"Valet Parking Restructuring Will Improve User Convenience," Says CEO; Minister Stresses Need for Public Perspective

Lee Hakjae, CEO of Incheon International Airport Corporation, emphasized on January 14 that the convenience for general users would improve if the airport proceeds with its originally planned restructuring of the valet parking service. While the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has launched an audit to review the appropriateness of the procedures, CEO Lee did not hide his discomfort with the situation. Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stressed the need to review the service restructuring plan from the perspective of the public.

The valet parking service restructuring plan initially envisioned by Incheon International Airport Corporation involves leaving vehicles at a location about 4 kilometers away from the terminal. Previously, vehicles were dropped off near the departure hall entrance. Now, users would need to take a shuttle bus for about 10 to 15 minutes. To use the service in the same way as before, users would reportedly have to pay for a "premium service," which costs around 40,000 won-about twice as expensive as the previous option.

Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is speaking at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's affiliated agencies briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

CEO Lee explained, "Under the previous valet parking service, about 1,800 spaces-or roughly 40%-of the short-term parking lot near the terminal were used for valet parking, but with the restructuring plan, the short-term parking lot will be available for the general public, thereby increasing convenience. Previously, customers had to walk about 10 minutes after dropping off their cars, which led to many complaints about vehicle damage and theft. With the new plan, cars can be parked directly near the handover area, addressing these issues."

He added, "It is problematic that, instead of recognizing the positive aspects of a plan thoroughly reviewed by the world's top airport and parking experts, an audit was initiated, preventing its implementation. Now that the audit has begun, it should be concluded quickly."

Joo Jongwan, Director of Aviation Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "Issues with the management (or lack thereof) of valet parking companies can be sufficiently addressed during the selection process. I would also like to ask whether there was a thorough review of more efficient use of the parking lots and whether enough feedback was collected from those affected by the policy changes."

Minister Kim Yoonduk said, "While it is being claimed that 'experts made this decision,' it is important to listen to the public and consider what others think. Since the public is more familiar with the existing system, I believe it is necessary to carefully examine the issues before making any changes."

Previously, Incheon International Airport Corporation developed the restructuring plan to reduce parking lot congestion and complaints. The plan was initially scheduled to begin this year, but as dissatisfaction grew, the Office of the President ordered a review of the plan, and its implementation has been put on hold until next month.