On August 4, Korean Air flight 197 from Seoul to Ulaanbaatar encountered severe turbulence, injuring 14 passengers and crew about one hour after departure from Incheon Airport. The incident occurred while flying near Tianjin Airport in China at an altitude of 34,100 feet.
The turbulence struck suddenly during the meal service, causing trays and unsecured items to be thrown about the cabin. Passengers described the scene as chaotic, with one passenger hitting their head on the ceiling before falling into the aisle.
Despite the turmoil, none of the injuries were reported to be serious. Korean Air stated that ten passengers and four flight attendants suffered back and neck pain. The airline provided anti-inflammatory painkillers on the flight, and a medical team treated the injured upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar.