“The world’s best airport facilities just got better.” In June, managers of South Korea’s stylish Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) made this announcement, glowing with unabashed pride that they had completed a US$4 billion project in record time.
Begun in 2002, a year after the airport first opened, Incheon International’s second phase comprises features such as the New Passenger Concourse, a third runway (measuring 4km and able to accommodate the superjumbo Airbus A380), enhanced operating systems, a cargo terminal, an unmanned underground train between the existing Passenger Terminal, a state-of-the-art baggage handling and an advanced navigational safety network.
The retail component also receives a massive boost from a new branding concept, Airstar – where the customer gets celebrity treatment – while arts and
culture enjoys a higher profilewith more venues to showcase Korean expression.
We experienced this refreshed Incheon International Airport in late July, and here are our impressions.
ARRIVING
Thai Airways (which I flew from Hongkong) is one of the airlines now using the New Concourse.
As the TG crew failed to inform us we were landing at a new facility, I was a bit disoriented by the surroundings, which I immediately sensed I had never used before. Since our flight coincided with Cebu Pacific’s service from Cebu, that created a sudden massive wave of passengers all heading for the same direction.
I was jostled a number of times by people rushing to beat the queues at immigration and, if not for firmly holding on to the handle of the travellator, I might have been knocked down. It was a good 20 minutes’ trudge to health checkpoints and down to B1 to take the Starline train bound for the main Passenger Terminal. The wait seemed longer than what we were used to at Hongkong’s Chek Lap Kok.
Immigration awaited at the end of the ride, but the waiting here didn’t turn out too bad. The staff was quick to spot counters that freed up, immediately directing passengers to them. Suitcases were on the belt by the time we had cleared formalities.
VERDICT: The long walk from aircraft to processing can be tiresome. But remember, you don’t have to rush because others are doing it, so pace yourself. Your luggage won’t get lost – unless it wasn’t on the flight in the first place. The train frequencies need to be stepped up, especially when there is a case of simultaneous arriving flights.
Should the airport have some extra budget, I’d like to suggest it replaced the bulky trolleys with a type made of lighter material. Just try having your ankles rammed by inattentive passengers – the pain has no peer.
DEPARTING
I purposely arrived early for my flight back to Hongkong so as to peruse the offerings of the New Concourse, containing gates 101 to 132. I had heard there was a museum, which pricked my curiosity for all things cultural.
Located on the fourth floor of the transfer/departure hall, it showcases artefacts of the royal court, Buddhist art and literature on the origins of Korean typography and alphabet. There was a clever interactive feature, requiring the visitor to step on the outlined footsteps on the floor in front of the exhibit of traditional musical instruments, producing actual sounds. I could imagine kids getting a tremendous kick out of the gimmick.
Also found on this level is the Asiana Airlines lounge for international passengers, while the lounges of Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and Chinese Dongbang Airlines are located on higher floors. Korean Air’s lounge for international passengers is in another part of the hall on the third floor.
VERDICT: Other airports would have devoted the prime space where the museum sits to shops or dining outlets. But IIAC’s commitment to promoting Korean heritage to the world is strong – other cultural zones geared towards handicraft workshops, performances and displays of ceramics and wooden furniture are scattered throughout the Passenger Terminal as well – and has promised to create more opportunities to turn the airport into a “cultureport”.
SHOPPING & DINING
All the usual high-end labels are present, while Korean foodstuffs like kimchi, ginseng and chocolates from Jeju Island make up the bulk of reasonably priced souvenirs. Restaurants offer mainly Korean, Japanese and Italian fare, while the grab and go variety.
VERDICT: Since I like Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (near gate 119) for its huge cups and full-bodied brew, that was where I parked myself until it was time to go on board. This one did not disappoint.
DOING BUSINESS
One internet lounge between gates 111 and 113 for complimentary email access, but as with the whole of South Korea, Incheon International is seamlessly wired.
VERDICT: Connecting to the web using Wi-Fi facilities proved to be hassle free.
CHILLING OUT
You have a choice of watching the airplane activity from the row of ergonomically designed chairs facing the runway, puffing away in any of three smoking rooms, browsing in two bookstores (Korean titles dominate though), enjoying a shower for free although the toiletries are charged at US$3, or getting a vigorous massage or manicure/pedicure. For those with youngsters, a playground and nursing room has been set up to make the wait less stressful.
VERDICT: The free showers are a real bonus, and facilities are kept spotless. Bring your own toiletries, but don’t forget the carry-on liquids limitations or be forced to throw away hardly used stuff.
