Air Transport Industry
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Civil aviation in the Republic of Korea has shown truly remarkable development despite its short history allowing the country to emerge as one of the largest air transport markets in the world over the past two decades. Today, it stands as the 8th largest country in terms of air transport volume (2023) and the 10th in financial contributions to ICAO (2012).
In 2025, there were nearly 95 million international passenger movements at Korean airports. Passenger traffic volume has increased continuously since 1999 except for the sudden drops in 2003 and 2008 due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak and the global financial crisis. While accomplishing this growth, the ROK has continued to develop prestigious, world-class global airlines and an award-winning international airport: In particular, Incheon International Airport ranked first in the world for international passenger traffic in the first half of 2026. The volume of international cargo movement at Korean airports totaled 4.3 million tons in 2025 Cargo traffic has also been growing steadily and it is expected to keep growing with the international cargo market gradually moving towards increased liberalization. Liberalization
The ROK has gradually undertaken progressive liberalization in both its cargo and passenger transportation sectors, working to increase capacity of entitlement and new routes through bilateral air consultations with major States. These efforts currently include negotiations on third party code-sharing arrangements, multiple designator or double tracking, and price filing systems. It is anticipated that a continuation of this approach will support increasing regional liberalization in the near future. There are currently 110 agreements for passenger carriage(2026). Cargo services have been addressed in a more liberal manner because of their importance in stimulating exchanges between countries in the region and to the role of the Incheon International Airport as an Asia-Pacific logistics hub. Under this approach, the ROK has implemented cargo liberalization agreements with 50 States (2026). ■ International Air Routes and Frequencies(As of June 30, 2026) Category
Countries
Cities
Routes
Frequencies (Weekly)
Total
Pax
Cargo
Total
Pax
Cargo
Total
Pax
Cargo
Total
Pax
Cargo
Korean Air
Carriers 43 37 26
145 133 48
260 211 63
4,176 3,951 225
Foreign Air
Carriers 43 37 28
126 99 64
232 135 110
2,169 1,817 352
Total
53 46 36
188 160 85
405 262 168
6,345 5,768 577
* 33 Countries, 83 Cities, 87 Routes in Common ■ Current Status of Open Skies Agreements (50 Countries)(As of August 2026) Conclusion of Open Skies Agreements with 34 countries for passenger/combination services, 5 countries for passenger services, and 11 countries for all-cargo services. |
Aviation Safety
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Aviation Safety
The ROK is dedicated to the development of a healthy air transport system in a rapid growth industry. In particular, the ROK is proud to have established a highly-standardized safety oversight system in full compliance with the international standards and recommended practices. These accomplishments of the ROK were demonstrated with the score of the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP) in 2008, a key indicator of the health of a State's civil aviation safety. Effective Implementation of ICAO SARPs
Implementing and managing a large number of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) with frequent amendments are challenging tasks for Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) throughout the world. Identifying and filing differences with ICAO are comprehensive tasks which require a great deal of time and effort. In this regard, the ROK has developed the SARPs Management and Implementation System (SMIS) to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of SARPs management. SMIS is designed to manage the records related to all of the ICAO SARPs, aiding to keep them up-to-date, and manage full compliance with ICAO SARPs efficiently on the basis of continuous monitoring. Moreover, it is devised to respond to ICAO State Letters in a timely manner in order to track related follow-up actions. The ROK has made the SMIS freely available, and has distributed it to over 40 ICAO Contracting States since its development in 2006. The system continues to evolve to meet ultimate goal-improve global aviation safety. Aviation Safety Inspection and Surveillance
Aiming at ensuring the safe operation of aircraft and airports, the Office of Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certifies air carriers and international airports in the ROK, and approves maintenance organizations. Highly-trained and experienced inspectors continuously conduct surveillance on the capability, reliability and safety performance of the air operators, airport operators and other service providers in all various aviation fields.  Harmonized Implementation of SMS
Safety Management Systems (SMS) have been fully implemented by aircraft and airport operators and air traffic control service providers since September 1 2008. In order to develop a harmonized and effective SMS, coordinated efforts have been made among the authority concerned, service providers and research institutes in the aviation field. Furthermore, the "Safety Reporting System" has been improved to manage and share safety information systematically and promote safety culture in a non-punitive environment. An efficient and effective tool-the internet-based electronic reporting system has been adopted to enable timely reporting for all aviation personnel. Various inspection results and training records have been provided through a web-based safety data management system called "National Aviation Resource & Information System (NARMI)", in order to support the management of aviation safety data containing aircraft registration. publications
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Personnel Licensing and Training
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The Republic of Korea operates a comprehensive personnel licensing and training system in accordance with the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Aviation personnel licences and ratings are issued only after the applicable requirements for knowledge, skill and experience have been satisfied. Flight crew members and air traffic controllers are additionally required to meet the applicable medical fitness and English language proficiency requirements.
