This guide explains the procedure for retrieving personal belongings lost inside the passenger terminal at Incheon Airport. Before heading to the airport, identify the location where you lost your item and the terminal you used, then contact the lost and found office of that terminal by phone or email to check if your item has been registered. If your item is registered, you will receive a lost item reference number and information on whether it can be picked up in person, by a representative, or via delivery. For items lost on an aircraft, airport bus, or airport train, you must contact the respective operating organization, not the Incheon Airport lost and found office.
Check the Lost Location and Terminal Before Heading to the Airport
The lost and found office cannot verify the lost location in person or retrieve items for you.
If you lost your item inside the airport building, first confirm the location where you left it and the passenger terminal you used. Then, contact the lost and found office of that terminal by phone or email to inquire about the registration of your lost item. The required identification and reference number for each retrieval method can be found below. The reference number is necessary not only for personal retrieval but also for representative retrieval and delivery, so make sure to keep it handy.
| Category | Location | Operating Hours | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Lost and Found Office, Basement 1, West Side | Daily 07:00–21:30 | 032-741-3110, 032-741-3114 | [email protected] |
| Terminal 2 | Lost and Found Office, Basement 1, East Side | Daily 07:00–21:30 | 032-741-8988, 032-741-8989 | [email protected] |
The lost and found office for Terminal 1 is located on the west side of Basement 1, while the office for Terminal 2 is on the east side of Basement 1. Both offices operate daily from 07:00 to 21:30. After confirming the location and contact information, it’s advisable to check the registration of your item by phone or email before visiting in person. Items found in the duty-free area are transferred to the general area lost and found office after customs clearance, which may take additional time for registration and verification.
Required Documents and Steps for Each Retrieval Method
The required documents vary depending on the retrieval method chosen. If you opt for personal retrieval, you will need the lost person's identification and the lost item reference number. If a representative is visiting, a copy of the lost person's ID, the representative's ID, and the reference number are required, along with prior communication of the representative's personal details to the lost and found office. Simply handing over the documents to the representative does not complete the process, so confirm with the office beforehand whether the representative's details have been communicated.
- Determine whether the item was lost inside the Incheon Airport terminal or on an aircraft, airport bus, or airport train.
- If lost inside the terminal, contact the respective terminal's lost and found office by phone or email to check registration.
- Prepare the lost item reference number and the required documents for your chosen retrieval method.
- Select one of the retrieval methods: personal visit, representative visit, or delivery, and prepare the necessary identification and documents accordingly.
- For delivery, you must agree to the terms regarding loss or damage; otherwise, you will need to retrieve the item in person.
- Personal Visit: Lost person's ID, lost item reference number
- Representative Visit: Copy of the lost person's ID, representative's ID, lost item reference number, and prior communication of the representative's personal details to the lost and found office
- Delivery: Copy of the lost person's ID, lost item reference number, completed delivery form, and confirmation of acceptance of loss or damage terms
Check Costs and Terms for Cash-on-Delivery
If visiting is challenging, you can inquire about the possibility of receiving your item via cash-on-delivery. For delivery, you will need a copy of the lost person's ID and the lost item reference number, and you must also complete a delivery form. Delivery fees are determined based on the size and weight of the item, starting at a minimum of 7,000 KRW. Additional charges may apply for remote areas, so confirm the fee conditions before proceeding.
Delivery can only occur if you agree to the terms regarding loss or damage. If you do not agree, you must retrieve the item in person. Additionally, high-value items, cash, securities, large items, and fragile items may be restricted for delivery. Do not assume the possibility of sending based solely on the type of item; instead, check with the responsible person using your reference number for delivery eligibility and applicable conditions.
Korean Passports and Mobile Phones May Be Transferred to Other Agencies
Korean passports are transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the day after they are found. Therefore, do not assume that your passport will remain at the airport lost and found office; instead, confirm with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Safety Call Center at 02-3210-0404. Mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches are kept at the airport for one month before being transferred to the mobile phone recovery call center. Since the responsible agency may vary depending on the item, make sure to check the current storage status and transfer information when contacting the airport lost and found office.
If You Lost Something on an Aircraft, Airport Bus, or Airport Train
If the lost item was on an aircraft, you must contact the airline you used. If you lost something on an airport bus or train, you should contact the respective operating organization, not the Incheon Airport lost and found office. Items lost inside the terminal and those lost on transportation are handled by different agencies, so it is essential to distinguish where you left your item.
In summary, first confirm the lost location and terminal, then inquire about registration with the responsible agency. For items lost in the airport terminal, prepare the reference number and choose between personal visit, representative visit, or delivery. For personal retrieval, bring your ID and reference number; for a representative, prepare additional documents and communicate their details in advance. When choosing delivery, confirm fees, terms regarding loss or damage, and restrictions on high-value items, cash, large items, and fragile items with the responsible person.
📌 Editor's 3-Point Summary
- Before visiting, check the registration status by calling or emailing the respective terminal's lost and found office.
- Options include personal retrieval (ID + reference number), representative retrieval (copy of lost person's ID + representative's ID + prior communication of representative's details), or cash-on-delivery.
- If lost on an aircraft, airport bus, or airport train, contact the respective operating organization, not Incheon Airport.