Convenience stores at airports typically aren't major revenue generators. However, in South Korea, these stores offer a wide range of snacks, beverages, gimbap(김밥), ramen(라면), and essential everyday items. For travelers wanting a quick bite or drink, Incheon Airport's convenience stores provide a budget-friendly option compared to other food and beverage outlets.
While airports generally prefer high-margin food and beverage outlets, Incheon Airport prioritizes passenger convenience by operating convenience stores both landside and airside. Two major brands, CU and GS25, have stores here.
These convenience stores are the perfect place to buy a variety of delicious Korean snacks as souvenirs. It's common to see long lines of people buying snacks at the airside stores.
Where to Buy Snacks at Incheon Airport?
Stores are divided into landside (before security) and airside (after security). Liquids over 100ml can't be brought through security, so if you want to buy beverages as gifts, do so at the airside stores.
Landside Stores:
- 1st floor: 4 stores
- 3rd floor: 1 store
Airside Stores:
- East and West wings: 1 store each, open 24 hours
Total Store Count:
- 1st floor: 4 stores (landside)
- 3rd floor: 3 stores (1 landside, 2 airside)
- Concourse: 1 store (airside)
Specific Store Locations:
1. 1st floor, between Arrival Halls A and B (CU)
2. 1st floor, between Arrival Halls B and C (CU)
3. 1st floor, between Arrival Halls E and D (CU)
4. 1st floor, near Arrival Hall F (CU)
5. 3rd floor, near Check-in Counter H (CU)
6. 3rd floor, near Gate 10 (CU)
7. 3rd floor, near Gate 45 (GS25)
8. Concourse, 3rd floor, near Gate 124 (CU)
Among the first-floor stores, the one between Arrival Halls A and B has the most variety and the fewest customers, making it the most convenient choice.
What Snacks Should You Buy?
With so many delicious options, it's hard to go wrong. Here are some popular choices:
1. Pepero(빼빼로)
2. Choco Pie(초코파이)
3. Chaltteok Pie(찰떡파이)
4. Custard Cakes(카스타드)
5. Choco Chip Cookies(초코칩쿠키)
6. Butter Rings(버터링)
7. Bungeo-ppang (붕어빵)
8. Kkokkal Corn(꼬깔콘)
9. White Heim(화이트하임)
10. Honey Butter Chips(허니버터칩)
11. Kokkeok Chip(꼬북칩)
12. Kukudas(쿠크다스)
13. Nogari Chips(노가리칩)
Personally, I love Chaltteok Pie(찰떡파이), which combines traditional Korean rice cake with a cookie. For drinks, be sure to try the banana, strawberry, and lemon flavored milks that are unique to Korea. They are truly delightful and make great gifts.
Seaweed snacks are also highly recommended. Discovering your personal favorite is part of the fun, and almost all snacks are delicious.
Before leaving South Korea, consider buying some Korean snacks and drinks for yourself and your friends. Unlike other countries, Incheon Airport offers a wide variety of affordable Korean snacks, which is truly surprising.
For those who love Korean soju(소주), it's a great choice to buy some at a low price. Each terminal has one store where you can buy inexpensive soju(소주). Stay tuned for a detailed article on this.
If you're curious about the curated convenience stores in Terminal 2, read our related article.
"Incheon Airport Terminal 2 Convenience Stores: Your Last Chance for Korean Snack Shopping."
For more exclusive finds and perfect last-minute gifts, please refer to the article below.
"Discover exclusive finds and the perfect last-minute gifts at Incheon Airport!."
