With the peak summer travel season around the corner, Incheon International Airport is gearing up for a rush of passengers, warning travelers to arrive 30 minutes to an hour earlier than usual — about three hours before departure — to avoid missing flights. 
 
Between July 25 and Aug. 10, an estimated 3.87 million travelers are expected to pass through Incheon, averaging 228,000 passengers per day, the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) said Thursday. That’s a 4 percent jump from the Lunar New Year holiday rush, typically one of Korea’s busiest travel periods. 
 
 
To manage the surge, airport authorities will open several security checkpoints earlier than usual. From July 23 to Aug. 4, Terminal 1’s Departure Gates 2 and 4 and Terminal 2’s Gate 2 will begin operating 30 to 60 minutes ahead of schedule. Terminal 2’s Gate 1 will get two new security screening machines, and 67 additional security staff will be deployed.
 
Other measures include expanding “Smart Pass” fast-track lanes, which are only available for Korean passports, adding self-service bag drop stations and running select airport shops around the clock. Parking management will be more flexible, and late-night bus services will be increased to ease crowding. 
 
“We will operate the summer peak period with a focus on passenger convenience and safety,” said Lee Hag-jae, CEO of the IIAC. “We are preparing for an era of 100 million annual passengers by advancing digital transformation and expanding our global network.”
 

Incheon International Airport Terminal 1’s parking lot is packed on Jan. 23, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. [YONHAP]

 
Domestic airports, including those serving popular destinations like Jeju Island, are also rolling out special travel plans. The Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) estimates 4.31 million passengers and 24,067 flights will move through local airports over the same period. That averages out to 1,416 flights and 253,000 travelers per day, up slightly from the 1,365 flights and 238,729 travelers in the same period last year.
 
The busiest days are forecast to be July 25 at Gimpo Airport, July 26 at Gimhae Airport and Aug. 4 at Jeju International Airport.
 
To cope with the expected surge, KAC will open check-in counters earlier, increase security and ID verification operations and expand staffing at immigration checkpoints. It has also secured 5,910 additional parking spaces and plans to boost on-site personnel by 40, bringing the total to 2,046 staff during the peak season.
 
“We’ve prepared an emergency safety plan in anticipation of increased passenger traffic during the peak summer travel season,” said Son Jong-ha, head of operations at KAC. “We’ll do our best to ensure travelers experience minimal inconvenience by deploying additional on-site staff.”
 

Travelers move through Incheon International Airport on Feb. 27. [NEWS1]

Translated from the JoongAng Ilbo using generative AI and edited by Korea JoongAng Daily staff.
BY PARK YOUNG-WOO [[email protected]]

Still hesitating about traveling to, studying in or doing business with China? The following numbers might help change your mind.

In the first half of 2025, foreign nationals made a total of 38.05 million trips to or from China, an increase of 30.2 percent year-on-year, the National Immigration Administration said on Wednesday. Of these trips, 13.64 million were visa-free entries — which is more than the population of a megacity — up 53.9 percent from the same period last year.

These trips accounted for 71.2 percent of all inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of the year.

Thanks to a growing list of unilateral visa-free agreements with countries across Europe, Southeast Asia and beyond, it is easier than ever to enter China without excessive paperwork. China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows travelers from 55 countries to transit through China without a visa for up to 240 hours.

On the other hand, the number of Chinese citizens traveling abroad has also risen rapidly. This increased two-way movement of people is helping other countries better understand China.

The impact is already visible in international perceptions. A new Pew Research Center survey, released on Tuesday and based on responses from more than 30,000 people across 25 countries, reveals several key shifts in global attitudes toward China. Conducted between Jan 8 and April 26, the study found that compared to last year views about China have turned favorable in 15 of the 25 countries surveyed.

One of the most notable trends is generational. In most countries, younger people are more positive about China than older respondents. This younger demographic is also more likely to form opinions based on direct experiences, social media content and peer networking, rather than through legacy media narratives or assumptions.

In addition, more people now see China as the world’s leading economic power, a marked change from Pew’s 2023 survey and a reflection of China’s growing global influence through innovation, trade and high-quality development.

These changing views reflect a reality many are discovering firsthand. The China of today is dynamic, forward-looking and deeply engaged with the world. From high-speed rail networks and AI-driven cities to vibrant cultural festivals and thriving innovation hubs, China offers not only modern infrastructure but a new model of development, one that emphasizes quality, sustainability and openness.

And this openness is intentional. China is advancing high-level opening-up not just through policy, but through action. It is about more than trade and investment, it is about encouraging people-to-people exchanges, educational partnerships, tourism and shared innovation. Whether it is easier visa access, multilingual services at airports and train stations, or international cooperation zones, the door to China is wide open and increasingly welcoming.

What is also helping is China’s role as a source of stability and certainty in a turbulent global landscape. At a time when many regions are facing economic headwinds and geopolitical tensions, China’s long-term development strategies, policy consistency and emphasis on peaceful cooperation stand out. Its approach to modernization, rooted in national conditions, yet globally connected, is being recognized as both effective and inspiring.

The result? A growing number of international visitors are not just impressed, they are surprised. Many describe the China they encounter as “unexpected”, “fascinating” or even “cool”. This is a country breaking through cliches and showing the world what modernization with Chinese characteristics really looks like and how it can offer new ideas for global development.

So, if you are still wondering whether it is time to explore China, the signs are clear. People are coming. Views are shifting. Connections are deepening.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the scenery along the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo shows a vehicle in a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows the scenery along the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists visiting a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

Tourists riding camels visit a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)

This photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Li Xiao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a grassland by the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A man poses for a photo at a service area of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 15, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Li Xiao)

An aerial drone photo shows vehicles on the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 15, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a grassland by the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

This aerial drone photo shows tourists visiting a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)