Shilla exit sparks concerns over Chinese firm’s entry to Incheon airport
China Duty Free Group (CDFG), the country’s largest state-owned duty free store operator, has emerged as the strongest contender to fill vacancies at Incheon International Airport, following Hotel Shilla’s decision to relinquish its license to sell cosmetics, perfume, liquor and tobacco at Korea’s main gateway. The prospect has raised concerns about China increasing its influence at the airport and Korean duty free store operators losing ground in the global market. According to Hotel Shilla’s regulatory filing, the company will stop operating The Shilla Duty Free shops in the DF1 zone as of March 17, 2026. Hotel Shilla said it viewed the surrender of its license as the most effective way to stem declining profits, despite the obligation to pay a penalty of 190 billion won ($136 million) to Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC). “The market has changed significantly due to shifts in core customer consumption patterns and decreased purchasing power,” Hotel Shilla said in a statement. “Accordingly, we asked IIAC to reduce the rent, but our request was denied.” Since wi
Sep 19, 2025By Park Jae-hyuk