If you are traveling to South Korea and need kETA, you will enter through one of the country’s international airports or sea ports. This guide covers all the South Korean airports and entry points that accept kETA, including details on Incheon International Airport, Gimpo Airport, and Gimhae Airport in Busan – the three main international gateways in 2026.
Which Airports Accept kETA in South Korea?
kETA is accepted at all designated international entry points in South Korea. The main international airports are:
- Incheon International Airport (ICN) – Seoul area
- Gimpo International Airport (GMP) – Seoul area (limited international routes)
- Gimhae International Airport (PUS) – Busan
- Cheongju International Airport (CJJ) – Central Korea (limited international routes)
- Jeju International Airport (CJU) – Jeju Island (limited international routes)
The vast majority of international travelers arrive through Incheon (ICN), which is South Korea’s primary international hub.
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon International Airport is South Korea’s main international gateway and one of the busiest airports in Asia. Located approximately 50 km west of Seoul, on Yeongjong Island, ICN handles over 70 million passengers per year and connects South Korea to hundreds of destinations worldwide.
Key facts about ICN:
- IATA code: ICN
- Two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Terminal 2 serves Korean Air and its SkyTeam partners
- Terminal 1 serves most other airlines including Asiana and international carriers
- Connected to Seoul by the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) – direct trains to Seoul Station in about 43 minutes
- 24-hour operations with extensive transit amenities
When arriving at ICN, kETA is verified automatically as part of the passport scanning process at immigration. You do not need to show a printout. See our kETA application guide to ensure you are prepared.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Gimpo Airport handles a small number of international routes, primarily to Tokyo Haneda (Japan), Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong. It is Seoul’s secondary airport, located closer to the city center than Incheon.
If your flight arrives at Gimpo, your kETA is verified in the same way as at Incheon. kETA is fully accepted at GMP for all eligible nationalities. See our guide to Korea entry requirements for all documentation needed.
Gimhae International Airport (PUS) – Busan
Gimhae Airport serves Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city and a major port city on the southeastern coast. Busan is famous for its beaches, seafood, and the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
PUS serves international routes to major Asian hubs including Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and others. kETA is accepted at Gimhae Airport. If you are planning to explore southern Korea – including destinations like Gyeongju, Tongyeong, or the South Sea islands – arriving in Busan rather than Seoul can save significant travel time.
Entry by Sea – Ferry Ports
South Korea can also be entered by ferry from Japan (Fukuoka, Osaka, Shimonoseki) and China (Weihai, Tianjin, Qingdao). These sea entry points also require kETA for applicable nationalities. Check the eligible countries list and ensure you have your kETA (if required) before boarding a ferry to South Korea.
Transit Through South Korean Airports
If you are transiting through a South Korean airport and will NOT pass through immigration (i.e., you remain in the international departure zone), kETA is generally not required. However, if your transit requires you to pass through Korean immigration – for example, if you need to collect and re-check luggage – you may need kETA. Confirm with your airline and Korean immigration for your specific transit situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airports accept kETA in South Korea?
kETA is accepted at all South Korean international entry points, including Incheon (ICN), Gimpo (GMP), Gimhae/Busan (PUS), Cheongju (CJJ), and Jeju (CJU). Most international travelers arrive at Incheon.
Is there a difference between kETA processing at Incheon vs. Gimhae?
No – kETA is verified the same way at all South Korean entry points: automatically via passport scan at immigration. No additional steps are needed at any specific airport.
Do transit passengers need kETA?
Travelers who remain in the international transit zone without passing through immigration generally do not need kETA. If you must pass through Korean immigration during transit, kETA may be required. Check with your airline.
How do I get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) provides direct trains from Incheon to Seoul Station in approximately 43 minutes. Bus, taxi, and limousine services are also available. The journey by highway takes about 1 hour depending on traffic.
