"Incheon Airport Valet Parking Reform to Improve User Convenience," Minister Kim Yoonduk Says "Needs Public Perspective"

Lee Hakjae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, emphasized on January 14 that if the airport proceeds with the planned changes to its valet parking service, it will improve convenience for regular users. While the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has launched an audit to review the appropriateness of the procedures, President Lee did not hide his discomfort with the situation. Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stressed that the proposed service changes should be reviewed from the public’s perspective.

The valet parking service reform initially envisioned by Incheon International Airport Corporation involves leaving vehicles at a location about 4 kilometers from the terminal. Previously, cars were dropped off near the departure hall entrance. Now, travelers would need to take a shuttle bus, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes each way. To use the service in the same way as before, customers would reportedly need to pay for a “premium service” costing around 40,000 won, about double the previous price.

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

President Lee explained, “Previously, the valet parking service used about 1,800 spaces, or roughly 40%, of the short-term parking lot near the terminal. With the new plan, the short-term parking lot will be available for the general public, which actually increases convenience. Under the old system, customers had to leave their car and walk about 10 minutes, leading to many complaints about vehicle damage and theft. With the new plan, cars can be parked right near the handover point.”

President Lee also stated, “It is problematic that an audit was launched and the plan could not even be implemented, despite the fact that the world’s top airport and parking experts reviewed the proposal multiple times and developed it. Now that the audit has started, it should be concluded quickly.”

Joo Jongwan, Director General for Aviation Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, “I believe that issues related to the management (or lack thereof) of valet parking companies can be sufficiently addressed during the selection process. I would like to ask whether enough consideration was given to ways to use the parking lot more efficiently, and whether there was a thorough process to gather feedback from stakeholders affected by policy changes.”

Minister Kim Yoonduk commented, “While some claim that ‘experts have made this decision,’ it is important to listen carefully to what the public and others think from their perspective. Since people are more familiar with the existing system, I believe it is right to thoroughly examine and understand the issues.”

Previously, Incheon International Airport Corporation developed the reform plan to reduce congestion in airport parking lots and address complaints. The plan was originally scheduled to begin this year, but as dissatisfaction with the proposal grew, the Presidential Office ordered a review, and the plan has been put on hold until next month.