Incheon Airport: How to Navigate the 30 Minutes Before Departure｜The Correct Order for Tax Refunds and Liquid Cosmetics

Author: YEPPURIKO Editorial Team•07/09/2026

Korea Travel Tips Incheon Airport: How to Make the Most of the 30 Minutes Before Departure

Incheon Airport: How to Make the Most of the 30 Minutes Before Departure

🎬 The right order for avoiding mistakes with tax refunds and liquid cosmetics at Incheon Airport

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This guide is based on procedures the YEPPURIKO team has personally experienced and verified during multiple trips to Korea. We have organized the route we actually followed on-site, from processing tax refund receipts at the kiosk and presenting purchased items for customs inspection to receiving cash near the gate.

🎯 Why “the 30 minutes before departure” are so crucial

At Incheon Airport, getting the order wrong when handling tax refunds and liquid cosmetics can result in receiving no refund or having your items confiscated.

All tax refund receipts collected at Olive Young and street-front stores in the city, as well as any toner or serum purchased later, must be processed before checking in your luggage.

This is where everything can suddenly become irreversible the moment you let your guard down and think all you have to do is board the plane.

The one order that makes all the difference is: “Scan first, check in your luggage afterward.”

📱 STEP 1: Scan your tax refund receipts before checking in your luggage

Process the tax refund receipts you received in the city at a kiosk before checking in your suitcase at the airline counter.

At the self-service kiosks in the departure hall, scan your passport and the barcodes on all your tax refund receipts.

Once an “O” appears on the screen, the approval is complete.

✅ Kiosk locations (before security screening)

Terminal 1 (T1): On the 3rd floor, near check-in counters B, E, J, and L.
Terminal 2 (T2): On the 3rd floor, near check-in counters D and E.

An “X” will appear on the screen if the refund amount exceeds 75,000 won or if the purchase is a branded item.

In that case, you will be asked to show the unopened purchased items directly at the customs counter next to the kiosk.

If you have already checked in your luggage, you cannot present the items, and your chance of receiving the refund will be lost at that point.

🧴 STEP 2: Put liquid cosmetics in your suitcase before checking it in

The way you pack toner, serum, large-size packs, or cleansing oil purchased on the way to the airport can make all the difference.

Under international flight regulations, liquids exceeding 100 ml are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Gels, creams, and the essence in sheet masks are also considered “liquids.”

If you proceed to security screening with them still in your carry-on bag, they will be confiscated on the spot.

✅ The correct procedure

Before checking in your suitcase with the airline, place any liquid cosmetics you purchased later securely inside it and check it in as hold baggage.

If you decide you absolutely need liquid cosmetics after closing your suitcase, shop at a cosmetics store in the duty-free area after passing through departure immigration.

Liquid cosmetics purchased there will be placed in a dedicated sealed bag, so you can bring them on board even if they exceed 100 ml.

💰 STEP 3: Collect your cash (won) at the self-service kiosk near the gate

Once you have completed security screening and departure immigration, it is time to collect your cash.

At a self-service kiosk near the gate, receive your refund in cash in Korean won.

The kiosks are available 24 hours a day, so you can use them even for late-night or early-morning flights.

✅ Cash collection areas

Terminal 1 (T1): On the 3rd floor, in the duty-free area near Gate 28.
Terminal 2 (T2): On the 3rd floor, in the duty-free area near Gates 249, 250, or 253.

🧳 How early should you arrive at the airport? Work backward from your departure time

✅ When to arrive at the airport

Considering the tax refund kiosk, customs inspection of your items, and checking that your liquid cosmetics are packed properly, arriving earlier than the usual recommended time gives you some extra breathing room.

✅ Memorize the order

① Scan your tax refund receipts at the kiosk → ② (if necessary) Present your items for inspection at customs → ③ Put your liquid cosmetics in your suitcase and check in your luggage → ④ Security screening and departure immigration → ⑤ Collect your cash at the kiosk near the gate. Follow these five steps in order.

✨ Summary

☑ Scan all tax refund receipts at the kiosk before checking in your luggage.

☑ Refunds over 75,000 won or branded items will show an “X” → Present the items for inspection at customs.

☑ Liquid cosmetics over 100 ml must go in your checked baggage. They will be confiscated at security if left in your carry-on.

☑ Liquids purchased in the duty-free area after departure immigration can be brought on board in a dedicated sealed bag.

☑ Collect your cash 24 hours a day at the kiosks near Gate 28 in T1 or Gates 249–253 in T2.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Where are the tax refund kiosks at Incheon Airport?

A. In Terminal 1 (T1), they are located on the 3rd floor near check-in counters B, E, J, and L. In Terminal 2 (T2), they are near check-in counters D and E on the 3rd floor. Since both locations are before security screening, stop by before checking in your luggage.

Q. When should I scan my tax refund documents at Incheon Airport?

A. Scan them before checking in your suitcase at the airline counter. If you check it in first, you may be unable to show the items inside the suitcase if customs asks to inspect them, and you may not receive the refund.

Q. Can I bring liquid cosmetics on board?

A. Items exceeding 100 ml cannot be brought on board. The basic rule is to place them in your suitcase and check them in as hold baggage. Items purchased in the duty-free area after departure immigration will be placed in a dedicated sealed bag, allowing you to bring them on board even if they exceed 100 ml.

Q. What should I do if an “X” appears at the kiosk?

A. It appears when the refund amount exceeds 75,000 won or when the purchase is a branded item. You will be directed to show the unopened purchased items at the customs counter next to the kiosk, so you must visit the kiosk before checking in your luggage.

Q. Where can I collect my cash (won)?

A. After passing through departure immigration, you can collect it at a self-service kiosk near Gate 28 in T1 or near Gate 249 or Gates 250 and 253 in T2. The kiosks are available 24 hours a day, so they can be used for early-morning and late-night flights.

For those who want to enjoy their trip to Korea more smoothly

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