Incheon Airport is one of the larger airports in Asia, and lost items do get turned in — Korea has a strong culture of returning found property. But reaching the right contact quickly matters, and knowing which system to use speeds the process up significantly.
Act Immediately
The first hour after realizing something is lost is the most important. Staff and other travelers are more likely to remember a recently found item, and CCTV footage review is easier when the time window is narrow.
Do not just send an email and wait. Call and go in person if you are still at the airport.
Step 1: Contact the Incheon Airport Lost and Found
Incheon Airport has lost and found counters operated by the airport management authority:
Terminal 1 — Lost and found is located on the first floor, accessible from the arrivals hall. The airport management lost and found number is listed on the Incheon Airport website.
Terminal 2 — Separate lost and found desk on the first floor near the arrivals area.
Contact:
- Incheon Airport general number: 1577-2600
- Online lost item report: Available through the Incheon Airport website (airport.kr)
Provide: terminal, approximate location (entrance door, bus stop, taxi stand, departure hall, arrivals, specific gate area), time of loss, bag description (color, size, brand, contents if relevant).
Step 2: File a Police Report
Airport police (공항 경찰대) are present at both terminals and handle lost property formally. Filing a police report:
- Creates an official record that staff and CCTV review can be linked to
- May trigger review of security camera footage in the area where the item was lost
- Is required if you want to report theft rather than loss
Ask at any information desk or security station to be directed to the airport police office.
Step 3: Register With Korea’s National Lost Property System
Korea operates a national lost property portal where lost items across the country are registered:
경찰청 유실물 통합포털 (National Police Lost Property Portal) — Available at lost112.go.kr — allows you to register a lost item report and search for turned-in items online. English interface is limited but available partially.
Items turned in at police stations, transport hubs, and public facilities across Korea are entered into this system. Check it periodically after filing your initial report.
If Your Passport Was in the Bag
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate immediately. Most embassies can issue emergency travel documentation for nationals stranded without a passport.
If you are a Korean foreign resident and your ARC was in the bag, contact immigration at 1345 to report the loss and ask about emergency ARC replacement.
What to Include in Any Report
The more specific, the better:
- Date and approximate time the item was last seen
- Exact or approximate location (which entrance door, which taxi lane, which floor, which part of the terminal)
- Bag description: color, size, brand, any distinctive features
- Contents, if known — especially anything that would identify the bag uniquely (name tags, receipts, specific items)
- Your contact number and email address
- Whether you are still in Korea or have already departed
If You Have Already Left Korea
Contact Incheon Airport lost and found by phone or email and provide the same details. If an item is found and identified as yours, they can arrange international shipping in some cases. Your embassy can also assist if important documents were inside.