Korea Airports Corp. (KAC) from June 1-6 will raise the security level at Gimpo International Airport's international terminal ahead of the Korea-Africa Summit. Shown is the airport's international departure hall. (KAC)

By Gil Kyuyoung

Gimpo International Airport from June 1 will raise its security level for six days and expand operations of the airport rail.

These measures seek to ensure safe hosting of next month's Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul and raise convenience for delegations attending the event and airport users.

Korea Airports Corp. (KAC) on May 29 announced a higher security level for the airport's international terminal from June 1-6 for the summit.

The expanded screening of checked bags and passengers will require the opening of baggage and body checks. Stronger security searches will include passengers removing high-heeled shoes, which could delay boarding times.

Passengers must also ensure that they carry no prohibited items such as a liquid container exceeding 100 mL, two or more lighters or flammable sprays.

KAC plans to minimize passenger inconvenience by deploying more guards and personnel for security checks. It will also boost patrols of airport facilities and counter-terrorism activities.

During the summit period of June 4-5, two additional airport trains will temporarily run in the morning to ensure the smooth movement of summit delegates, commuters and airport travelers.

The airport's CEO Min Jong-ho said, "We ask that you arrive two hours before an international flight since security screening could take longer than usual, and request your active cooperation with our stronger screening procedures."

gilkyuyoung@korea.kr