SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — As the heat wave continues, Incheon International Airport is becoming a “hot place” for the elderly.

However, these elderly guests are no longer welcome at the airport.

While the summer heat reaches its peak with outdoor temperatures soaring over 35 degrees Celsius, the indoor temperature at the airport is maintained between 24 and 26 degrees, making it a popular rest area among senior citizens.

The elderly want to enjoy a so-called “gongcance”, a portmanteau of the Korean word for airport and French word for vacation. Seniors make the trek out to the airport in search of cooler temperatures.

In particular, the first-floor hall of the transportation center linking Terminal 2 to the government complex is well-decorated with various trees and fountains, making it a perfect resting place for the elderly.

Unlike the bus terminal on the first floor, which is connected to Terminal 2, the first-floor hall of the transportation center is a hidden place even for frequent visitors.

Most of the elderly people who visit the airport are over 65 years old and can take public transportation for free. They come from Seoul and Incheon on the Airport Railroad to take a break.

According to the Airport Railroad Sunday, 32,118 people aged 65 or older visited Incheon International Airport from August 1 to 11. On average, about 2,900 elderly people the airport every day.

However, the seniors are not welcome at the airport.

“The amount of food waste has increased compared to previous years because senior citizens at the airport eat home-packaged food here and there at the airport,” said a sanitation worker.

Furthermore, one security official reported that “there are also many elders who rest at the airport and sleep all night because the airport is cooler than outside.”

D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)