Older adults take refuge from the extreme heat at Incheon International Airport's Terminal 2, Wednesday, as a scorching heat wave continues across the country. Yonhap
YEONGJONG ISLAND, Incheon — Beneath the cool air blowing from the ceiling vents of Incheon International Airport's Terminal 2, dozens of older residents settled into passenger lounges Thursday afternoon, turning the nation's largest airport into an unexpected refuge from a relentless summer heat wave.
Some sat quietly with their eyes closed beneath the steady hum of air conditioning. Others chatted in small groups or watched the stream of travelers passing through the terminal.
Few carried suitcases. None appeared to be going anywhere.
As record-breaking heat waves and tropical nights continue to scorch the country, Korea's largest airport has quietly become an unlikely sanctuary for vulnerable residents.
