INCHEON — Students from a special-needs class took part in a field trip that combined departure procedures at a city airport terminal with a ride on a nonstop airport train. Airport Railroad said on the 14th that it recently invited students from a special-needs class at Seoul's Geumho Elementary School, together with Kyochon F&B, for an on-site tour. A total of 30 people joined the event, including 12 students and 18 volunteers.
At the City Airport Terminal in Seoul Station, the students received safety training covering emergency evacuation procedures and aviation security. They then went through the actual boarding process step by step, receiving mock passports, having tickets issued and passing through departure screening. After completing the procedures, they boarded a nonstop train and reached Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport in 43 minutes.
Once at Incheon airport, the students visited an observation deck to see how major facilities are operated and to watch aircraft take off and land. During the ride, they also heard a train operator explain the job as part of a career exploration session. They wrapped up the day by touring a cultural exhibition space inside the airport.
The Airport Railroad field trip program began in May 2007, drawing on rail infrastructure that links central Seoul with the airport. Rather than offering a simple train ride, it connects the entire travel process, from check-in at the city airport terminal to the airport itself. As of the second quarter of this year, the program has been run 2,698 times, with 145,718 participants.
Participants range widely, from preschool children to elementary and middle school students. For special-needs classes, which have fewer opportunities for outside activities, the program has been extended to high school students. Applications can be submitted through the Airport Railroad website.
"We hope this gives students a chance to become familiar with the rail and aviation sectors," said Ji Yong-chan, head of Airport Railroad's customer business division. "We will continue community contribution activities alongside the local community."
