Gimpo International Airport, International airport in Gangseo District, South Korea
Gimpo International Airport is an international airport in Gangseo District, roughly 15 kilometers west of downtown Seoul, and features two passenger terminals and two runways. The complex also includes a separate cargo zone that handles growing freight traffic in the region.
The site opened in 1939 as an Imperial Army base named Keijo New Airfield and later served as a key location during the Korean War. After the war, the site transformed into a civilian airport and acted as Seoul's primary international gateway until Incheon opened in 2001.
The name Gimpo comes from the city that once stood here before merging with Seoul, and whose old center lay close to the runways. Travelers use the airport mainly for business trips within Korea and to nearby destinations in Japan or China, giving it a busy yet more relaxed feel than other major hubs.
The AREX express line connects the airport directly to downtown Seoul, while several subway lines offer additional links across the metro area. Those arriving early will find rest zones and shops in the terminals that open in the morning.
After serving as Seoul's main gateway for international flights until 2001, the airport now focuses on domestic connections and a few select routes to Tokyo, Osaka, and Beijing. Many business travelers prefer it for shorter journeys to the center and faster processing compared to larger hubs.
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