About this flight
In September 2023, I traveled to Jeju Island in South Korea. For my return to Seoul, I took an Asiana Airlines flight to Seoul’s Gimpo Airport.
At Jeju Airport, passengers boarding flights to Seoul or other destinations on the Korean mainland are required to go through a passport check, and I found myself waiting in a long line for that process. Although Japanese citizens can enter South Korea without a visa, citizens of some countries still need one. However, certain nationalities can enter South Korea visa-free if arriving directly into Jeju from abroad. For this reason, foreign passengers taking domestic flights from Jeju Airport must undergo a passport check before boarding.
The flight from Jeju (CJU) to Seoul Gimpo (GMP) took about one hour and ten minutes.
Table of Contents
Gimpo Airport
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Walk from the Bus Stop
I took a bus to Jeju Airport. Since the bus I boarded stopped short of the terminal, I had to walk from the bus stop to the terminal building visible in the distance.
The Terminal and Dol Hareubang Statues
As I walked from the bus stop toward the terminal, I was greeted at the entrance by the famous Jeju stone statues known as “Dol Hareubang,” or “Stone Grandfathers.”
Dol Hareubang statues are considered guardian deities, similar to the Shisa lions of Okinawa, and can be found throughout Jeju Island.
Priority Lane
This is the dedicated security checkpoint lane for Star Alliance Gold members, including Asiana Airlines elite members.
Dedicated Check-in Counter
This counter is reserved for Business Class passengers, Asiana Club Diamond members, and Star Alliance Gold members.
Check-in Counter Categories
This sign shows the division of check-in counters by class.
Asiana Club Information
This is an information board for the Asiana Club, showing that Gold and higher-tier members are eligible to use the lounge and priority services.
Cup Vending Machine
This is a vending machine for drinks served in cups — likely part of an eco-friendly initiative.
Passport Check for Foreigners (1)
This is the line for foreign passengers departing from Jeju Airport to Seoul or other parts of mainland Korea, waiting for passport inspection. There are three general visa categories for entering South Korea:
- 1) 109 countries including Japan and Australia: visa-free entry
- 2) 78 countries including Iran, Pakistan, and Myanmar: visa-free entry only when arriving directly into Jeju
- 3) 11 countries including Cuba and Afghanistan: visa required for entry
This procedure is to ensure that travelers from category (2) countries do not enter mainland Korea without a visa. However, all foreign passengers must undergo this check, which can take some time.
Passport Check for Foreigners (2)
The passport inspection for foreigners is conducted using automated machines.
Passport Check for Foreigners (3)
Finally, I reached the machines where the passport inspection takes place.
Before Boarding
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Domestic Departure Information Board
This is the domestic departure flight information board located past the security checkpoint.
Aircraft
The aircraft I will be boarding today is parked at the gate. It’s a Boeing 767.
Boarding Gate
This is the departure boarding gate.
Souvenir Shop (1)
These appear to be boxes of cinnamon rolls. The sheer number of boxes stacked up is impressive. Since it was still morning at the time, they were likely preparing for lunchtime sales. It shows how popular this route is among travelers.
Souvenir Shop (2)
A top-down view of the stacked boxes of cinnamon rolls.
Priority Boarding Notice
This is the priority boarding notice displayed at the boarding gate.
Carry-on Baggage Scale
This is the carry-on baggage scale used for weighing hand luggage.
In Flight
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Economy Class Cabin
This is the interior of the Economy Class cabin. The aircraft has two aisles, and the seating configuration is 2-3-2.
Service Cart
This is the cart used for beverage service.
- • Coffee
- • Tomato juice
- • Cola
- • Water, etc.
Drink Service
I had a glass of tomato juice during the drink service.
