South Korean Media: Chinese "Shopping Shoppers" Cause Scandal at Incheon Airport with Group Queue-Jumping
July 21 report by South Korean media outlet KOREA WAVE (Japanese edition): This month, multiple incidents occurred in the departure hall of Incheon International Airport in South Korea, where Chinese tourists collectively jumped queues and rushed toward check-in counters immediately after they opened, resulting in injuries on site.
According to information disclosed by airport authorities, five documented large-scale group queue-jumping incidents took place in July 2026, leading to one staff member being injured and prompting the airport to consider implementing additional safety measures.
According to Incheon International Airport Corporation: Early on the morning of the 2nd, as check-in counters on the third floor of Terminal 1 were just opening, dozens of Chinese travelers simultaneously cut in line. These passengers, who were supposed to join the back of the check-in queue, instead crouched down while pushing their suitcases and crawled under the barriers, rushing directly to the front of the check-in counters. Surveillance footage from the scene shows dozens of people crossing the barrier lines at once, running chaotically—extremely dangerous behavior.
As the video spread across online communities and social media platforms, some speculated it might have been generated by artificial intelligence (AI). However, Incheon Airport Corporation confirmed that the incident actually occurred in front of the check-in counters in the departure hall and is a genuine on-site recording.
The airport believes most of these queue-jumpers are engaged in cross-border shopping (proxy purchasing), carrying heavy luggage and rushing to complete baggage check-in procedures, disregarding the existing queues. During this process, airport staff responsible for maintaining order were pushed and bumped, sustaining bruises and abrasions. Because these passengers rushed forward while pushing suitcases, the risk of collision and falling for other passengers and staff significantly increased, potentially leading to more serious accidents.
Analysts suggest that repeated group queue-jumping incidents are also due to a significant increase in passenger volume on China–South Korea routes. On certain flights from Incheon Airport to China, aircraft have been upgraded from Airbus A320s to larger A350 models, increasing the number of seats per flight by approximately 100. As a result, passengers gather densely when check-in counters open, fiercely competing for front-row seats.
Incheon Airport Corporation and airlines are intensifying inspections during peak hours in the departure hall. They are also considering installing additional plastic barriers to prevent crowds from slipping under or through gaps in the existing railings. Additionally, plans include increasing on-site staff numbers and strengthening management of check-in queue order.
Recently, Chinese authorities have intensified crackdowns on cross-border shopping activities, leading to a reduction in the number of such shoppers. Consequently, large-scale queue-jumping incidents appear to have temporarily eased.
A senior airport official stated: “The situation has temporarily improved, but it could resurge at any time. We will continue monitoring conditions on site and take measures to maintain order and ensure passenger safety.”
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871289343587332/
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