Gwangju Airport (KWJ)

Gwangju Airport (KWJ), identified by its ICAO code RKJJ, is a domestic aviation facility serving the city of Gwangju and the southwestern region of South Korea. The airport is a dual-use facility, sharing its airfield with the ROK Air Force 1st Fighter Wing, and operates from a compact, two-story passenger terminal. As of late 2025, a landmark regional agreement has finalized the eventual relocation of Gwangju's civilian flight operations to Muan International Airport by the end of 2027, integrated with the completion of the Honam High-Speed Railway (KTX) Phase 2. The terminal layout is designed for simplicity and efficient domestic transit, with the first floor dedicated to arrivals and information services, while the second floor houses check-in counters and departure gates. Inside, travelers can access essential amenities including several cafes, a Korean cuisine restaurant, and a convenience store. While the airport does not offer dedicated airline lounges for commercial passengers, it provides comfortable resting zones near the gates and specialized facilities like baby care rooms and motorized wheelchair charging stations to ensure a high level of accessibility. Ground transportation at Gwangju Airport is exceptionally well-supported, with a direct underground link to the Gwangju Subway Line 1 at Airport Station, providing a rapid connection to the city center. Dedicated express bus services also link the terminal to the U-Square Bus Terminal and major downtown districts. Due to its status as a military installation, travelers are strictly prohibited from photographing or filming the airfield and aircraft, and security protocols are rigorously enforced throughout the facility. Following the planned relocation, the current airport site is slated for redevelopment into a high-tech industrial and residential district known as the "Gwangju Silicon Valley."