South Korea extends Muan Airport closure after Jeju Air crash

Jeju Air's Boeing 737-800 crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport on December 29. Videos circulating online show the aircraft making a belly landing before crashing into a concrete structure at the runway's end and catching fire.

All 179 passengers and crew members who perished in the accident have been identified—147 through fingerprints and 32 via DNA—and their remains have been transferred to funeral homes. Two surviving flight attendants are still hospitalized.

The ministry assured ongoing support for victims' families with psychological checkups and temporary housing. A joint memorial service is planned with support from local municipalities Jeonnam and Gwangju City.

This incident marks one of several fatal crashes involving Boeing 737-800 aircraft in recent years. MOLIT is inspecting all South Korean carriers' fleets of this model, comprising over 100 planes across multiple airlines. These inspections cover maintenance records, personnel management, and pre-flight checks.

Furthermore, MOLIT will assess air navigation safety facilities at airports nationwide, including major hubs like Seoul Incheon International Airport. The Jeju Air plane had previously diverted due to a medical emergency two days before its ill-fated attempt to land at Muan International.