Broken suitcase? Get ‘new wheels’ at the airport in 15 minutes
A suitcase wheel breaking at the airport is a common accident that anyone can experience. However, not many travelers are aware that there is a repair shop specializing in suitcases at Incheon Airport. Lee Ui-yeol, CEO of "Surijaengideul" (Repair Experts), which operates at Terminals 1 and 2 of Incheon Airport, has specialized in suitcase repairs for over 20 years. For those facing the difficult situation of a broken wheel or jammed zipper just before boarding, he is truly an "emergency rescue team."
"These days, there are almost no places in the country that produce suitcase parts, so it's difficult to source them. That's why we custom-order and manufacture our own wheels." CEO Lee takes pride in his customized repair services, which include sourcing parts even for discontinued products. "Once you switch to our wheels, we provide lifetime after-sales service, so you can use them with peace of mind."
On this day, a traveling couple who requested a wheel repair walked out of the shop smiling brightly just 15 minutes later, their suitcase fitted with new wheels. As they noted, "The brand's service center said they didn't have the parts, so we are very satisfied that it was fixed so quickly," the airport repair shop is much more than just a place for "first aid."
Hair stylers, action cams... 'Equipment rental shops' are also thriving
Services that rent out various travel equipment are also gaining attention. Among them, hair stylers and action cams are the items travelers look for the most.
In particular, high-power hair appliances like the Dyson Airwrap are difficult to use abroad due to local plug standards and voltage differences. "Travelers heading to countries that use 110V, such as Japan, Taiwan, and the US, are the main customers. Often, they plug them into outlets at their overseas accommodations and find they don't work," explained a representative from a rental company. He added that many customers pick up the products at the airport right before their departure.
Action cams like GoPro and Osmo are also popular. For travelers heading to resort destinations, a camera with waterproof features and high-definition video recording capabilities is an essential item. "During peak summer seasons like now, 75–80% of our inventory is rented out. There are many customers heading to Southeast Asia in particular."
In an era where photos serve as "proof" of travel, smartphone rentals are also notable. High-end models like the Galaxy S series are mainly rented out, and the primary customers are foreigners visiting Korea to attend K-pop concerts. A representative from an Incheon Airport smartphone rental company hinted, "They are popular because features like 100x zoom and night photography allow users to clearly capture singers on stage from far away."
Hiking gear on Jeju Olle Trail, coat storage for winter trips
At regional airports, rental services tailored to local characteristics draw attention. Near Jeju Airport, the rental of hiking and camping gear for Olle Trail travelers is active. Yang Hee-soo, CEO of Ohshare, said, "We rent out various travel goods, but hiking and camping equipment is our core business," adding, "Because hiking and camping gear is heavy, many travelers rent what they need for the Olle Trail at the airport."
Travelers heading to warmer climates can also reduce their baggage by leaving their winter coats at the airport. "Cleanup Air," a dry cleaner inside Incheon Airport, operates a winter coat storage service. At the facility visited by this reporter, uniforms for airport staff awaiting cleaning were neatly organized; the staff mentioned that during peak season, the space is packed with thick winter coats.
"We operate 24 hours a day during the winter peak season. People departing for Southeast Asia drop off their padded jackets and coats before they go. There are also travelers who drop off their suits and head straight to the plane," the employee emphasized, noting that the airport dry cleaner functions not just as a convenience facility, but as a "service hub" that considers the travelers' journeys.