Welcome, fellow travelers and curious minds, to the surprising and somewhat quirky world of Gimpo International Airport. You might think an airport is just a place to catch your flight, but oh no, Gimpo is here to prove you wrong with its delightful secrets. So, fasten your seatbelts (mentally, at least), as we unveil “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Gimpo International Airport.”
1. It’s Not Actually International:
Let’s kick things off with a bang. Despite the fancy name, Gimpo International Airport is more like an international wannabe. These days, it mainly handles domestic flights within South Korea. So, if you’re planning a world tour, Gimpo might not be your one-stop shop.
2. That Sweet Han River View:
Gimpo Airport isn’t just a hub for hurried travelers. Nope, it’s got some fantastic river views too. Its proximity to the Han River offers some scenic spectacles to take your mind off those pre-flight jitters.
3. Duty-Free Shopping:
More Than Just Perfume. Now, we all love a bit of duty-free shopping, right? But here’s the twist at Gimpo. In addition to the usual fancy perfumes and cosmetics, you can actually buy a car. Yep, a car. So, next time you’re in the market for a vehicle while catching a flight, you know where to go.
4. The Terminal Slide:
Who says airports can’t be fun? Gimpo has a slide. A giant tube slide located in the international terminal building. So, after you’ve emptied your wallet on duty-free cars and perfumes, take a thrilling ride and see if you can make your flight on time. Whee.
5. Planes and Film Stars:
Gimpo Airport has had its fair share of fame too. It’s been featured in several Korean films and TV shows. If the airport walls could talk, they’d have some fabulous stories to share.
6. The Historical Twist:
You might not know this, but Gimpo Airport played a critical role during the Korean War. In the 1950s, it was a significant military base. Now, it serves a different kind of warfare – the battle for window seats.
7. Hello Kitty Heaven:
If you’re a fan of that cute little kitty with a bow, you’re in for a treat. Gimpo International Airport has a Hello Kitty Cafe. Sip your coffee surrounded by the adorableness of Hello Kitty – it’s almost like being in a cartoon.
8. The Revolving Cafe:
Gimpo’s got a cafe with a view, and it’s not your typical coffee spot. It’s a revolving cafe, meaning the floor rotates, offering you an ever-changing panorama of the runway and the sky. Just don’t spill your latte while it’s spinning.
9. Pineapple and Gimpo:
If you think pineapples belong in tropical paradises, think again. Gimpo Airport is known for its pineapple-themed decor. Pineapples, pineapple cushions, pineapple motifs – they’re all over the place. It’s the airport’s way of saying, “We’re cool and fruity.”
10. Fish Therapy:
Forget about the fancy spa treatments at the airport – Gimpo offers a unique and free experience. There’s a little pond filled with fish, and you can dip your feet in for some therapeutic fishy tickles. It’s like a spa day with the fishies, minus the cucumber slices.
There you have it, folks, 10 things you probably didn’t know about Gimpo International Airport. The next time you find yourself there, you’ll be equipped with fun facts to impress your fellow travelers, and maybe even some Hello Kitty souvenirs to boot. Safe travels and happy adventuring.