The Korea SMEs & Startups Distribution & Marketing Agency under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups said on the 29th that it officially opened two duty-free shops exclusively for small and medium-sized enterprise products at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 to support SMEs' entry into global markets.
Since establishing the "policy duty-free shop," a duty-free store dedicated to SME products, at Incheon International Airport in 2021, the agency has operated it for five years. Based on lower commissions and entry barriers than private duty-free shops, the policy duty-free shop has been well received by SMEs seeking to enter duty-free outlets.
The newly opened stores are the fifth and sixth locations, set up on the east side of Terminal 2 (Gate 281) and the west side (Gate 218), respectively. The new stores were expanded in line with rising tenant demand and the revitalization of Terminal 2.
Stores 5 and 6 are centered on the recently growing sectors of K-beauty, fashion, food, and lifestyle. In particular, they are expected to serve as an "export testbed" where SMEs pushing into overseas markets can gauge global consumer reactions before exports.
The stores feature product experience zones and photo zones to enhance consumer engagement, and an attached media wall will be installed to support promotion of products by tenant corporations.
Lee Tae-sik, head of the agency, said, "Entering a duty-free shop is more than just opening a sales channel for SMEs; it is an opportunity to meet global customers directly," adding, "With the Korean Wave boosting overseas consumers' preference for K-products, we will actively support more outstanding SMEs in entering overseas markets through the policy duty-free shop."
SMEs wishing to enter the policy duty-free shop can apply at any time through the "PanPandaero" website. Eligible applicants are SME consumer-goods manufacturers that can enter duty-free shops, and selected corporations receive benefits including at least one year of store tenancy, sales staff support, and dedicated display space.