Pohang Airport

Pohang Airport (KPO), recently officially renamed Pohang Gyeongju Airport, is not merely a regional transport hub, but a strategic air gateway to two of South Korea's gems simultaneously. Located on the picturesque coast of the East Sea, it allows travelers to instantly transport themselves from the modern atmosphere of the "steel capital" to the ancient world of the Silla Dynasty. This compact and cozy aviation hub is ideal for those who value their time and wish to avoid long train or bus journeys to see the country's main historical treasures.

Thanks to recent modernization and the arrival of major carriers, the airport is experiencing a rebirth, offering passengers a high level of comfort and safety. The uniqueness of the air harbor lies in its dual purpose: managed by both military and civilian services, it combines strict order with Korean hospitality, providing a fast connection to Jeju Island and Seoul.

Airport Features and Advantages:

• Proximity to History: This is the only airport in the country that directly serves the historic city of Gyeongju (only a 30–40 minute drive), making it the best choice for cultural tourism.
• Compactness and Speed: Due to the small size of the terminal, all pre-flight procedures — from check-in to boarding — take mere minutes, sparing passengers from queues and stress.
• Convenient Logistics: The airport offers free car parking, which is a rarity, as well as convenient connections to the city center via buses and taxis.
• Special Regulations: The airport is a joint base with the Republic of Korea Navy. This guarantees a heightened level of security but also imposes a strict ban on photography and video recording of the runway and views from the window during takeoff and landing.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Pohang Airport (KPO) in the city of Pohang. We recommend always checking the accuracy of the data on the official website before traveling, as it may change.

• Official Website: Current information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official airport page on the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) portal: www.airport.co.kr/pohang.
• Information Desk Phone: The unified information center of Korea Airports Corporation is available at +82-1661-2626.
• Airport Address: 62, Ilsin-ro, Donghae-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea.
• Email: A direct email for general inquiries is usually not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website for communication.
• Social Media: Pohang Airport does not have separate official pages. To follow news and important announcements, you can follow the accounts of the managing company, Korea Airports Corporation, which covers the operations of all regional airports in South Korea.
• Lost & Found Information: For items left in the terminal, you can contact the lost and found service at +82-54-289-7330. In case of luggage loss during a flight, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support: Assistance and consultations are provided at information desks in the terminal, as well as via the general information service phone line.

Getting to Pohang Airport from the center of Pohang is straightforward, as the transport system offers several convenient options for travelers. The choice depends on your budget, time, and personal preferences. On average, the trip from the city center to the airport takes between 15 to 30 minutes, making it very accessible.

Public Transport: The most economical way is to use city buses. Several routes connect various districts of the city to the airport. This is an excellent choice for those traveling light. A bus ride usually takes about 30-40 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. The fare is very affordable and typically costs between 1,300–1,500 South Korean Won (KRW). It is recommended to check the schedule in advance, as it may change.

Taxi and Transfer: For maximum comfort and speed, a taxi is best suited. This is the ideal option if you have a lot of luggage, are traveling with family, or simply value convenience. A taxi ride will take approximately 15-20 minutes. The cost of the trip will be higher than the bus, estimated at 10,000–15,000 KRW depending on the traffic situation, but you receive a "door-to-door" service. Cars can easily be found on the street, hailed via an app, or ordered at a hotel desk.

Car Rental and Parking: If you plan to move actively around South Korea and value independence, renting a car will be the best solution. Both local and international rental companies operate in Pohang. The road to the airport is well-marked with signs. Pohang Airport features convenient parking, where you can leave your car for both short and long terms, which is convenient for those embarking on a short trip and preferring to arrive in their own transport.

Pohang Airport (KPO) is a small and modern aviation hub that serves primarily domestic flights. Its structure is maximally simple and convenient for passengers, making the process of pre-flight formalities quick and comfortable.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to its compact size and thoughtful layout, all key zones are within walking distance of each other. You will not have to worry about transferring between terminals — all services are gathered under one roof. Navigation is intuitive, and signs in Korean and English will help you orient yourself easily.

The departure zone is located on the second floor of the terminal. Here you will find check-in counters, the security screening area, and a small waiting lounge. The arrival zone is located on the first floor and includes the baggage claim belt and the exit to the city. This two-level scheme is standard for many airports and allows for the efficient separation of passenger flows.

Passing through check-in and security at Pohang Airport usually takes no more than 30-40 minutes thanks to the low passenger volume. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1-1.5 hours before departure to go through all procedures without rushing. Overall, KPO Airport is an example of an efficient and convenient aviation hub where it is practically impossible to get lost.

