Gwangju Airport

Gwangju Airport (KWJ) is not merely an air gateway to the city of the same name and the South Jeolla province; it is a dual-purpose facility shared by civil aviation and the Republic of Korea Air Force. Located within the city limits of Gwangju, it serves as a vital transport hub for domestic flights across South Korea. Having begun its commercial history in the mid-20th century, the airport today represents a modern terminal convenient for passengers. An important note: due to the airport's military status, photographing or filming the runway and military facilities is strictly prohibited.

Gwangju Airport is valued for its compactness and convenience. Passengers do not have to wander through immense terminals—all procedures are completed quickly and without unnecessary hassle. Despite its size, the airport offers all necessary amenities: there are several cafes where you can have a snack, ATMs, baby care rooms, as well as special services for passengers with reduced mobility. Excellent transport connections, including city buses and proximity to the metro, allow for easy and affordable travel to any part of the city. Thanks to its location, the airport is an ideal starting point for exploring the cultural and historical attractions of Gwangju and the entire southwestern region of Korea.

If you need to contact representatives of Gwangju Airport, please use the following contact information. It is recommended to check the validity of the data on the official website, especially before your trip.

• Official Website: Flight schedules, terminal maps, and other important information can be found on the official airport page on the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) portal: www.airport.co.kr/gwangju/. The site is available in several languages, including English.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call the main airport number: +82-62-940-0214. Please note that staff may speak primarily Korean.
• Airport Address: 420-25 Sangmu-daero, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is usually not provided. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: Gwangju Airport does not maintain separate social media pages. All news and updates are published on the general resources of the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC).
• Lost and Found Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, contact the Lost and Found bureau. If your luggage has not arrived or has been damaged, you must first contact your airline's representative office.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions, you can approach the information desks located in the airport terminal. Staff will help you orient yourself and provide information about flights and services.

Getting to Gwangju Airport (KWJ), located within the city limits of Gwangju, is quite simple thanks to the well-developed transport system of South Korea. One of the most convenient and fastest ways is to use the metro. The Gwangju Subway Line 1 has an "Airport Station" located in the immediate vicinity of the passenger terminal. A trip from the city centre will take approximately 20-25 minutes, making the metro a reliable option independent of traffic jams.

A more budget-friendly alternative is the city bus. Several bus routes connect the airport with various districts of the city and its surroundings. This is an excellent choice for economical travellers, however, it is worth noting that travel time may be longer than by metro (about 30-45 minutes) and depends on the traffic situation. To pay for rides on the metro and buses, it is convenient to use the unified T-money transport card.

For maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, the ideal solution would be a taxi. The journey from the city centre to the airport will take about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis can easily be found on the street or booked via a mobile app. The cost will be higher than public transport, but it is justified by the speed and convenience. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a meeting with the driver at the designated location.

If you plan to actively travel around the region, consider renting a car. Rental counters are located directly at the airport, but it is recommended to book a car online in advance to secure the best rates. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, there is convenient parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays.

Although Gwangju Airport serves many domestic flights, in some cases it may be more convenient to fly into one of the neighbouring airports. The main international alternative in the region is Muan International Airport (MWX), located approximately 40 km away. Other options include Yeosu Airport (RSU) and Gunsan Airport (KUV), from where you can reach Gwangju by intercity bus or train.

The airport of Gwangju (KWJ), an important transport hub in the southwest of South Korea, possesses a modern and compact infrastructure consisting of a single passenger terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation for travellers, as all flights—both domestic and the rare international ones—are handled in one building. You will not have to worry about transfers between terminals or long transits.

The terminal has a simple and logical two-level structure. The first floor is entirely dedicated to the arrivals area. It is here that passengers collect their luggage from the conveyor belts and exit into the general hall, where car rental counters, tourist information centres, and exits to bus stops and taxi stands are located. The second floor is the departure zone. Here you will find airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and the main waiting lounge with boarding gates.

The check-in and security screening process at Gwangju Airport usually proceeds quickly and efficiently thanks to its small size and the streamlined work of the staff. Despite this, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, complete all formalities, and perhaps enjoy a coffee before the flight.

Navigation within the terminal building is intuitive. All key zones—from check-in counters to boarding gates and baggage claim—are clearly marked with signs in Korean and English. Thanks to the airport's compactness, all necessary services are within a few minutes' walk of each other, making your journey as comfortable and predictable as possible.

The history of Gwangju Airport (KWJ) begins in 1948, when it was founded as a military training airfield. Initially, it was located in a different location, in the Sinwol-dong district. Civil aviation arrived here much later—the first commercial flights began operating in 1964, which became the starting point for its development as an important transport facility in the southwest of South Korea.

