
Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, offers a variety of Korean food options, including kimchi. Kimchi is considered a liquid by airport security, so it is forbidden to take past customs and must be packed in checked luggage. At Incheon Airport, you can buy kimchi at CJ Food World in Terminal 1, Matina Restaurant in the duty-free area of the fourth floor of Terminal 1, and Korean Food Street in the basement of Terminal 2. Outside of the airport, you can buy kimchi at Lotte Mart, e-mart, Gwangjang, Namdaemun, and Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kimchi availability at Incheon Airport | Yes, kimchi is available at restaurants in Incheon Airport. It can be purchased at CJ Food World in Terminal 1 and Korean Food Street in the basement of Terminal 2. |
| Buying kimchi to take on flights | Kimchi is considered a liquid and is subject to carry-on luggage liquid restrictions. It is permitted in carry-on baggage if each container holds 100ml or less and fits in a one-litre plastic bag. Larger quantities should be packed in checked luggage to avoid confiscation. |
| Buying kimchi in Seoul | Kimchi can be purchased from supermarkets such as Lotte Mart, e-mart, and Home Plus, as well as department stores like Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong. |
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What You'll Learn
- Kimchi is available at Incheon Airport's CJ Food World food court
- Matina Restaurant, located in Terminal 1, serves kimchi fried rice
- Korean Food Street in Terminal 2's basement offers a wide selection of Korean dishes
- You can buy vacuum-packed kimchi from Lotte Mart or Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong
- Incheon Airport confiscated 10.7 tonnes of kimchi in 2024 for violating carry-on luggage liquid restrictions

Kimchi is available at Incheon Airport's CJ Food World food court
Kimchi is a popular dish in South Korea, and Incheon International Airport offers a variety of Korean food options for travellers to enjoy. If you're looking to buy kimchi at Incheon Airport, head to the CJ Food World food court in Terminal 1. CJ Food World is a food court with a variety of chain restaurants serving Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Western cuisine.
At CJ Food World, you can find delicious kimchi options such as the Pork Kimchi Stew + Fried Egg & Spam Set. This dish is filled with generous portions of pork and various ingredients, making it a satisfying choice. The broth has a slight sourness to it, and it is paired with refreshing tofu and rice. The set also includes a fried egg and spam, adding a nice contrast to the flavours.
In addition to CJ Food World, Incheon Airport has other dining options where you might be able to purchase kimchi. The fourth floor of Terminal 1 offers panoramic views and houses several Korean, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants. You can find dishes like spicy stir-fried pork, side dishes, rice, veggies, and Soy Sauce Steamed Chicken.
If you're looking for a quick bite before your flight, Matina Restaurant in the duty-free area on the fourth floor of Terminal 1 offers Korean and Western-style food. Their menu includes Kimchi Fried Rice and Bulgogi stew.
While Incheon Airport provides the option to purchase and enjoy kimchi before your flight, it's important to be aware of the restrictions on carrying kimchi onto planes. Due to its liquid content, kimchi is subject to carry-on luggage restrictions. Make sure to pack your kimchi in checked luggage to avoid any issues at security checkpoints.
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Matina Restaurant, located in Terminal 1, serves kimchi fried rice
If you're looking to buy kimchi at Incheon Airport, there are several options available to you. Incheon International Airport has a variety of Korean food options for travellers, including kimchi.
Matina Restaurant, located in the duty-free area on the fourth floor of Terminal 1, serves Korean food and Western-style dishes. Kimchi fried rice and bulgogi stew are some of the Korean dishes on their menu. The restaurant offers dining tables for groups of 2 or 4, as well as a long counter with seats ideal for solo travellers. The lounge is located near gate 43 in Terminal 1 West, and offers a wide variety of Western and Korean food options.
In addition to Matina Restaurant, CJ Food World in Terminal 1 offers a food court with many chain restaurants serving Korean food and other cuisines. Here, you can find dishes such as Pork Kimchi Stew + Fried Egg & Spam Set, Beef Brisket Spicy Noodle Soup, and Beef Belly Spicy Mixed Noodles.
If you're looking for a quick bite, the food court in the basement near the train ticketing area offers an array of options, including Korean food. Additionally, the fourth floor of Terminal 1 is home to several Korean, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants, where you can enjoy dishes like spicy stir-fried pork, side dishes, rice, and veggies.
For a more unique experience, Korean Food Street in the basement of Terminal 2 offers a wide selection of famous Korean dishes from various regions, including seafood noodles and silken tofu. The menus are translated into multiple languages, making it a convenient option for foreign travellers seeking an authentic Korean culinary experience.
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Korean Food Street in Terminal 2's basement offers a wide selection of Korean dishes
Korean food is widely available at Incheon International Airport, and kimchi features on several menus. In Terminal 1, CJ Food World is a food court with many chain restaurants serving Korean food, among other cuisines. Here, you can find Pork Kimchi Stew + Fried Egg & Spam Set, Beef Brisket Spicy Noodle Soup + Sweet & Sour Pork Set, and Beef Belly Spicy Mixed Noodles + Popcorn Chicken Set. The fourth floor of Terminal 1 also has many Korean restaurants, where you can enjoy dishes like spicy stir-fried pork, side dishes, rice, veggies, and Soy Sauce Steamed Chicken. Matina Restaurant, located in the duty-free area on the fourth floor of Terminal 1, offers Korean dishes such as kimchi fried rice and Bulgogi stew.
