Although the Chuseok holiday has ended, Incheon International Airport is once again bustling with travelers heading overseas. By using annual leave for the three weekdays between National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day, people can string together up to nine days off, driving a surge in demand for long-term overseas travel.

【Evening Departures Crowded… Long-Term Parking Lots Also 'Full'】

During the evening hours, passengers pulling travel suitcases continued to arrive at Incheon Airport's departure hall to prepare for check-in. From family travelers to office workers setting out on long itineraries, the crowds of departing passengers have created a busy atmosphere throughout the airport.

Parking lots around the airport are also feeling the effects of the holiday demand. With more travelers staying abroad for extended periods, use of long-term parking has increased, making it difficult to find empty parking spaces.

【Why the Rush Now… Early October Holiday Placement Is Key】

Behind this wave of departures lies the arrangement of public holidays in early October. As National Foundation Day on October 3 falls on a Saturday, Monday the 5th has been designated a substitute holiday, and Friday the 9th is Hangeul Day.

Accordingly, by using annual leave for the three days—Tuesday through Thursday, October 6 to 8—people can enjoy up to nine consecutive days off from October 3 to 11.

With vacations of more than a week now possible—something difficult to arrange normally—the number of office workers choosing long-distance overseas travel appears to be growing. In particular, for office workers who were unable to fully use their summer vacation or take a long trip during the Chuseok holiday, this schedule offers another vacation opportunity. Some travelers are reported to have planned itineraries of a week or more abroad using just three days of annual leave.

Family travel demand is also notable. Since this holiday period allows travelers to choose long-distance destinations that would be burdensome with only a weekend or a three- to four-day schedule, demand looking to take advantage of it continues. With National Foundation Day, Hangeul Day, the substitute holiday, and weekends all interlocking, the early October calendar is effectively shaping office workers' travel plans.

【Traveler Precautions… Prepare for Congestion at Check-in, Security Screening, and Parking】

However, during peak departure times, check-in and security screening at the airport may take longer than usual. Long-term parking lots are also likely to see concentrated use, so those preparing for overseas travel should check airport congestion conditions and parking information in advance before departure.

[This article was reconstructed based on publicly available materials and on-site reporting, with AI assistance used in organizing some sentences and refining expressions. Airport operational conditions and traffic and parking information may change depending on the time, so travelers should check the latest guidance from relevant authorities before actual use.]