Standardized written and practical examinations are administered to ensure that applicants possess the competencies required to perform their duties safely. Computer-based examination and digital administrative systems are used to improve accessibility, efficiency, accuracy and transparency throughout the examination and licensing process. The Republic of Korea also establishes and implements training and qualification standards for pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance engineers, flight operations officers and other aviation personnel. Approved training organizations and their training programmes are subject to continued oversight to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and the consistent quality of training. Aviation English proficiency assessments and related training programmes are implemented in accordance with the relevant ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices. The personnel licensing system extends beyond initial licence issuance. The validity of licences, ratings and associated privileges is managed, as applicable, through recent-experience, proficiency and recurrent-training requirements. For flight crew members and air traffic controllers, the continued exercise of licence privileges is also subject to the applicable medical fitness and English language proficiency requirements. In preparation for future aviation workforce needs, the Republic of Korea supports the systematic education and training of aviation professionals and promotes evidence-based workforce planning. By continuously reflecting changes in international standards and developments in the aviation environment, the Government is committed to enhancing the quality, reliability and international credibility of its personnel licensing and training system. |
Air Navigation Services
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Air Navigation Services
Approximately 390 qualified and well-trained air traffic controllers provide precise air traffic control services to more than 2,700 arriving and departing flights around the clock using state-of-the-art equipment. NAVAIDs such as VOR, ILS and RADAR are operated daily to ensure aviation safety. Flight inspection aircraft are also used to conduct evaluations to maintain the accuracy of these NAVAIDs. Advanced Air Traffic Management
As air traffic in the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow rapidly, efficient airspace management is becoming increasingly important. The ROK is making continuous efforts to maximize airspace capacity by adopting advanced airspace management technologies. In order to ensure safe and efficient airspace, effectively manage air traffic, and provide up-to-date aeronautical information, the ROK has implemented various policies and systems. Key initiatives include developing parallel air routes and Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and Standard Instrument Arrival (STAR) procedures using Performance-based Navigation (PBN) technologies; providing radar surveillance and communication services throughout the Flight Information Region (FIR); implementing Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM); introducing Aeronautical Information Management (AIM)* and Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) systems**; and establishing the second Area Control Center (ACC)***. * Aeronautical Information Management (AIM): https://aim.koca.go.kr ** Air Traffic Flow Management Portal (K-ATFM): https://katfm.molit.go.kr/main.do *** Air Traffic Management Office: https://tilit.molit.go.kr/atmo/intro.do Airport Air NAVAIDS Facility Development
Furthermore, the ROK has made constant investments in Research and Development (R&D) of air navigation facilities for safer air navigation and more efficient airport operations. As a result, the ROK successfully developed the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Doppler VHF Omni-directional Radio Range (DVOR) all with its own technology and with state-of-the-art IT. What is fascinating is that they are in compliance with international standards, easy to repair and maintain and able to operate at peak performance even in the ROK's mountainous terrain as well as other challenging topography. In addition, the ROK developed the Pavement Management System (PMS) to better manage runway safety as well as LED Airfield Light and the Individual Lighting Control & Monitoring System (ILCMS) to realize low-carbon green airports. All these are exported to 14 countries already. |
Aviation Security
| Aviation security in the ROK has been strengthened by its comprehensive legal system and the effective implementation of advanced technology. Currently, the ROK has one of the most reliable and advanced aviation security systems in the world, as verified by the first cycle of the ICAO security audits (USAP). The Office of Civil Aviation has put security policies in place to proactively deal with threats such as unlawful interference. In order to achieve this goal, the Office of Civil Aviation has developed and implemented a National Civil Aviation Security Program that ensures the implementation of aircraft and airport operator security programs. The program is supported by the National Civil Aviation Security Quality Control Program. In-flight security is assured by both aircraft operators and the Office of Civil Aviation. Aircraft have been protected with bulletproof cockpit doors and security tools such as gas guns and air tasers have been deployed. In addition the ICAO Security Control Guidelines for Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) have been fully implemented as of March 2007. 
