The medical center in Incheon Airport's Passenger Terminal 1 is pausing care for the first time in the airport's 25 years. Inha University Hospital, which has run it since the airport opened in 2001, ends care at the end of October. The incoming operator, International St. Mary's Hospital, was due to open on November 6, but approvals are running late. Incheon International Airport Corporation expects them to be completed in late November at the earliest or in December at the latest, so care at Terminal 1 may be unavailable for at least about a month.

This article is based on October 29 reports (Hankook Ilbo, News1 and Herald Economy) on what lawmaker Huh Jong-sik's office confirmed with the airport corporation and the Ministry of Education. The reopening date is the corporation's estimate, not a fixed date.

At a glance

What is changing: a new operator for the Terminal 1 medical center

The airport corporation has signed agreements under which International St. Mary's Hospital runs the Terminal 1 medical center and Inha University Hospital runs the Terminal 2 medical center for the next 3 years. Inha University Hospital leaves Terminal 1 and keeps only Terminal 2.

News1 and Herald Economy reported that Inha University Hospital ends care at Terminal 1 on October 30, while Hankook Ilbo reported its withdrawal on October 31. Last year the center saw about 2,800 people a month on average, and it had never stopped operating in 25 years.

Why the delay: from a 'report' to a 'permit'

When the school foundation that runs International St. Mary's Hospital added the airport clinic to its articles of association, the Ministry of Education first said a simple report would do, then corrected itself on October 27 to say a permit is required. After the ministry's permit, approval from the local public health center is also needed before the clinic can open. The hospital had prepared for the opening through a board decision in August and ministry procedures for the articles in September.

Another issue is that the foundation's stated purposes do not include opening and running a medical institution. The ministry has asked the Ministry of Health and Welfare for its view, and reports said the opening could slip further if the articles need more changes.

Terminal 2: 12 hours a day from November 1

The airport corporation plans to extend the Terminal 2 medical center's hours from 10.5 hours to 12 hours a day from November 1. Critics note, however, that the two terminals are separate, so Terminal 2 cannot fully cover the needs of Terminal 1 travelers.

Lawmaker Huh called on the airport corporation, the health ministry and Yeongjong district to set up interim care such as emergency staff and links with Terminal 2. As of the time of checking, no interim arrangement had been announced.

Who this affects

Travelers departing from or arriving at Terminal 1 from the end of October until the new clinic opens. You can find which terminal your flight uses on your ticket or in your airline's notice. If you fall ill or get hurt inside the airport, it may be hard to get care within Terminal 1, so it is safer to bring your regular medicines and basic remedies from home.

Pre-departure checklist