As the Chuseok holiday approaches, which runs from September 23 to 27, along with the National Foundation Day of Korea and Hangul Day, a surge in airport travelers is anticipated. This increase coincides with China's National Day from October 1 to 7, prompting food and beverage (F&B) and duty-free sectors at airports to prepare for the influx.
According to the Korea Airports Corporation and Incheon International Airport Corporation, approximately 810,000 passengers are expected to use 13 airports nationwide, excluding Incheon and Muan, during the Chuseok holiday, averaging 160,000 daily, a 2% increase from last year. Kimpo and Jeju airports are projected to be the busiest on September 23, while Gimhae Airport is expected to see the most traffic on September 27.
Incheon International Airport is estimated to handle an average of 225,899 passengers per day during the holiday. Departures are expected to peak on September 24 with over 130,000 travelers, while arrivals will be highest on September 27 with more than 138,000. Considering the subsequent holidays in early October, including National Foundation Day, China's National Day, and Hangul Day, the airport's passenger volume is projected to reach record levels.
In anticipation of the increased passenger traffic, food concessionaires at Incheon Airport and major regional airports are ramping up staffing, securing supplies, and extending operating hours. Major food companies, having established a strong presence in the airport's concession business, are particularly focused on meeting the demand for K-food during the holiday.
Ourhome plans to increase food supply orders by 10-20% for over 30 stores in Incheon Airport's Terminals 1 and 2. They will also start operations 30 minutes earlier at key locations and adjust logistics to accommodate increased demand. CJ Freshway is preparing for a surge in visitors by increasing food supply orders by approximately 2.5 times for its 'Gourmet Bridge' food court, which has 1,500 seats across four outlets in Terminals 1 and 2.
Lotte GRS, which operates five food court outlets named 'Plating' at Incheon Airport, is hiring temporary kitchen staff to enhance customer service during the Chuseok holiday. Samidang Holdings, which runs over 30 stores throughout the airport, is also increasing product supplies and extending hours at some locations. Paris Baguette at Terminal 2 will open at 4 a.m. to extend service hours, while Dunkin' will operate 24 hours at three locations, including Incheon Airport Central, during the holiday, and will boost supplies of popular gift items like traditional sweets.
The duty-free sector is viewing the autumn holiday as a critical opportunity for revenue recovery, launching extensive campaigns to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Shinsegae Duty-Free is introducing an experiential pop-up store at its Myeongdong location featuring K-beauty brand 'Joseon Beauty' and traditional games like Yutnori. Hyundai Duty-Free is running an online and offline 'Hyun Day' promotion and a pop-up store for global beauty brands at Incheon Airport, along with a mileage accumulation and flight ticket giveaway event in partnership with Korean Air.
Lotte Duty-Free is implementing an online discount event and a 'ONE PASS' promotion that extends shopping benefits from domestic departures to overseas locations. Shilla Duty-Free is hosting a 'Chuseok Festival' offering participatory shopping tests and prepaid card benefits.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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