South Korean airport food tenants face high rent burdens

Food and beverage tenants operating in 14 airports managed by the Korea Airports Corporation face high rent burdens, with average rent accounting for 31.9% of total sales. Data released by Representative Kim Mi-ae reveals that between 2021 and 2025, total sales across these locations reached 865.9 billion won, while rent totaled 276.5 billion won.

Some specific outlets face even higher costs. At Gimpo International Airport, a Dunkin' Donuts outlet paid 65.6% of its sales in rent, while Angel-in-us Coffee and Ogada at Jeju International Airport paid 59.2% and 58.4%, respectively. These high costs are attributed to a multi-layered structure where the corporation contracts with operating companies through competitive bidding, which then sub-lease to individual tenants.

This financial pressure has led to significant price increases for travelers. Between August 2021 and August 2024, the price of bibimbap at Cheongju Airport rose by 45.5%, from 11,000 won to 16,000 won. Other increases include ramen at Ulsan Airport rising 30% and udon at Gimpo Airport rising 29.4%. Experts warn that these high rents in specialized commercial zones inevitably lead to costs being passed on to consumers.