Smart passes using facial recognition will be used at airport departure halls, and expectations are high that they will be quick and convenient to use during departure immigration.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Minister Won Hee-ryong) and Incheon International Airport Corporation (President Lee Hak-jae) held a ‘Smart Pass Service Opening Ceremony’ at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 2 on the 28th.

The Smart Pass service is the first of its kind in Korea, utilizing cutting-edge facial recognition technology to enable passengers to quickly complete departure procedures by registering their facial recognition information without having to take out their passport or boarding pass.

The first phase of the project will begin in April 2022, with some services launching in July 2023. The second phase of the project will begin in April 2023, with full expansion planned in April 2025.

Previously, passengers at Incheon Airport had to present their identification (passport) to security screening agents every time for identity verification, but passengers using this service are expected to be able to reduce this inconvenience and shorten the time it takes to verify their identity.

In addition, since human biometric information has unique characteristics that make it difficult to falsify or replicate, it is expected that the level of aviation security will also significantly increase.

To use the Smart Pass service, you must register your facial recognition information on the mobile app or at the airport self-check-in kiosk at least 30 minutes before using the service. Information is available for five years from the date of initial registration.

Even if you use registered facial recognition information, you must carry your passport and boarding pass, and while the departure gate can be used regardless of the airline, only some participating airlines can use the boarding gate.

Incheon International Airport Corporation plans to operate a promotional booth to inform travelers about the Smart Pass service during the summer peak season.