South Korea Security Screening Market Overview,2030

South Korea’s security screening market has evolved into one of the most technologically advanced systems in Asia, supported by the country’s focus on innovation, national security, and international logistics. The modernization of screening infrastructure began in the early 2000s following increased global aviation standards and regional security concerns, particularly around Incheon International Airport, Busan Port, and key military installations. Security screening in South Korea refers to a structured process of identifying prohibited items, contraband, and potential threats using a combination of imaging, biometrics, and artificial intelligence technologies. The Korea Airports Corporation, operating over a dozen airports, has integrated advanced computed tomography scanners, automated tray return systems, and biometric boarding gates using facial recognition technology developed by Hanwha Systems and Suprema. The Korean Customs Service employs high-energy X-ray cargo scanners and vehicle inspection systems at major border checkpoints including Pyeongtaek and Incheon to monitor containerized goods and prevent illicit smuggling. Artificial intelligence, combined with Internet of Things connectivity, plays a major role in linking surveillance, screening, and data management systems to central command centers under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has implemented smart border and maritime inspection programs using non-intrusive imaging and mobile scanning units to improve trade facilitation while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. Cloud-based security management systems connect screening data from airports, ports, and industrial zones for real-time analytics and predictive threat detection. The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science ensures calibration and safety standards for all scanning and radiation-based technologies. Portable security units are used at events such as the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Seoul G20 Summit, reflecting the country’s commitment to large-scale public safety operations.

According to the research report, ""South Korea Security Screening Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Security Screening market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 390 Million by 2030. The South Korean security screening market operates through a strong alliance between domestic conglomerates, government agencies, and global defense contractors, resulting in a highly competitive and innovation-driven environment. Hanwha Systems leads the development of integrated airport screening technologies, providing AI-powered baggage scanners and automated passenger verification systems across Incheon and Gimpo airports. Lotte Data Communication Company has deployed cloud-based monitoring software that connects real-time security analytics between transportation hubs, while Doosan Corporation designs mobile inspection platforms for industrial and defense sectors. The Korea Aerospace Industries and Agency for Defense Development collaborate on next-generation screening and surveillance systems for airbases and critical energy facilities. International firms such as Smiths Detection, Rapiscan Systems, and Leidos supply computed tomography and explosive trace detection technologies used in customs and logistics operations at Incheon Port and Busan New Port. The Korean National Police Agency employs full-body scanners and radiation detection devices from OSI Systems for event security and law enforcement purposes. Hyundai Heavy Industries integrates inspection technology in shipyards to comply with International Ship and Port Facility Security Code requirements. The Korea Internet and Security Agency works on data encryption and cyber protection measures for interconnected screening platforms to enhance data privacy compliance. Academic partnerships with Seoul National University and KAIST are fostering research into quantum sensing and low-radiation imaging systems for ultra-high precision threat detection. The Korea Smart City initiative promotes the use of contactless security infrastructure across urban transport systems such as Seoul Metro and Busan Metro, integrating AI-driven behavioral analytics for crowd management. Sustainability is also gaining momentum through energy-efficient scanners and recyclable material components designed by POSCO ICT and LG Innotek.

In South Korea the security screening framework is governed by the Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport, the Korea Customs Service, and the Korea Airports Corporation, which jointly oversee baggage and cargo inspection, personnel screening, and vehicle checks across the nation’s transportation and logistics networks. Baggage and cargo screening plays a central role in airport and seaport operations with advanced systems installed at major hubs such as Incheon International, Gimpo, and Busan Gimhae International Airports where all checked and carry-on luggage is scanned using high-resolution X-ray and computed tomography systems to detect explosives, weapons, or hazardous materials. Air cargo screening is conducted under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s guidelines through designated facilities like the Incheon Air Cargo Terminal and Busan Port Container Terminal where freight is examined using non-intrusive imaging systems and radiation detectors to prevent smuggling or shipment of contraband. Personnel screening in South Korea is applied not only at airports but also in subway stations, public buildings, and major events where walk-through metal detectors, full-body scanners, and identity verification systems are used to maintain public safety. During large-scale gatherings such as the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Seoul G20 Summit, enhanced personnel screening protocols were implemented involving biometric verification and canine units to ensure protection from potential threats. Vehicle screening in South Korea is an important component of customs and border control activities, particularly at land crossings like Panmunjom and at port entries such as Busan and Incheon where under-vehicle scanners and radiation monitors inspect trucks and cargo vehicles. Similar systems are deployed at military bases, power plants, and industrial facilities where all vehicles undergo strict inspection before gaining access.

