South Korean airport authorities have been grappling with an unusual challenge at Incheon International Airport (ICN) the confiscation of kimchi, a beloved Korean staple. Known for its spicy and fermented flavors, kimchi is a fixture at every Korean meal, but its presence in carry-on luggage is now sparking controversy.
In 2024, officials at ICN seized an astonishing 10.7 tons of kimchi from passengers violating the country’s liquid restrictions. Though kimchi is a solid food, its typical packaging in bags or bottles containing spicy sauce classifies it as a liquid under airport security guidelines. Like many other international airports, ICN enforces a rule prohibiting the transport of liquids or gels exceeding 100 milliliters in carry-on luggage. As a result, travelers attempting to bring kimchi with them are often caught in the security process.
South Korea has a rich culinary heritage, and kimchi, a dish made of fermented cabbage and other vegetables, is a cultural icon. Despite its popularity, it is subject to the same restrictions as other liquids, like shampoo and bottled drinks, when transported through airports. This year, ICN’s security team also confiscated 10.5 tons of “jang,” a category encompassing a variety of fermented sauces and pastes that are also often packaged with liquids.
The seizure of these food items has sparked online discussions, with some travelers unaware of the stringent rules surrounding the transport of kimchi. Last year, a Korean travel influencer posted a YouTube video that garnered over 1.2 million views, reminding viewers that kimchi should only be transported in checked luggage. This video went viral, highlighting the often-overlooked challenge of navigating South Korea’s airport security measures.
While most confiscated items are either discarded or donated, ICN made an exception for the 10.7 tons of kimchi it seized last year. The entire haul was donated to a local community welfare center, offering a silver lining for the confiscated food. Despite the inconvenience, these donations reflect a more humanitarian side to the enforcement of airport rules.
This incident is not isolated. South Korea’s authorities have shown a growing interest in curbing the importation of items deemed problematic, even when they hold popularity in other regions. In 2024, Korean Air made headlines for discontinuing the serving of ramyeon instant noodles in economy class on long-haul flights, citing safety concerns. The airline explained that the increasing frequency of turbulence made it risky to serve boiling water-based dishes like ramyeon to passengers.
Furthermore, some foreign food items have found themselves banned in South Korea. A well-known seasoning mix from Trader Joe’s, the “Everything But the Bagel” seasoning, has become a source of frustration for many travelers. The mix, which includes poppy seeds, is prohibited in South Korea because poppy seeds are considered a controlled substance in the country. Several travelers returning from the U.S. have reported that customs seized their bottles of the seasoning. The items were either locked for inspection or confiscated outright. As a result, signage warning about the ban on the seasoning mix has been placed in English and Korean across ICN terminals.
The airport’s proactive stance on restricting such items emphasizes the strict nature of South Korean customs regulations. Travelers are advised to double-check their luggage and familiarize themselves with these rules to avoid inconvenience and ensure a smoother travel experience. While kimchi and other beloved food products may not always make it past airport security, the cultural significance of these foods continues to thrive beyond the airport’s control.
