The Great Kimchi Conundrum: How Seoul’s Airport is Cracking Down on Forbidden Foods

Kimchi in the Crosshairs: The Unlikely Target of Airport Security

Airport security checks often involve confiscating items like water bottles, shower gels, and face creams due to strict liquid and gel restrictions. However, at South Korea’s Incheon International Airport (ICN), officials have been busy seizing a surprising addition to the list of banned items: kimchi. This spicy, fermented vegetable dish, a staple of Korean cuisine, has become an unlikely target of airport security. Pre-packaged kimchi, often soaked in sauce and packaged in bottles or plastic bags, is classified as a liquid under the airport’s strict 100ml rule for carry-on luggage. In 2024 alone, a staggering 10.7 tons of kimchi was confiscated from passengers attempting to bring it through security.

The confiscation of kimchi may seem odd to outsiders, but it highlights the stringent enforcement of airport regulations and the cultural significance of the dish in South Korea. Kimchi is more than just a side dish in Korean culture; it’s a symbol of tradition, health, and communal meals. The idea of parting with it, even at an airport, can be frustrating for travelers. To address this, airport officials have taken steps to educate passengers, with one popular Korean travel influencer’s YouTube video reminding travelers to check-in their kimchi garnering over 1.2 million views.

Beyond Kimchi: The Broader Crackdown on Fermented Foods

Kimchi isn’t the only traditional Korean product facing scrutiny at Incheon Airport. Officials also confiscated 10.5 tons of jang in 2024, a category of fermented sauces and pastes that are integral to Korean cooking. Like kimchi, these items often come in liquid or paste form, making them subject to the airport’s restrictions. The sheer volume of confiscated goods underscores the challenges of balancing cultural preferences with security protocols.

Interestingly, not all confiscated items are destroyed. The 10.7 tons of kimchi seized in 2024 were donated to a local community welfare center, a gesture that highlights the airport’s effort to find a positive outcome from the confiscations. This approach not only reduces waste but also helps those in need, turning a potential inconvenience into a community benefit.

A History of Food-Related Enforcement: Kimchi Isn’t the First

The strict enforcement of food-related rules at Incheon Airport isn’t a new phenomenon. In recent years, South Korean authorities have taken strong stances on several popular food products, reflecting a broader trend of regulating items that may seem harmless to travelers.

One notable example is Korean Air’s decision in 2024 to stop serving ramyeon (instant noodles) to economy-class passengers on long-haul flights. The airline cited the increasing frequency of turbulence as the reason, as the preparation of ramyeon requires boiling water, which could pose a safety risk during flights. While this decision was met with disappointment from fans of the iconic snack, it demonstrates the lengths to which authorities are willing to go to ensure safety.

Another case involves Trader Joe’s popular “Everything But the Bagel” seasoning mix, which has become a viral sensation on TikTok. The product, only available in the U.S., has become a sought-after souvenir for travelers returning to South Korea. However, its popularity has also led to complications at customs. The mix contains poppy seeds, which are banned in South Korea due to their potential links to opium production.

One South Korean blogger shared her experience of having 20 bottles of the seasoning confiscated upon arrival. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for travelers unaware of the restrictions. To address the issue, signs in both Korean and English have been placed throughout Incheon Airport, warning passengers about the ban on the seasoning.

Cultural Clashes and the Challenges of Food Regulation

The confiscation of kimchi, jang, and other food items at Incheon Airport highlights the tension between cultural traditions and security protocols. For many travelers, these foods are more than just snacks or condiments—they are symbols of home, tradition, and identity. The idea of parting with them, even temporarily, can be disheartening.

At the same time, airport officials are tasked with enforcing rules designed to ensure passenger safety. The 100ml liquid rule, implemented globally, is intended to prevent potential security threats, even if it means confiscating seemingly harmless items like kimchi. This enforcement creates a dilemma for travelers who want to bring a taste of home with them but must adhere to strict regulations.

The Bigger Picture: What These Confiscations Reveal About Food and Security

The confiscation of kimchi and other food items at Incheon Airport offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of culture, security, and bureaucracy. On one hand, the strict enforcement of liquid restrictions reflects the airport’s commitment to safety and compliance with international standards. On the other hand, the sheer volume of confiscated goods—10.7 tons of kimchi alone—suggests that travelers are either unaware of the rules or willing to take risks to bring their favorite foods.

The broader implications of these confiscations extend beyond airport security. They reveal the challenges of regulating food in a globalized world, where cultural preferences often clash with standardized protocols. As international travel continues to grow, airports and governments will need to find creative ways to balance safety concerns with the needs and traditions of travelers.

For now, passengers flying through Incheon Airport would do well to heed the warnings: check your kimchi, leave the Everything But the Bagel seasoning at home, and enjoy your ramyeon before boarding. After all, in the world of airport security, even the tastiest traditions aren’t exempt from the rules.