From Imperial Army base to modern hub: the turbulent history of Seoul's Gimpo Airport

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Built by forced labor in 1939, Gimpo International Airport has evolved from a wartime military stronghold into a vital regional transit hub. Once the primary gateway to South Korea, it now serves as Seoul's secondary airport, facilitating high-speed shuttle routes that connect major East Asian cities with remarkable efficiency.

Originally constructed during the Japanese Imperial period in 1939, Gimpo was designed as an Imperial Army base. Korean laborers manually hauled the rocks used to build its four runways, creating a facility intended to supplement the smaller Keijo Airfield. By the time of the Korean War, the site—designated K-14 by the U.S. Air Force—became a focal point of intense conflict. It saw the first air battle of the war in June 1950, when U.S. forces engaged North Korean fighters, and later served as a critical logistics point for UN forces following the Inchon landings.

The airport's role shifted dramatically in the post-war era. In 1958, a presidential decree officially redesignated it as the international airport for Seoul, replacing the aging Yeouido Airport. For decades, it remained the country's primary international gateway. However, as demand surged, the government sought to build a larger facility. After public opposition to a proposed site in Cheongju, officials selected Yeongjong Island. The opening of Incheon International Airport in 2001 marked a transition for Gimpo, which was relegated to a secondary status for long-haul international travel.

Despite this change, Gimpo has carved out a specialized niche. Beginning in 2003, it pioneered 'city-to-city' shuttle services to Tokyo's Haneda Airport, designed to save travelers significant ground transit time. This model proved successful, leading to the resumption or establishment of routes to Shanghai, Osaka, Beijing, and Taipei. Today, the airport remains a bustling hub, with Korea Airports Corporation maintaining its headquarters on-site. While it has weathered significant accidents and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gimpo continues to adapt, with ongoing terminal expansions and modernization efforts ensuring its relevance in the regional aviation network.

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