Incheon: Incheon International Airport, Republic of Korea’s primary gateway located west of Seoul, will inaugurate a dedicated immigration lane for foreign businesspeople recommended by domestic business associations starting next week, as reported by the airport operator on Wednesday.

According to Lao News Agency, this initiative, set to commence on Sunday, is a direct response to a proposal discussed during a meeting between President Lee Jae Myung and leaders of major business associations in June. The Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) stated that the government collaborated with relevant agencies and prominent business groups, including foreign business chambers, to facilitate the use of this separate fast-track lane by foreign businesspeople recommended by Korean economic associations for expedited entry.

At present, Korean nationals using automated immigration kiosks spend approximately two minutes on average at entry points, whereas foreign nationals relying on in-person counters face wait times ranging from 24 to 35 minutes. The new system will undergo testing at Incheon International Airport until December, with potential plans for implementation at other airports.

Moreover, the government is contemplating allowing foreign travelers access to the automated immigration kiosks currently reserved for South Korean nationals, as per IIAC. “With this new policy, foreign business travelers will find Incheon International Airport more convenient to use,” said Lee Hak-jae, IIAC president and chief executive officer. “We will continue to support government initiatives and improve passenger services.”