김포공항 국내선 여객 터미널 새단장… 10년 리모델링 마치고 재개장
South Korea's Gimpo International Airport 's domestic terminal has undergone an extensive renovation.
It is now fully open and ready to wow passengers.
Lee Min-sun was there to check out what the transformation. Gimpo International Airport has completed renovations on its domestic passenger terminal on Wednesday after almost a decade of work.
The remodeling started in 2009 to improve the performance of the building and quickly respond to changing conditions like an increase in passenger numbers. The terminal stayed open while over two-hundred million U.S dollars of renovations were carried out.
The baggage handling system has been upgraded and there are four extra security checkpoints to process passengers more quickly.
"It's not just the exterior of the building that's been renovated. The internal facilities have also been upgraded for faster and more convenient use."
To meet the growing demand for groups of passengers, the departure lounge has also been expanded.
"It's spacious and neat after the renovation. I think this space would be even better with some sculpture that can show Korean culture."
The empty space near the waiting area on the first floor has turned into an atrium, allowing natural sunlight to flood in.
While waiting for their flights, passengers can even come out to the rooftop observatory to watch airplanes taking off or landing.
The airport has also increased the number of disabled restrooms from eight to 37, and built seven lounges for pregnant women.
With the successful remodeling, the ministry of land and transport pledged to further expand airport infrastructure and create policies to make airports safer and more pleasant to use.
Lee Min Sun, Arirang News