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Aerospace Industry
Space Development Policy Framework
Mid to Long-term Space
Development Plan
Development Plan
Initial(1996), 1st revision(1998),
2nd revision(2000), 3rd revision(2005)
2nd revision(2000), 3rd revision(2005)
Act
Enactment of Space Development
Promotion Act(2005)
Promotion Act(2005)
Basic Plan for Promoting
Space Development
Space Development
1st(2007), 2nd(2011), Mid to long-term(2013),
3rd(2018), 4th revision(2023)
3rd(2018), 4th revision(2023)
Roadmap of Basic Plan for Promoting Space Development
(As of Jan. 2023)
| Space Development Milestones | |
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Airports
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Airport Operation Certification
There are 15 airports in the Republic of Korea and all the airports used for international operations have been certified by the Office of Civil Aviation, in accordance with National Regulations and applicable ICAO SARPs. Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC)
Incheon International Airport, operated by the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), is one of the world's leading airports, constantly setting new standards. As the gateway of Korea to the world, Incheon International Airport connects cities and people day and night, emerging as a global mega-hub of Northeast Asia. Currently, more than 100 airlines are operating at the airport, linking 183 cities in 53 countries worldwide. The airport has a worldwide reputation: ranked the world's No. 1 in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) assessment by Airports Council International (ACI) for an unprecedented 12 consecutive years. It also became the first airport in the world to achieve the highest level (Level 5) of the ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation for five consecutive years. Having served as a benchmark for airports around the world, Incheon International Airport has participated in 37 overseas projects across 17 countries, including the acquisition and operation of Manila International Airport (NAIA) in the Philippines. With the successful completion of its fourth phase of construction, the airport has emerged as a global mega-hub boasting four runways and an annual capacity of 600,000 flights, 106 million passengers, and 6.39 million tons of cargo-the third-largest in the world. Korea Airports Corporation (KAC)
As Korea’s first specialized airport operator, Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) manages and operates 14 airports nationwide, connecting regions across Korea with the world. Its roles are wide-ranging across the aviation industry, including the operation and maintenance of air traffic control, communication and air navigation facilities that support the safe operation of aircraft, as well as the training of aviation professionals. KAC enhances the competitiveness of regional airports to strengthen mobility and connectivity between regions. Jeju International Airport has been named the most efficient airport in the Asia-Pacific region by the Air Transport Research Society (ATRS) for 10 consecutive years, while Gimhae International Airport has received the same recognition eight times. The Corporation also drives regional economic growth by expanding international routes at regional airports and generating new air traffic demand linked to local tourism and industry. Decades of airport management expertise and aviation technology capabilities have positioned KAC in markets worldwide. Its home-grown navigational aids, including DVOR and DME, have been exported to 28 countries. KAC has also demonstrated its technological independence in the field by successfully localizing shipboard Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) systems, which had previously been entirely dependent on imports. On the training side, KAC operates a government-approved Jet Transition Course and the Aviation Security Training Center (ASTC) officially certified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It also offers international training programs for overseas aviation personnel, developing aviation professionals at home and abroad. Digital technologies, including AI and BIM-based facility management and smart security systems, are being integrated across KAC’s airport operations, making them safer, more convenient and more advanced. Looking ahead, KAC’s technology development and pursuit of overseas opportunities in UAM, UTM and UATM are laying the groundwork for the next era of aviation. Airport Operators at a Glance
 Incheon Intnl. Airport Corporation
