Wonju Airport

Wonju Airport (WJU) is not just an air gateway to the city of the same name, but a convenient starting point for exploring the picturesque Gangwon-do province in South Korea. Although it cannot boast the scale of giants like Seoul's Incheon, its compactness and strategic location make it an ideal choice for travelers who value time and comfort. This dual-purpose airport, serving both civil and military flights, acts as an important transport hub for residents of the region, especially those heading to the popular Jeju Island.

One of the key features of Wonju Airport is its status as a joint-use facility. This means it shares its infrastructure with the Republic of Korea Air Force, adding to its uniqueness. However, this creates no inconvenience for passengers; rather, it highlights the strategic importance of this transport facility.

The main advantage of the airport is its compactness and efficiency. Here, you will not encounter long queues for check-in or security screening, and the baggage claim process takes minimal time. This makes it an excellent alternative to large airports for domestic flights, primarily for the most popular destination — Jeju Island. Furthermore, the airport's location provides quick access to natural treasures, such as Chiaksan National Park, and other attractions in Gangwon-do province.

Below you will find contact information for Wonju Airport (WJU), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: www.airport.co.kr/wonju/main.do (site available in Korean and English).
• Information Desk Phone: +82-33-340-8300. Information desk staff can assist with questions regarding schedules, airport services, and terminal navigation.
• Address: 533, Hoengseong-ro, Hoengseong-eup, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
• Email: A specific email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the phone or the feedback form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: Wonju Airport does not have its own active social media pages. Official news is published on the resources of the managing company, Korea Airports Corporation (KAC).
• Lost & Found: If you have lost personal items within the airport, please contact the search service by phone: +82-33-340-8321.
• Customer Service Contacts: For assistance and consultations regarding service at the airport, please contact the main information desk number.

Getting to Wonju Airport (WJU) from the city center of Wonju is quite simple, thanks to its close proximity. The choice of transport depends on your preferences regarding comfort, time, and budget. The journey from the central part of the city usually takes between 20 to 40 minutes.

Public Transport: The most economical way to reach the airport is by city buses. Routes connect the airport with major city transport hubs, including the bus terminal and railway station. This is a great option for travelers without a large amount of luggage. The fare is generally low, approximately 1,500–2,500 KRW. We recommend checking the current schedule in advance, as bus frequency may vary throughout the day.

Taxi and Transfer: For maximum convenience, especially if you have many suitcases or are traveling with family, a taxi is the best choice. This is the fastest method, taking you from door to terminal in about 20-25 minutes. The metered fare will be around 15,000–25,000 KRW depending on traffic conditions and the exact departure point. You can also pre-book a private transfer via online services or your hotel, ensuring a fixed price and a driver meet-and-greet.

Car Rental and Parking: If you prefer freedom of movement and plan to explore the surroundings of Wonju, renting a car is an ideal solution. You can rent a car at one of the city offices and drive comfortably to the airport. For those arriving in a personal or rented vehicle, Wonju Airport provides parking, offering both short-term and long-term options. This is convenient if you are flying away for a few days and wish to leave your car in a secure place.

Wonju Airport (WJU) is a small regional air hub with a structure that is extremely simple and convenient for passengers. You will not have to worry about complex navigation, as the entire airport complex consists of one passenger terminal serving all domestic flights.

The terminal is a compact building where all functional zones are within walking distance of each other. The airport layout is intuitive: upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the main hall. Airline check-in counters are located here. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to a single security checkpoint, followed by a small but comfortable waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival area is equally concise: it consists of a hall with a baggage claim belt and an exit leading back to the same main hall.

One of the key advantages of Wonju Airport is the rapid completion of all pre-flight procedures. Unlike large international hubs, there are practically no long queues here. Flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport approximately one hour before departure to avoid any rush.

Since the airport has only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings. Orienting yourself here is very easy: all signs are clear and duplicated in English. In fact, all navigation comes down to following a straight route: entrance → check-in counter → security → waiting hall. Getting lost in Wonju Airport is practically impossible, making it an excellent choice for travelers who value time and comfort.

The history of Wonju Airport (WJU) is closely intertwined with the military aviation of South Korea. Initially, this facility was established as the ROK Air Force Hoengseong Air Base and retains its strategic military status to this day. It is a joint-use airport, which is its key feature: it simultaneously functions as an important military facility and serves civil flights.

