Yangyang Airport

Yangyang International Airport (YNY) is a modern and convenient aerial gateway to the picturesque Gangwon-do province in the northeast of South Korea. Opened in 2002, it has become a key transport hub for travellers seeking the famous beaches of the East Sea and the peaks of Seoraksan National Park. The airport gained international recognition during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, welcoming flights from all over the world. Today, it successfully combines domestic routes with seasonal and charter international flights, remaining the starting point for unforgettable adventures in the region.

One of the main features of Yangyang Airport is its advantageous geographical location. Unlike other airports in the region, it rarely suffers from fog thanks to constant sea breezes, ensuring high reliability and punctuality of flights. The airport was built to improve transport accessibility to tourist centres such as Sokcho, Gangneung, and PyeongChang, replacing outdated airfields in these cities. Despite its compact size, the terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable journey, including shops and cafes. Convenient transport links, including shuttle buses, allow tourists to quickly and easily reach the main resorts and attractions of Gangwon-do province.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights and services can be found on the official Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) website: www.airport.co.kr/yangyang/main.do
• Help Desk Phone: +82-1661-2626 (This is the unified number for the Korea Airports Corporation call centre).
• Airport Address: Dongho-ri, Sonyang-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: Yangyang Airport does not maintain separate social media pages. News and updates are published on the official channels of the Korea Airports Corporation.
• Lost and Found: For items lost within the terminal, please contact the Lost and Found service at: +82-33-670-7323.
• Customer Support: For assistance, you can visit the information desk in the terminal building or call the general help desk number.

Getting to Yangyang International Airport (YNY) from the city centre of Yangyang and neighbouring resorts is effortless, as it is located just a few kilometres away. A trip by car from the centre takes on average 10–15 minutes. Travellers have several transport options available, varying in cost and comfort level.

Public Transport is the most economical method. City and intercity buses run from the airport to the city centre, the bus terminal, and the neighbouring resorts of Sokcho and Gangneung. This is an excellent choice for tourists with light luggage. The ticket price is usually around 1,500–2,500 KRW, making this the most affordable option. Please note that there is no direct railway connection to the airport, so travelling by train will require a transfer to a bus or taxi.

Taxis or pre-booked transfers offer maximum comfort. Taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals terminal exit. A trip to the centre of Yangyang will be quick and will cost approximately 10,000–15,000 KRW. For families and large groups, it is advantageous to book a transfer in advance — this guarantees a fixed price and eliminates waiting times, which is particularly valuable after a flight.

If you plan to actively travel along the picturesque coast and national parks of South Korea, car rental is the best solution. Several rental company offices are located at the airport. Having a car gives you complete freedom of movement. The approximate cost of renting an economy class car starts from 50,000 KRW per day. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking with short-term and long-term rates is provided.

Yangyang Airport (YNY) is a modern and compact aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure for passengers. The airport operates one passenger terminal serving both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, navigating the building causes no difficulties even for first-time visitors.

The terminal building has several levels, and its layout is intuitive. The Departure Zone is located on the upper floors and includes check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control, and boarding gates. The Arrival Zone is on the ground floor, where passengers go through passport control (for international flights), collect baggage, and pass through customs. Since all operations are concentrated in one building, transfers between terminals are not required, which significantly saves time and energy.

One of the main advantages of Yangyang Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Due to the small passenger flow compared to major hubs in South Korea, check-in and security procedures take minimal time. As a rule, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure for international flights, and 1–1.5 hours for domestic ones. However, it is always better to verify this information with your airline. Long queues are a rarity here, making the journey more comfortable.

Orienting yourself in the terminal is very easy. Clear signs in Korean and English are installed everywhere, as well as information boards with flight schedules. All necessary infrastructure — from information desks and currency exchange points to Duty Free shops, cafes, and rest areas — is within walking distance. The compactness of the airport allows you to quickly find the necessary boarding gate or check-in counter without the risk of getting lost.

The history of Yangyang International Airport (YNY) is a vivid example of an ambitious project with a complex destiny. The airport was built from scratch and officially opened in April 2002. Its creation coincided with the FIFA World Cup held in South Korea and Japan, aiming to stimulate tourism in the scenic Gangwon-do province, especially in the Seoraksan National Park area.

Initially, high hopes were placed on the airport. Besides tourist traffic, it was intended to serve participants in family reunion programmes from North and South Korea heading to the Mount Kumgang tourist region. However, after opening, it became clear that passenger numbers were significantly lower than projected. Many airlines cancelled their flights due to low profitability. The situation was exacerbated by the opening of the Seoul–Yangyang Expressway in 2009, which made travelling by car from the capital faster and more convenient. For many years, the airport was virtually empty, earning the nickname "ghost airport".

