S. Korea-Japan introduce exclusive immigration lanes throughout June

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Designated airports here in Korea and in neighboring Japan have opened priority lanes for passport holders from the two countries to facilitate entry procedures.

Park Hyo-been has more.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, South Korea and Japan have launched special fast-track immigration lanes at select airports for travelers between the two countries.

On Sunday, June 1st, Japan opened dedicated lanes for Korean nationals at Haneda and Fukuoka airports, while South Korea has been offering similar lanes for Japanese travelers at Gimpo and Gimhae airports.

Thanks to the new lanes, what used to take up to an hour can now be completed in just a few minutes.

"It used to take more than an hour, so getting to where I'm staying took a long time. But today, I passed through immigration quickly—it's so much more convenient."

"I'm thinking about working in Japan, so I'll probably be visiting more often. Being able to go through a Korean-only lane really helps save time."

These exclusive lanes are part of a one-month pilot program, which operates daily from 9 AM to 4 PM throughout June.

Travelers must have visited the partner country within the past year and completed immigration and customs declarations in advance via mobile.

In the case of Gimpo and Haneda airports, the fast-track lanes are limited to passengers flying with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Japan Airlines, or All Nippon Airways.

Meanwhile, the number of tourists traveling between South Korea and Japan has been steadily rising.

Last year, a record of nearly 9 million Koreans visited Japan, while over 3 million Japanese nationals traveled to South Korea.

Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.