The era of civil aviation in Wonju began in 1975, when Korean Air launched the first passenger flights, connecting the region with other parts of the country. However, the development of expressways, particularly the Yeongdong Expressway, posed serious competition to air travel. This led to a decrease in passenger traffic and even temporary suspensions of flights at various times, reflecting changing transport preferences in the country.

To revive civil air travel and improve service quality, significant modernization was carried out in the 1990s. In 1995, a new modern passenger terminal was opened, capable of accommodating a larger number of travelers. One of the brightest moments in the airport's history was its participation in providing transport logistics during the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. Wonju Airport served as an auxiliary hub for receiving guests and competition participants, highlighting its strategic importance.

Today, Wonju Airport continues its dual mission. It remains a key air base for the country's Air Force while simultaneously serving domestic civil flights, connecting Gangwon-do province with major cities. Its history is an example of adaptation and development, from a purely military facility to a multifunctional transport hub playing an important role in the life of the region.

Wonju Airport (WJU) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal features several dining points. Here you will find a café where you can have coffee and a snack before your flight, as well as small shops offering snacks, drinks, and souvenirs to remember your trip to South Korea.

For the convenience of travelers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work. Charging stations for mobile devices are also equipped in the waiting halls. Information regarding the availability of premium lounges or VIP zones is best verified directly with your airline, as such services may be limited in regional airports.

Regarding financial services, ATMs are available in the airport for cash withdrawals. It is worth noting that specialized currency exchange bureaus may be absent, so it is recommended to take care of this matter in advance. In case of illness or the need for medical assistance, a medical point operates within the terminal.

Wonju Airport cares about the comfort of all categories of passengers. For travelers with small children, a nursing room is provided, where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive assistance from staff, as well as use specially equipped restrooms and ramps for convenient movement. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance if assistance is required.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself. However, many accommodation options to suit any taste and budget can be found in the nearby city of Wonju, which is easily accessible by public transport or taxi. Dedicated business centers or conference halls are not provided at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving passenger flights.

When planning a trip through Wonju Airport (WJU), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport serving mainly domestic flights. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and not comparable to large international hubs. Passengers are advised to plan their meals in advance.

Typically, one small café or convenience store operates within the airport territory. Here you can purchase packaged snacks, sandwiches, chips, pastries, as well as soft drinks, coffee, and tea. This is a good option for a quick snack before departure, but finding a full hot lunch or dinner here is unlikely. Such outlets are usually located in the public area (landside), before passing through security control.

Specialized dishes, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, are likely absent from the menu. Passengers with specific dietary requirements—including those seeking Halal options—are strongly recommended to bring food with them or eat before arriving at the airport. It is better to try authentic local Korean cuisine in the city of Wonju itself, as the selection at the airport will be minimal or non-existent.

The operating hours of the existing café or shop are usually tied to the flight schedule and may be limited. The price range for food and drinks, as in most airports, is slightly higher than in the city but remains acceptable for standard snacks. Before your trip, it is worth checking current information about operating food outlets, as this may change.

Traveling through Wonju Airport (WJU) in South Korea usually proceeds smoothly, as it is a small regional air station. To ensure your trip starts without unnecessary stress, make use of our tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Wonju Airport primarily serves domestic flights. We recommend arriving 1.5-2 hours before departure. This is enough time to calmly check in luggage, pass through security control, and reach the boarding gate. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option.

Security Control. Procedures in a small airport generally move faster than in large hubs. Keep your boarding pass and ID ready. Regarding hand luggage, standard rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects are prohibited. Always check the current requirements of your airline, especially regarding the carriage of batteries and electronic devices.

Seat Selection and Transfers. When choosing a window seat, you may be treated to picturesque views of the mountain landscapes of Gangwon-do province. An aisle seat is more convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. Since Wonju is not a transit hub, direct transfers here are rare. If you plan to fly further from another airport, allow sufficient time for travel and re-check-in.

Customs Control. As the airport serves domestic flights, international customs and passport control are absent here. This significantly simplifies and speeds up the process for all passengers.

Savings and Flight Delays. To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on flight status and possible options (e.g., provision of meals). Infrastructure at the airport may be limited, so it is useful to have a book or a charged power bank with you for entertainment.