government's temporary visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals.
Since it is difficult for participants to distinguish between Taiwanese and Chinese people during the parade, it is recommended to avoid parade and gathering places such as Myeongdong as much as possible during the event.
This article , "Korean Travel, KBW, Beware! 2025 South Korean Airport Strike: Arrival Lines Start at 2 Hours, Anti-China Protests Also Break Out in Seoul, " originally appeared on ABMedia ABMedia .
