Incheon Airport International Flight Liquid Regulations: Guidelines for Carrying Cosmetics, Food, and Duty-Free Items

This article discusses the security screening standards for international flights departing from Incheon Airport. The criteria for general liquids, sprays, and gels are based on whether the labeled capacity of individual containers is 100ml or less, not on the remaining amount inside. These containers must be placed in one transparent 1L zip-lock bag, which must be completely sealed, and only one bag is allowed per passenger. Before heading to the security checkpoint, separate cosmetics and liquid foods into carry-on and checked luggage categories, and check for specific exceptions regarding duty-free items and children's products. If transferring at an international airport, items permitted at Incheon Airport may be subject to local regulations and could be confiscated or surrendered.

What Cosmetics and Foods Are Considered Liquids, Sprays, or Gels?

The criteria are not limited to drinkable liquids. Items such as perfumes, bottled water, beverages, and juices are considered liquids, while sprays like hair spray, oxygen spray, and insect repellents are classified as aerosols. Toiletries and gel-based cosmetics, including toothpaste, shampoo, and lotion, also fall under this category. Among foods, products containing liquids or in gel form, such as gochujang (red chili paste), doenjang (soybean paste), kimchi, and canned goods, are included. Conversely, solid side dishes like dried squid and anchovies are not classified as liquids.

How to Separate Carry-On and Checked Luggage?

Item Type	Carry-On Preparation	Checked Luggage Selection
General Cosmetics and Toiletries	Only containers with a labeled capacity of 100ml or less should be placed in one 1L transparent zip-lock bag.	The checked luggage capacity guidelines in this table apply only to the liquid and gel food items below.
Liquid and Gel Foods	Items like gochujang and kimchi must be in individual containers of 100ml or less and fit into one 1L zip-lock bag.	Allowed without capacity restrictions according to Incheon Airport guidelines.
Solid Side Dishes	Examples like dried squid and anchovies are not subject to liquid regulations.	Check separately for packaging and transport restrictions.
Airport Duty-Free Liquids	Capacity exceptions may apply if sealed in a designated bag with a receipt.	Check separately according to transfer and final destination regulations.

Sending items as checked luggage does not automatically permit food entry at the destination. The guidelines for checked luggage at Incheon Airport and the quarantine and entry regulations of the destination country are separate matters. When bringing items like kimchi or sauces, verify their entry status at the destination. Additionally, this article does not cover specific criteria for hazardous materials or medications, so please check with the airline and airport for those items.

💡 Editor's Practical Tip: The criterion is 'container capacity,' not 'remaining amount.' A 150ml container with only 30ml left does not meet the carry-on criteria. Ensure that each container's labeled capacity is 100ml or less, and place all containers in one transparent 1L zip-lock bag (e.g., 20.5×20.5cm or 15×25cm) and confirm that the zipper is completely closed. Only one zip-lock bag is allowed per person.

Preparation Steps Before Heading to Security

Separate cosmetics, personal hygiene items, food, and duty-free items into liquid, spray, gel, and solid categories.
For general liquids to be taken on board, check the labeled capacity of the containers, not just the remaining amount. If a container exceeds 100ml, it does not meet the carry-on criteria, even if it has only a small amount left.
Only place containers of 100ml or less into one 1L transparent zip-lock bag and ensure the opening is completely sealed. Prepare only one zip-lock bag per passenger.
Keep the cosmetics and personal hygiene items in the zip-lock bag separate from other luggage so they can be easily accessed before security screening.
When presenting to security personnel, show the zip-lock bag separately from other luggage. Items surrendered at the checkpoint for exceeding limits cannot be retrieved later.

The size examples for the 1L transparent zip-lock bag provided by Incheon Airport are 20.5cm × 20.5cm or 15cm × 25cm. You must meet both the condition of each container being 100ml or less and the condition of sealing all containers in the zip-lock bag. Even if you have divided contents into small containers, if the bag does not close, it does not meet the carry-on criteria. Present cosmetics and personal hygiene items in this state, separated from other luggage, to the security personnel.

If you are unable to prepare a transparent zip-lock bag, it is noted that you can purchase one at convenience stores on the 3rd floor of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport.

⚠️ Important Notice: Items surrendered at the checkpoint cannot be retrieved. Liquids exceeding the limits will be disposed of at the checkpoint and cannot be reclaimed later. Duty-free items must adhere to the conditions of the designated sealing bag and receipt to qualify for exceptions, and during international transfers, items permitted at Incheon Airport may also be surrendered or confiscated according to local regulations, so check the transfer regulations separately.

What Exceptions Apply to Children's Items and Duty-Free Items?

Passengers traveling with children under six years old may carry only the amount of milk, water, juice, liquid or gel food, and wet wipes that the child will use during the flight. This does not mean you can bring an unlimited quantity for the entire trip, so prepare only what is necessary for actual use during the flight.

Liquids purchased at airport duty-free shops may be treated differently from the general 100ml standard. They must be packaged in a transparent sealed bag provided by the duty-free shop or a tamper-evident bag (STEB), and the receipt received at the time of purchase must be included inside or attached to the bag. If these conditions are met, there is guidance that allows carry-on regardless of capacity.

The duty-free liquid bag must remain unopened until boarding the flight to the final destination. Security regulations at international transfer airports may differ from those at Incheon Airport, which may lead to the surrender or confiscation of liquids. If you have a transfer, inquire with your airline or travel agency about the security regulations for passengers in the transfer country before departure.

Final Checklist Right Before Departure

Confirm that the labeled capacity of all individual containers of general liquids, sprays, and gels is 100ml or less.
Ensure that you have not placed large containers on board based solely on the remaining amount.
Check that you have placed everything into one 1L transparent zip-lock bag and that the opening is completely sealed.
Separate cosmetics and personal hygiene items so they can be presented directly at the security checkpoint.
Prepare only the amount of items for children under six years old that will be used during the flight.
Check the sealing bag and receipt for duty-free liquids and do not open them until boarding the flight to the final destination.
If there is an international transfer, inquire about the transfer security regulations with your airline or travel agency.

Restricted Items

Incheon Airport Frequently Asked Questions — Security Screening Classification

📌 Editor's 3-Point Summary

Liquids, sprays, and gels must be 100ml or less per container, sealed in one 1L transparent zip-lock bag (one per person).
Liquid and gel foods like gochujang and kimchi follow the same criteria — checked luggage has no capacity restrictions (subject to destination country quarantine).
Check separate exception conditions for items for children under six years old and duty-free items (sealed bag + receipt).

Transfer Security Screening