Seven of the 14 airports managed by Korea Airports Corporation have runway end safety areas shorter than the recommended 240 meters, according to audit data cited by lawmaker Kim Jong-yang. The shortfalls affect Sacheon, Ulsan, Gimhae, Muan, Yeosu, Pohang-Gyeongju and Wonju airports, with Sacheon and Ulsan recording some of the largest gaps.
Korea Airports Corporation plans to install engineered materials arresting systems at four airports by 2028 and expand available safety areas at three others. The work has been delayed by permitting procedures and accident investigations, leaving temporary passenger-protection measures as an immediate concern.