KOREAN NET

The Ministry of Justice this month has raised the number of countries whose nationals can use automated immigration gates at Incheon International Airport from four -- Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao -- to 18.

By Aisylu Akhmetzianova

The number of nationalities that can use automated immigration clearance at Incheon International Airport has been boosted more than fourfold this month to reduce waiting times for foreign arrivals.

The Ministry of Justice on Dec. 1 announced that it raised the number from just four -- Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao -- to 18.

The 14 additions are the U.K., France, Italy, Finland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, Singapore and United Arab Emirates.

Foreign arrivals can now preregister for automated immigration clearance on the east side of Terminal 1 and the east and west sides of the arrival hall in Terminal 2, as well as on the west side of the arrival hall in Terminal 1.

This measure will allow some 40% of all foreign arrivals to undergo automated immigration screening. After reviewing the results of trial operations, the ministry will decide next month on whether to expand the system to all airports nationwide.

Minister of Justice Jung Sung-ho said, "This expansion of automated immigration screening is a practical measure to reduce the inconvenience of foreign arrivals to Korea during the entry process."

aisylu@korea.kr