The history of Pohang Airport, now known as Pohang Gyeongju Airport (KPO), is closely intertwined with key events in the history of South Korea. Its story began in 1942, when a small airfield was built on this site. Initially, it was used for military purposes, and its role grew significantly during the Korean War (1950–1953). During that period, it was known under the code name K-3 and served as an important airbase for the air force.

The transition to civil aviation began in the 1970s when the airport was opened for commercial domestic flights. This step became key to the development of the city of Pohang as an industrial and tourist center. Gradually, the airport expanded to cope with growing passenger traffic, with new facilities being built and infrastructure improved.

One of the most significant stages of modernization was the opening of a new passenger terminal in June 1999. This allowed for a significant increase in the quality of service and the airport's capacity. In subsequent years, regular reconstructions of the runway and navigation equipment were carried out to meet modern safety standards.

An interesting fact from recent history: in July 2022, the airport was officially renamed Pohang Gyeongju Airport. This was done to emphasize its proximity to the famous historic city of Gyeongju, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts many tourists. Today, the airport continues to be a dual-use facility, serving both civil flights and the needs of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, making it a unique and strategically important regional asset.

Pohang Airport (KPO) is a compact and functional regional airport focused on domestic flights. Here, passengers are provided with a set of essential services necessary for a comfortable wait before departure. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee, a snack, or purchase light meals. Small shops are also open, offering travel goods, newspapers, and local souvenirs.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and waiting halls are equipped with special zones for charging electronic devices. There are no separate VIP lounges at the airport; however, the general waiting areas are quite comfortable. Regarding financial services, ATMs are installed in the terminal building. Currency exchange points are generally absent, as the airport mainly serves domestic routes, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in the city in advance.

Pohang Airport cares about the comfort of all categories of travelers. For passengers with small children, a mother and child room is provided, where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. If necessary, you can visit the medical point for first aid. The terminal is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special restrooms, and elevators. Airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options can be found in the city of Pohang, which is a few minutes' drive away. This allows for easy access to a hotel after arrival or before an early flight. Specialized conference rooms or business centers are absent in the airport, which is typical for smaller air hubs in South Korea.

Pohang Airport (KPO) is a small regional airport serving primarily domestic flights. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and designed primarily for passengers who need a quick and convenient snack before departure.

The main dining point in the airport is a small cafe or snack bar located in the general hall before the security checkpoint (landside). Here you can purchase a standard set of beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks, as well as light snacks: sandwiches, pastries, and packaged snacks. Sometimes simple Korean dishes, such as kimbap (rice rolls) or instant ramen, can be found in the assortment.

For a more substantial lunch or dinner, it is recommended to eat in the city before arriving at the airport. In Pohang, there are many restaurants where you can try authentic local cuisine, especially seafood, for which this coastal city is famous. In the airport itself, there are generally no full-service restaurants with hot meals and waiters. After passing security control (airside), the choice is usually limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Specialized dietary options, such as vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes, are practically impossible to find at Pohang Airport. Passengers with special dietary requirements are strongly advised to bring food with them. Cafe opening hours usually coincide with the flight schedule, opening in the morning and closing after the departure of the last plane. Prices for food and drinks here are slightly higher than the city average, which is standard practice for airports.

Traveling through the airport in the city of Pohang can be a simple and pleasant beginning or end to your trip around South Korea. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use these useful tips that will help save time, money, and stress.

When to arrive at the airport? For domestic flights, which make up the majority of departures from Pohang, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you are taking a rare international charter flight, allow at least 3 hours. Although Pohang Airport is not as large as the capital's airports, extra time will allow you to go through all formalities without rushing.

Check-in and security control. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline offers this option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop counter or security screening. Security checkpoints at the airport work efficiently, but be prepared in advance to remove laptops and other large gadgets, as well as containers with liquids, from your carry-on luggage.

Seat selection and carry-on luggage. Want to enjoy coastal views during takeoff? Choose a window seat. Prefer more legroom and the ability to exit quickly after landing? Your choice is an aisle seat. Remember standard rules for carry-on luggage: liquids up to 100ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. Always verify baggage allowances with your airline.

If you have a transfer. Passengers with connections should check in advance whether they need to collect and re-check their luggage. Leave enough time between flights, especially if flying with different airlines. Check with airport staff for the location of your next gate to avoid rushing.

Customs control. When entering the country or leaving with goods subject to declaration, be prepared to fill out a customs declaration form. Customs officers in South Korea work professionally and politely. The main thing is to honestly provide all necessary information to avoid misunderstandings.

Saving time and money. Besides online check-in, traveling light helps save money to avoid paying for excess baggage. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control. Research transport options to the city in advance — it may be cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot.

What to do in case of flight delay? In the event of a delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. They will provide current information and explain your rights to beverages, meals, or hotel accommodation. Use the free Wi-Fi at the airport to inform loved ones about schedule changes or find alternative flight options.