Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Customs seize record drug shipments from air travelers
Customs officials conduct X-ray inspections at the express cargo clearance center in Incheon International Airport, March 18. Joint Press Corps
By Jung Min-ho
Korea has experienced a surge in air travelers attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country this year, with seizures already exceeding last year’s total.
International air travelers caught smuggling drugs into Korea this year have nearly tripled the 2024 total, government data released Tuesday shows. From January through September, 303 passengers were intercepted at Incheon International Airport, far exceeding the 102 apprehended in all of 2024, according to figures provided by the office of Rep. Kim Eun-hye of the main opposition People Power Party.
The total amount intercepted this year reached 168.3 kilograms, valued at 18.4 billion won ($13 million).
The sharp rise has been driven largely by Chinese nationals, whose numbers have jumped from 27 last year to 97 so far in 2025.
The quantity of drugs intercepted from Chinese travelers also jumped from 5.6 kilograms in 2022 and 15.3 kilograms in 2023, to 23.1 kilograms last year and 39.2 kilograms so far this year.
The lawmaker is concerned that a visa-free entry policy introduced for Chinese group tourists last month would lead to an increase in such smuggling attempts.
Since the implementation of the policy on Sept. 28, at least 10 Chinese nationals have been caught on suspicion of drug smuggling.
Outbound travelers undergo thorough security screening for drugs, but inbound procedures lack thorough checks of hand luggage and body searches, making it easier for foreign visitors to bring in illicit substances, Kim said.
“Many Chinese drug offenders are entering Korea by transiting through a third country and bringing narcotics either in their carry-on luggage or concealed on their bodies,” Kim said. “With the recent rise in drug smuggling via air travel and vulnerabilities identified in Korea’s screening procedures, airport authorities, the customs office and other related government agencies must work closely together to make the screening stronger and more secure.”