As the Chuseok holiday approaches, which coincides with the National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day, airport traffic is expected to surge. This increase is further amplified by China's National Day from October 1 to 7, prompting food and beverage (F&B) and duty-free sectors at airports to prepare for a busy season.
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 period from September 23 to 27, marking 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 highest traffic on September 27.
Incheon International Airport anticipates 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 and China's National Day, the airport's passenger volume is projected to reach record levels.
In response to the anticipated surge in airport visitors, food concessionaires at Incheon and major regional airports are ramping up staffing, securing supplies, and extending operating hours. Major food companies, having established a strong presence at Incheon Airport, 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, including Food Empire and Hansik Sodamgil. They will also start operations 30 minutes earlier at key locations and adjust logistics to accommodate increased demand. CJ Freshway is preparing for the influx by increasing food supply orders by approximately 2.5 times for its 'Gourmet Bridge' food court, which has a total of 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 supply and extending hours at some locations. Paris Baguette at Terminal 2 will open at 4 a.m. to accommodate early travelers, while Dunkin' will operate 24 hours at three locations during the holiday, enhancing the supply of popular gift items like traditional sweets.
The duty-free sector is viewing the autumn holiday as a critical opportunity for revenue recovery, launching aggressive 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, along with a pop-up store for global beauty brands at Incheon Airport, and offering mileage accumulation and flight ticket giveaways 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' with participatory shopping tests and prepaid card benefits.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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