Incheon Airport Responds to Shilla Duty Free Withdrawal: "New Operator to Be Selected Within Six Months"

Shilla Duty Free, operated by Hotel Shilla at Incheon International Airport. Hotel Shilla

Incheon International Airport Corporation announced on September 18 that it had received an official letter from Shilla Duty Free requesting the termination of its duty-free business operation contract (DF1-2022).

The corporation also stated that Shilla Duty Free had completed the payment of a penalty fee of approximately 190 billion won.

According to the contract, Shilla Duty Free is required to continue operations for a mandatory six-month period even after the termination. During this period, the corporation plans to select a new operator to ensure normal airport operations and minimize inconvenience for passengers.

The corporation stated, "We regret that the differences in positions between the corporation and the duty-free operator regarding rent adjustment, amid the prolonged slump in the duty-free industry caused by changes in the external environment, could not be resolved smoothly, ultimately leading to the withdrawal from the business."