A significant event in the airport's history was the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang. During the games, Yangyang Airport was utilised as an auxiliary hub, receiving charter flights as well as private jets with official delegations and VIP guests. This allowed for a temporary revival of the air harbour and demonstrated its potential.

In recent years, active attempts have been made to revitalise the airport. The administration of Yangyang city and the airport management are attracting budget airlines and developing international charter destinations, mainly targeting tourists from Southeast Asian countries and Taiwan. These efforts have borne some fruit: seasonal flights have appeared, and passenger traffic has begun to grow gradually, although it is still far from the terminal's designed capacity.

An interesting fact: Yangyang Airport is often cited as an example of a "white elephant" — an expensive infrastructure project that did not meet initial economic expectations. Despite this, it remains a modern and well-equipped airport located in one of the most beautiful coastal regions of the country, and its story continues.

Yangyang Airport (YNY), despite its compact size, offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait. Here you will find several cafes where you can have coffee and a snack, as well as restaurants offering Korean cuisine. For those wishing to buy gifts or souvenirs from South Korea, shops are available, including a small Duty Free section.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. Charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the waiting halls. If you need to exchange currency or withdraw cash, bank branches and ATMs are at your service.

The airport cares for the comfort of all categories of passengers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with the necessary assistance, and the terminal infrastructure, including toilets and ramps, is fully adapted to their needs. General waiting halls are quite spacious; however, specialised VIP lounges may be absent or have limited operations, so it is worth checking this information in advance.

There are no hotels within the terminal itself, but travellers can easily find accommodation options in the city of Yangyang and its surroundings, accessible by taxi or bus. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are not provided at the airport, so it is better to use hotel services in the city for business meetings. A medical point operates in the terminal for first aid.

Yangyang Airport (YNY), being a small regional airport, offers a basic but sufficient selection of establishments to grab a bite before departure. Most cafes and restaurants are located in the public zone (landside) before security control, so both departing passengers and those seeing them off can enjoy a meal.

In the main terminal, you will find several establishments, including a small food court or restaurant offering Korean cuisine. This is a great opportunity to taste the authentic flavours of South Korea. Look out for classic dishes such as bibimbap (rice with vegetables and meat), doenjang-jjigae (thick soybean paste stew), or various types of ramyeon. For a quicker snack, sandwiches or pastries from a local cafe, where you can also order good coffee, are suitable.

Regarding specialised dietary requirements, the choice at Yangyang Airport is limited. Vegetarians can order bibimbap without meat, but finding certified vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes may be challenging. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are recommended to carry their own snacks.

The price range in the airport establishments is average by airport standards — slightly higher than in the city, but quite acceptable. The opening hours of cafes and restaurants are generally tied to the flight schedule, so they are open during periods of main activity but may be closed early in the morning or late at night. The main restaurant is best suited for a full meal, while the cafe or shop near the terminal entrance is ideal for a light snack or coffee.

Travelling through Yangyang Airport will be even more comfortable if you know a few useful tips. Although it is a relatively small and quiet airport, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5–2 hours. This is enough time to go through all procedures without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website if available. This allows you to go straight to baggage drop or security if you are travelling light.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. At the security screening stage, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Liquids (perfumes, creams, beverages) can be carried in containers not exceeding 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited in hand luggage. Power banks must usually be carried in the aircraft cabin and not in checked baggage.

Seat Selection and Connections. South Korea is famous for its picturesque landscapes. Since Yangyang Airport is located on the coast, a window seat can gift you a magnificent farewell view of the East Sea (Sea of Japan). If you have a connecting flight, check with your carrier in advance whether you will need to collect your luggage and re-check it at the transit airport. This is especially important when flying with different airlines.

Customs and Savings. When entering or leaving the country, it is necessary to complete a customs declaration. Declare all goods subject to declaration honestly to avoid fines. To save money, research airport transfer options in advance — sometimes booking a taxi via an app or taking a bus is cheaper than finding a car on the spot. Also, consider buying food and beverages before arriving at the airport, as prices here are generally higher.

If the Flight is Delayed. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline's counter for up-to-date information. Depending on the duration of the delay and its cause, you may be offered meal vouchers or even hotel accommodation. Use this time to rest, charge your gadgets, or use the free Wi-Fi in the terminal building.