South Korea’s security screening network incorporates multiple detection technologies that combine advanced engineering and artificial intelligence to safeguard its transport, defense, and trade systems. X-ray imaging remains the foundation of screening operations at airports, ports, and logistics centers where multi-view and dual-energy scanners are used to identify concealed items and organic materials. Incheon International Airport utilizes high-speed X-ray systems for passenger baggage, while cargo hubs like Busan Port employ large-scale container scanners to examine high-volume shipments in real time. Computed tomography detection systems are being deployed at major airports to produce three-dimensional imaging that automatically identifies explosives and prohibited objects, enhancing operational speed and accuracy. Neutron sensing and detection systems are used in limited but critical sectors such as defense research laboratories, customs inspection of high-risk materials, and nuclear power facilities where they help identify substances that X-ray or CT systems cannot detect effectively. Terahertz and millimeter-wave technologies are widely used in personnel screening at airports, subway stations, and government complexes to identify concealed items beneath clothing without direct contact or radiation exposure. These technologies played a crucial role during international events like the 2018 Winter Olympics to ensure fast, contactless, and non-invasive screening of large crowds. Other detection technologies include explosives trace detection systems that identify trace chemicals on luggage or surfaces, radiation detection equipment installed at ports such as Ulsan and Pohang to monitor for unauthorized nuclear materials, and biometric verification systems integrated with facial recognition for secure access control. The combination of these detection technologies forms an intelligent multi-layered screening framework that supports rapid threat identification, efficient customs management, and consistent public safety across South Korea’s transportation and critical infrastructure networks.

South Korea’s security screening ecosystem is supported by a comprehensive range of equipment types distributed across airports, seaports, industrial zones, and public spaces. Walk-through metal detectors are standard in airports including Incheon, Gimhae, and Jeju, as well as train and subway stations in Seoul and Busan where they serve as the first layer of passenger screening. Hand-held metal detectors are used by airport security personnel and police officers for secondary checks or targeted searches during special operations and events. Full-body scanners employing millimeter-wave imaging technology are operational at high-traffic airports to detect concealed metallic and non-metallic threats beneath clothing while maintaining privacy protection standards mandated by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission. Explosives trace detection systems are installed at airports, ports, and logistics terminals to identify chemical residues of explosive materials on cargo, baggage, or vehicles. These systems are also used in military and research facilities for preventive screening. Radiation detection equipment plays a vital role in South Korea’s customs and nuclear safety operations, with portal monitors and handheld spectrometers positioned at ports like Gwangyang and Incheon to intercept unauthorized movement of radioactive substances. Portable and mobile screening units enhance flexibility in security operations, particularly during major events or emergency responses. These mobile units, equipped with X-ray scanners and explosive detectors, are frequently used by police and emergency services during festivals, diplomatic summits, and public gatherings such as the Busan International Film Festival. The combination of stationary and mobile screening equipment allows South Korea to maintain consistent surveillance and response capabilities across air, land, and sea transportation systems while supporting national defense and public safety initiatives in a highly connected environment.

Security screening applications in South Korea cover mail and parcel inspection, baggage scanning, cargo and vehicle inspection, people screening, and explosives and narcotics detection integrated across civil, commercial, and defense sectors. Mail and parcel screening is conducted by Korea Post and private logistics companies such as CJ Logistics and Hanjin Express, where X-ray imaging and trace detection systems identify explosives, narcotics, and prohibited goods within packages before distribution. Baggage scanning forms a key part of aviation and public transportation security, with every piece of luggage at airports like Gimpo, Incheon, and Daegu passing through multi-layered inspection that combines X-ray, computed tomography, and trace detection systems. Cargo and vehicle inspection supports customs and trade safety at major ports such as Busan, Ulsan, and Gwangyang, where high-energy X-ray and radiation scanners inspect shipping containers, trucks, and cargo trains for hidden contraband or hazardous materials. People screening extends across airports, train stations, and stadiums including Seoul World Cup Stadium and Gocheok Sky Dome, where walk-through detectors, handheld scanners, and biometric identity verification ensure public safety during high-attendance events. Explosives and narcotics detection is a crucial part of South Korea’s counterterrorism and border control strategy, managed by the Korea Customs Service and National Police Agency, which use chemical detection devices, ion mobility spectrometers, and canine units to locate drugs, explosives, or chemical threats in luggage, vehicles, and freight. These applications are coordinated through centralized command systems that link the National Emergency Management Agency, airport operators, and customs authorities to share data in real time and manage security alerts efficiently. The integration of these screening applications enables South Korea to sustain secure transport operations, efficient customs clearance, and public safety resilience across its advanced infrastructure and high-density urban environments.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Securtiy Screening Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Baggage and Cargo Screening
• Personnel Screening
• Vehicle Screening

By Detection Technology
• X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Neutron Sensing and Detection
• Terahertz and Millimeter-wave
• Other Detection Technologies

By Equipment Type
• Walk-through Metal Detectors
• Hand-held Metal Detectors
• Full-body Scanners
• Explosives Trace Detection Systems
• Radiation Detection Equipment
• Portable / Mobile Screening Units

By Application
• Mail and Parcel
• Baggage Scanning
• Cargo and Vehicle Inspection
• People Screening
• Explosives and Narcotics Detection Show more