HiKR station Opens at Incheon Airport as New Hub for Foreign Tourists to Experience K-Culture

HiKR station, a cultural experience center dedicated to foreign tourists featuring K-pop and other contemporary Korean culture, has opened at Incheon International Airport. Developed through collaboration between Incheon International Airport Corporation and Korea Tourism Organization, this facility is located on the first basement floor of Incheon Airport’s Terminal 1 Transportation Center. It was designed based on Korea Tourism Organization’s “HiKR Ground,” a multi-cultural space in Seoul’s city center. HiKR station is intended to serve as a platform where foreign visitors can encounter modern Korea right from the moment they arrive at the airport. Its key feature is a variety of experience areas that allow guests to engage with latest Korean culture, such as K-pop. The interior is divided into several themed zones: “HiKR Stage” for dancing and photography to K-pop music, “HiKR Shot” for self-portraits using backgrounds of various Korean landmarks and graphics, “HiKR Pick” offering a range of merchandise, and “Beauty Up” providing props for shooting and makeup. A dedicated team known as the “Hi-ten Crew” is stationed on site to greet visitors. Notably, access to this facility is free for everyone. Both domestic and international passengers using Incheon Airport, as well as all visitors to the airport, can use it freely throughout the year, with operating hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, it is closed on the last Wednesday of each month. To celebrate the opening, Incheon International Airport Corporation is holding a special promotion week until June 2. During this period, various cultural performances such as DJ shows and dance group acts will be held. Lee Hak-jae, president of Incheon International Airport Corporation, stated, “Since Incheon Airport serves as South Korea’s gateway, offering foreigners their first impression of the country, we will expand cultural and artistic content to introduce diverse Korean cultures and showcase the beauty of Korean culture worldwide.” In addition to HiKR station, Terminal 1 Transportation Center at Incheon Airport also houses other cultural experience spaces, including the “K-Culture Museum,” a media exhibition center that introduces K-culture. The corporation plans to continue providing unique cultural and artistic services, such as the “Incheon Airport Culture and Arts Week,” to strengthen Incheon Airport as an international hub for K-pop culture.