Airport empty as travel measures hit South Koreans

Few travellers could be seen at South Korea's largest airport in Seoul on Monday, with entry restrictions placed by dozens of other countries against South Koreans. Airlines' check-in counters were empty, and many travel agency desks at the airport were unstaffed.

Departure gates usually filled with long lines of travellers were also very quiet, with only few travellers entering occasionally.

More than 100 countries have implemented measures to restrict South Koreans' entry into their countries due to the rapid virus spread in the country.

Last week, Japan announced it will impose various travel restrictions against South Koreans including 14-day quarantine on people arriving from South Korea and suspension of visa exemption to prevent the spread of the virus.

In protest, South Korea announced to suspend visa exemption against Japanese travellers entering South Korea.

Monday is the first day that both countries' reciprocal travel measures take effect.