767 FO - I have absolutely no doubt that it is a significant problem. Wasn't there a recent arrest of the son of the Korean Air group boss? BTW, after 14 months in Seoul, did you find work elsewhere? Seoul seems like one of the better Asian cities for expats.
Chambo,
>> neither are directly subsidised by the Korean Government but of course we are talking big business here<<
I flew into ICN and it seemed that both Asiana and KAL had so many different types of aircraft parked at the terminal, or taking off and landing, so the thought crossed my mind that their expenses are partially covered by the government. Who knows, right?
FWIW, the new ICN airport leaves a positive impression. I've flown some trips there recently, and found the staff courteous and efficient. ATC has been helpful, had to get weather deviation on climbout which was handled well by Dep Ctl. With the new runway opening by the end of this month, things should improve further.