Getty Images Bank via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
Travelers flying out of Incheon Airport may want to double-check baggage regulations before packing their favorite fermented dish.
According to Incheon Airport, 10.7 tons of kimchi were confiscated from departing passengers last year for violating carry-on luggage liquid restrictions. Given that a single head of kimchi weighs about three kilograms, this amounts to roughly 3,500 cabbages left behind at security checkpoints.
andro slot Article continues after this advertisementUnder current regulations, food containing liquid — including kimchi — is only permitted in carry-on baggage if each container holds 100 milliliters or less, with all items fitting into a single 1-liter plastic bag.
FEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION ‘Spies’ were PH residents for decades – BI GLOBALNATION Musk brands USAID 'criminal' as civil service scrutiny grows GLOBALNATION Rubio lays down ultimatum to Panama over canalREAD: To tackle a kimchi crisis, South Korea banks on massive cabbage warehouses
For those carrying larger quantities, officials recommend packing kimchi in checked luggage. Otherwise, passengers may have to part ways with their beloved dish before boarding.
Article continues after this advertisementConfiscated food items are either donated or discarded per regulations, the airport said.
Article continues after this advertisementKimchi was not the only food item seized at security last year.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Losing on home turf: Korea’s kimchi trade deficit returns
Authorities also confiscated 10.5 metric tons of sauces, such as gochujang and soybean paste, along with 30.8 tons of other food items, including rice and fruit.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Vegan Nutella will no longer contain any dairy ingredients, which are to be replaced with chickpeas and rice syrup, Ferrero said in a statement.