Return After Three Years... Lotte Duty Free Opens Incheon Airport Store

Lotte Duty Free returned to Incheon International Airport on April 17, nearly three years after its departure, by launching operations at the DF1 section (cosmetics, perfume, liquor, tobacco). The business contract allows for a maximum operating period of 10 years from the opening date, and the company expects to boost annual sales by more than KRW 600 billion.

A view of the Lotte Duty Free Store at Incheon International Airport (cosmetics, perfume, liquor, tobacco) which opened on the morning of the 17th. Provided by Lotte Duty Free

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Lotte Duty Free will showcase over 240 brands, including Chanel, La Mer, and Dior for perfumes and cosmetics, as well as Ballantine’s, Johnnie Walker, KT&G, and CheongKwanJang for liquor, tobacco, and food, across 15 stores totaling 4,094㎡ (approximately 1,240 pyeong) in the DF1 section of Incheon International Airport.

Previously, Lotte Duty Free was highly rated for its operational expertise at major domestic airports such as Gimpo, Gimhae, and Jeju, as well as international hubs like Singapore Changi Airport and airports in Vietnam. As a result, the company was ultimately selected in February as the operator for the DF1 section at Incheon International Airport. Its financial soundness, demonstrated by being the only domestic duty-free operator to post a profit for four consecutive quarters last year, also supported its selection.

The Incheon Airport store will operate across all areas, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the concourse store, to minimize inconvenience for departing passengers. Store renovations will be carried out sequentially in consultation with Incheon International Airport Corporation. Additionally, Lotte Duty Free plans to create brand and product zones tailored to the trends of both domestic and international departing passengers, and to introduce digital experiential content at the forefront of its stores.

To celebrate the opening of its Incheon Airport location, Lotte Duty Free has prepared a large-scale promotion called the "Opening Festa." For Korean customers, the company is offering offline benefits such as Philippine airline ticket and hotel giveaways, up to KRW 2.33 million in shopping benefits including a special LDF PAY of KRW 30,000 and a PRE LDF PAY of KRW 250,000 exclusive to the Incheon Airport store, and instant credit of KRW 10,000 in points for Naver Pay purchases over KRW 100,000. For international customers, partnership promotions include up to a 5% exchange rate coupon when using WeChat Pay, an immediate discount of KRW 30,000 for UnionPay purchases over KRW 300,000, and a coupon book offering discounts of up to USD 110 exclusively for Paradise City Incheon hotel guests.

Panoramic view of the Lotte Duty Free Incheon International Airport store (cosmetics, perfume, liquor, tobacco) that opened on the morning of the 17th. Provided by Lotte Duty Free

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The Lotte Internet Duty Free Store will also be holding various events, including up to 55% off on 20 popular products, daily special coupons issued to the first customers at 11 a.m., and a congratulatory comment giveaway event to celebrate the Incheon Airport opening. Additional benefits include up to 10 times L.POINT accumulation for L.PAY payments, as well as other convenient payment options such as Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss Pay, and Payco.

Yang Heesang, Head of Sales at Lotte Duty Free, stated, "Incheon Airport is a symbolic place where both domestic and international travelers form their first and last impressions of Korea. As we welcome customers again after three years, we will closely cooperate with the airport corporation to create a duty-free shopping environment that satisfies all travelers, both local and international."

Currently, Lotte Duty Free operates a total of eight stores in Korea, including four downtown stores in Myeongdong, World Tower, Busan, and Jeju, as well as four airport locations at Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, and Jeju.

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