 Incheon Intnl. Airport
 Korea Airports Corporation
Gimpo, Yangyang, Cheongju, Daegu, Muan, Gimhae, Jeju, Sacheon, Gunsan, Pohang, Gwangju, Wonju, Yeosu, Ulsan
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International Cooperation
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As Member of the ICAO Council
As an ICAO Council Member, the Republic of Korea strives to contribute to the international community. It has been providing its self-developed safety management software to Member States free of charge. In addition, the ROK is in the middle of developing a programme in cooperation with the ICAO Air Navigation Bureau so that Member States can more easily exchange safety related data. International Contributions
Recognizing the importance of specialized support and cooperation to the international civil aviation society, the ROK has been contributing in many ways. It supports ICAO's primary international safety and security programs, participated in various projects, directly and indirectly, in the way of such as financial assistance, secondment, etc. With its advanced IT technologies, the ROK developed various web-based programs, including the SMIS and the Safety Oversight Management System (SOMS). These have also been developed in international versions to share their benefit with the world.  The ROK has invited more than 837 aviation personnel from 97 countries to participate in Fellowship Training Programme since 2001 and has provided comprehensive programs consisted of classroom lectures, practical laboratory training and on-site visits to airports and manufacturing companies. In 2012, 184 aviation personnel were invited under an MOU signed between the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the International Civil Aviation Organization for cooperation in the development of training programmes. |
Environmental Protection
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Environmental Protection
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted a long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050 and is pursuing a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions, including the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the wider use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). In particular, in 2023, ICAO established a global collective vision to reduce CO₂ emissions from international aviation by 5% by 2030 through the use of SAF, Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and other cleaner aviation energies. In line with these ICAO policies, the ROK continues to pursue measures to reduce carbon emissions from international aviation, including the implementation of CORSIA and the expansion of SAF production and use. Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation
The ROK has voluntarily participated in CORSIA since the beginning of its pilot phase in 2021 and has been managing carbon emissions from international flights. To support the stable implementation of CORSIA at the national level, the ROK enacted the Act on the Management of Carbon Emissions from International Aviation in 2024, establishing a legal framework for the monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of carbon emissions, the designation of aircraft operators subject to CORSIA requirements, and the calculation and fulfillment of offsetting requirements. Based on this framework, the ROK systematically manages carbon emissions from international aviation in accordance with ICAO standards. Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The ROK is pursuing policies to expand the production and use of SAF as a key means of reducing carbon emissions from international aviation. In September 2025, the Government established the SAF Blending Mandate Roadmap, under which a SAF blending mandate will be introduced from 2027 and the blending ratio will be gradually increased, taking into account domestic production capacity and international developments. In addition, the Government launched the SAF Alliance in September 2025, bringing together the aviation and oil refining industries as well as relevant organizations. Through the Alliance, the Government continues to promote public-private cooperation by reviewing the implementation of the roadmap, expanding SAF supply and demand, and improving the relevant institutional framework. |
Urban Air Mobility
ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE ACT ON THE PROMOTION OF AND SUPPORT FOR UTILIZATION OF URBAN AIR MOBILITY
ACT ON THE PROMOTION OF AND SUPPORT FOR UTILIZATION OF URBAN AIR MOBILITY
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