Business · Companies · 6 hrs ago
Gimhae Airport passes 10 million international passengers this year
Gimhae International Airport in Busan passed 10 million international passengers on October 22.
It reached the same total in December last year, though reports differ on whether this year's milestone came about two or three months earlier.
The Korea Airports Corporation points to new airlines and a wider range of international routes as reasons for the increase.
Foreign visitors are also coming to Busan in greater numbers, drawn by a city that offers a different experience from Seoul.
That interest matters beyond travel: spending by visitors in non-capital regions grew faster than spending in the capital region in the first seven months of the year.
The airport corporation aims to reach 12 million international passengers this year, while more routes, including flights to Kuala Lumpur, are planned for December.
Gimhae International Airport passed 10 million international passengers this year, with the milestone recorded on October 22.
Two reports said the airport reached the figure about two months earlier than last year, while another said it was about three months earlier.
The Korea Airports Corporation attributed the growth to new airlines and a wider range of international routes.
The corporation is targeting 12 million international passengers this year.
Reports linked the rise in passenger numbers to growing foreign tourist interest in Busan.
- Who
- Gimhae International Airport and its international passengers.
- What
- The airport passed 10 million international passengers this year.
- When
- The milestone was reached on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Gimhae International Airport, Busan, South Korea.
- Why
- The Korea Airports Corporation cited new airlines and more varied international routes; reports also pointed to growing foreign tourist interest in Busan.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Eastar Jet began operating a Busan–Almaty route.
Gimhae Airport passed 10 million international passengers for the year.
CNN published an article about Busan as a travel destination.
Malaysia Airlines’ Busan–Kuala Lumpur route and China Southern Airlines’ Busan–Dalian route were scheduled to begin, according to two reports.
- Passenger milestone
- More than 10 million international passengers
- Milestone date
- October 22, 2026
- Annual target
- 12 million international passengers
- Previous milestone
- 10 million international passengers in December 2025
- Busan visitor growth
- About 3.44 million foreign tourists from January to August, up about 46% year on year
- Expedia search interest
- Searches for Busan increased 50% year on year
3 sources
What people are saying
With about two months left in the year and foreign tourists visiting Busan increasing significantly, expectations are high that the target will be achieved.
If Seoul is New York, Busan is Los Angeles
It is clear that travelers are taking notice of Busan
Travel to Busan offers a completely different experience from Seoul. Busan has beaches, a slower pace of life and lively people.