An important stage in the life of the airport was receiving international status in 1995. This event opened new opportunities for the region, allowing for direct air connections with cities in other countries. During this period, the airport developed actively, increasing passenger traffic and improving infrastructure to service international flights.

Perhaps the most radical change in the airport's history was its relocation. Due to active urban development and to reduce noise impact on residential areas, a new modern terminal was opened at its current location in 2007. An interesting fact: practically at the same time, the new Muan International Airport opened nearby, to which all international flights were transferred. Since then, Gwangju Airport has focused exclusively on domestic transportation.

Today, Gwangju Airport is a modern and efficient domestic aviation hub. It continues to play a key role in the region's transport system, ensuring reliable connections with the country's main business and tourism centres, primarily Seoul and the popular Jeju Island. The airport regularly serves thousands of passengers, remaining a convenient gateway for travel across Korea.

Gwangju Airport offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is designed so that travellers can resolve all main issues before departure or upon arrival without unnecessary fuss.

You can have a snack or drink coffee at one of the cafes and restaurants located in the airport building. Establishments here offer both local Korean cuisine and more familiar international options. For those who need to buy something for the road, there are small shops where you can find snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected or work while waiting for their flight. Special counters and sockets are provided in the waiting lounges for charging electronic devices. The airport also has ATMs and currency exchange points where necessary financial transactions can be carried out.

For passengers travelling with small children, baby care rooms are equipped. They provide all conditions for infant care: there are changing tables and comfortable chairs for nursing. The airport also provides services for passengers with reduced mobility, including an accessible environment and staff assistance if necessary.

Although there is no hotel within the airport building itself, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity, which can be quickly reached by taxi. For business travellers, basic business services may be available, and in case first aid is needed, one can visit the medical point.

Gwangju Airport (KWJ) is primarily a regional hub serving domestic flights, so the choice of dining establishments here is functional rather than diverse. Most cafes and snack bars are located in the general area before security control, which is convenient for both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Do not expect a wide assortment of restaurants here as you would in major international hubs.

For those looking for a quick snack, small cafes and convenience stores are available. In them, you can find a standard set of dishes: from sandwiches and pastries to ready-made meals. This is a great opportunity to try popular Korean dishes in a "to-go" format. Look out for kimbap (Korean rolls), samgak kimbap (rice triangles with filling), or packaged ramyeon that can be prepared on the spot. Prices here are generally moderate, although slightly higher than in city establishments.

If you have time for a more substantial meal, look for a small cafeteria or cafe offering hot dishes. The menu usually includes classics of Korean cuisine, for example, kimchi-jjigae soup or bibimbap. This is a good option for a full lunch before your flight. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, starting from early morning until the last departure.

Passengers with special dietary needs, such as Halal, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, may find it difficult to find specialised dishes. The most reliable option is to study the assortment in shops: there you can find vegetable kimbap, salads, or fruit. In any case, it is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes in advance, as some Korean soups and sauces may contain non-Halal ingredients. Considering that Gwangju is famous for its gastronomy throughout South Korea, the best advice is to eat at one of the city's numerous restaurants before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Gwangju Airport goes as smoothly as possible, use these practical tips. Proper planning will help avoid stress and save time for exploring South Korea.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Gwangju Airport primarily serves domestic flights. For these, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure—this time is usually sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing. If you have an international connection, it is better to arrive 2.5-3 hours in advance. To speed up the process, use online check-in on your airline's website if such an option is available.

Security Control. The security service works efficiently, but small queues are possible during peak hours. To avoid delaying yourself and others, prepare your boarding pass and passport in advance, and remove all metal items from your pockets. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from hand luggage and placed in a separate tray for scanning.

Hand Luggage. Remember the standard restrictions: liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand luggage. Sharp and cutting objects are prohibited. Always check your airline's rules before travelling.

Savings and Useful Details. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. To save money, take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security. Study the schedule of limousine buses running between the airport and the city centre—this is often the most cost-effective way to get to your destination.

Transit Passengers and Customs. Gwangju Airport is not a major international hub, so most transit routes involve a transfer in Seoul (Incheon or Gimpo). Clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transfer point. Customs control is relevant only for passengers arriving from abroad. Follow the "Green Channel" signs if you have nothing to declare, or the "Red Channel" otherwise.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, remain calm. First, find a representative of your airline to get the latest information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with meal vouchers. Use this time to charge your gadgets, connect to the free Wi-Fi, or rest in one of the terminal's cafes.