Gunsan, South Korea – Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province) is set to significantly enhance air travel convenience for its residents with the announcement of increased flight frequencies between Gunsan Airport (KUV) and Jeju International Airport (CJU). Starting May 17, 2025, Jin Air, a low-cost carrier affiliated with Korean Air, will operate three daily round trips on this popular domestic route, up from the current two. This expansion comes as a welcome development following recent disruptions in service and underscores the local government's commitment to revitalizing the regional airport and improving transportation links for the community.
The decision, officially sanctioned through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's (MOLIT) approval of the 2025 summer domestic air transport business plan, addresses concerns arising from the withdrawal of Eastar Jet, a budget airline that previously serviced the Gunsan-Jeju corridor. Eastar Jet had suspended its winter operations and subsequently relinquished its valuable flight slots at Gunsan Airport in March, creating a void in air connectivity for the region.
Recognizing the importance of the Gunsan-Jeju route for both tourism and local travel, Jeollabuk-do authorities proactively engaged in discussions with MOLIT, the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), and various airlines to ensure continued and improved service. These collaborative efforts culminated in securing an additional daily round-trip flight operated by Jin Air.
The revised schedule will see the addition of a Gunsan departure at 3:30 PM KST, arriving in Jeju, and a return flight departing Jeju at 1:55 PM KST, landing back in Gunsan. These new timings are expected to offer greater flexibility for travelers, catering to a wider range of schedules and preferences. The existing two daily round-trip flights will continue their operations, further boosting the overall capacity and convenience of the route.
Jeollabuk-do has been actively investing in the infrastructure and safety of Gunsan Airport to ensure its viability and attractiveness to airlines and passengers alike. In a proactive measure to mitigate winter flight disruptions, the province recently implemented state-of-the-art de-icing and anti-icing facilities. This investment aims to minimize weather-related cancellations, which have historically posed challenges for air travel during the colder months.
Furthermore, comprehensive safety inspections conducted at Gunsan Airport have affirmed its high standards. Notably, the airport's VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) navigation system, a crucial component for aircraft guidance, was found to be optimally installed in a ground-based configuration, exceeding recommended safety zone requirements. This assessment positions Gunsan Airport as having one of the most robust levels of facility safety among airports nationwide.
Beyond infrastructure upgrades, Jeollabuk-do is also prioritizing operational safety. The province has established collaborative partnerships with the U.S. Air Force stationed at nearby Kunsan Air Base (part of the 8th Fighter Wing, often referred to as the "Wolf Pack"), the Republic of Korea Air Force's 38th Fighter Group, and the Korea Airports Corporation to implement measures aimed at preventing bird strikes, a common hazard in aviation. These joint efforts underscore a multi-faceted approach to ensuring the safe operation of flights at Gunsan Airport.
To incentivize airlines to operate from Gunsan, both Jeollabuk-do and Gunsan City have implemented a financial support program. Through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with operating carriers, the local governments provide significant financial assistance, including 580,000 KRW (approximately $420 USD based on current exchange rates) in loss compensation per flight and 500,000 KRW (approximately $360 USD) in landing fee subsidies per flight. This financial commitment demonstrates the strong desire of the local authorities to maintain and expand air services at Gunsan Airport. Over the past three years, this support has amounted to 1.215 billion KRW in 2022, 551 million KRW in 2023, and 974 million KRW in 2024, highlighting the consistent investment in air connectivity.
A spokesperson for Jeollabuk-do emphasized the strategic importance of Gunsan Airport, stating, "Gunsan Airport serves as Jeollabuk-do's vital air link, playing a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We are fully committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety and convenience for all passengers using the airport."
The increase in flights to Jeju Island is expected to have a positive impact on both tourism and business travel in the region. Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural heritage, attracts a significant number of visitors from across South Korea. The enhanced air connectivity will make it easier and more convenient for residents of Jeollabuk-do to access this popular island destination. Conversely, it will also facilitate increased tourism and economic activity in the Gunsan region.
This development marks a significant step forward in the revitalization of Gunsan Airport and underscores the proactive approach of Jeollabuk-do in addressing transportation needs and fostering regional development. The increased frequency of flights to Jeju Island is a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies, airport authorities, and airlines in serving the best interests of the local community.
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