If you're looking to buy kimchi to take home, it's worth noting that 10.7 tonnes of kimchi was confiscated at Incheon Airport in 2024 from departing passengers for violating carry-on luggage liquid restrictions. To avoid this, passengers carrying large quantities of kimchi are advised to pack it in checked luggage.
In Terminal 2, Korean Food Street in the basement (B1) offers a wide selection of famous Korean dishes from various regions. Here, you can find seafood noodles from Gyeongju, silken tofu (soondubu) from Bukchon-dong, and many other traditional Korean delicacies. The menus are translated into multiple languages, making it a convenient option for foreign travellers seeking an authentic Korean culinary experience. The fourth floor of Terminal 2 also has several Korean restaurants, including FOOD STOP, which sells rice bowl dishes, pork cutlets, and rice noodles.
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You can buy vacuum-packed kimchi from Lotte Mart or Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong
If you're looking to purchase kimchi at Incheon International Airport, you're in luck! The airport boasts a variety of Korean food options, including kimchi dishes, across its terminals. In Terminal 1, you can find CJ Food World, a food court with many chain restaurants serving Korean cuisine. Here, you can indulge in Pork Kimchi Stew accompanied by a fried egg and spam. If you're looking for a sit-down restaurant, Matina Restaurant in the duty-free area on the fourth floor of Terminal 1 offers kimchi fried rice on their menu.
For a more unique shopping experience, you may want to venture outside the airport to the bustling streets of Myeongdong in Seoul. Here, you'll find Lotte Mart and Lotte Department Store, which offer a wide range of products, including vacuum-packed kimchi. Lotte Department Store is a shopping complex with a mart, cinema, hotel, and various F&B areas. Lotte Mart is also located in the heart of Seoul at Seoul Station, offering easy access to public transportation and parking. With its diverse selection of brands, you're sure to find your favourite kimchi variety and maybe even discover some new flavours!
If you're looking for a quick snack before boarding your flight, the food court in the basement near the train ticketing area in Terminal 2 offers an array of options. Korean Food Street in the basement of Terminal 2 also offers a wide selection of famous Korean dishes, although it is unclear if kimchi is among them. If you're craving a final taste of Korea before departing, FOOD STOP on the fourth floor of Terminal 2 offers rice bowl dishes, pork cutlets, and rice noodles, all while providing a panoramic view of the airport.
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Incheon Airport confiscated 10.7 tonnes of kimchi in 2024 for violating carry-on luggage liquid restrictions
Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, offers a variety of Korean food options for travellers, including kimchi. The airport has several restaurants that serve kimchi, such as CJ Food World in Terminal 1 and Korean Food Street in the basement of Terminal 2. However, in 2024, the airport made headlines for confiscating a significant amount of kimchi from departing passengers.
Incheon Airport confiscated a total of 10.7 tonnes of kimchi in 2024, citing violations of carry-on luggage liquid restrictions. Given that a single head of kimchi weighs about 3 kilograms, this amounted to approximately 3,500 cabbages left behind at security checkpoints. The current regulations state that food containing liquid, including kimchi, is permitted in carry-on baggage only if each container holds 100 millilitres or less and all items fit within a single one-litre plastic bag.
For travellers who wish to bring larger quantities of kimchi, the airport recommends packing it in checked luggage. If passengers do not follow these guidelines, they may have to part ways with their beloved kimchi before boarding their flights. The confiscated kimchi, along with other food items, is typically either donated or discarded, according to regulations.
In 2024, Incheon Airport also confiscated substantial amounts of other food items. In addition to the 10.7 tonnes of kimchi, authorities seized 10.5 tonnes of sauces, including gochujang and soybean paste. Furthermore, 30.8 tonnes of additional food items, such as rice and fruit, were also confiscated from travellers' luggage. These confiscations highlight the importance of adhering to carry-on luggage restrictions when travelling through Incheon Airport and other international airports.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, kimchi is available at Incheon Airport. You can find it at CJ Food World in Terminal 1, where it is served as Pork Kimchi Stew. You can also buy it from Korean Food Street in the basement of Terminal 2, which offers a wide selection of famous Korean dishes.
Yes, but there are restrictions. Due to its liquid content, kimchi is subject to the same restrictions as other liquids. It is permitted in carry-on baggage if each container holds 100ml or less and all items fit into a single one-litre plastic bag. For larger quantities, it is recommended to pack kimchi in checked luggage.
There are a few recommended places to buy kimchi in Incheon, including Lotte Mart, e-mart, Gwangjang, and Namdaemun markets, and Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong. These places are said to be accustomed to foreign tourists buying kimchi and can pack it well for travel.
Incheon Airport offers a variety of dining options, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Western cuisine. Aside from CJ Food World and Korean Food Street, you can try FOOD STOP on the fourth floor of Terminal 2 for rice bowl dishes, pork cutlets, and rice noodles, as well as a panoramic view of the airport.




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