The Transport Ministry has granted licenses to three new airlines.
These new licenses come four years since the launch of Air Seoul and will bring the total number of South Korean airlines up to twelve.
Hong Yoo reports.

The number of Korean low-cost carriers has increased to nine with three new airlines granted air transport licenses on Tuesday.

Five airlines had applied for the license last November and after reviewing their feasibility, the transport ministry confirmed licenses for three airlines.
Those are Fly Gangwon based at Yangyang Airport, Air Premia based at Incheon Airport, and Aero K based at Cheongju Airport.
The new airlines still need to apply for an Air Operator Certificate before going into service.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said they hope these new airlines can foster competition and innovation in the aviation market.

But existing airlines are concerned that if new airlines enter the already saturated market, the shortage of pilots and technicians could worsen as they are already losing manpower to foreign airlines that are offering higher wages and welfare benefits.

Experts say the new airlines could take several years to turn a profit as they attempt to break into the competitive low-cost carrier market.
Hong Yoo, Arirang News.