By Honorary Reporter Myrtle Iris Villaraza from Philippines
Photos = Myrtle Iris Villaraza

Incheon International Airport, Korea's main air hub, offers performances, exhibitions and activities at traditional culture centers located by its terminals and concourse.

With the 25th anniversary of the airport's opening falling on this year, I reminisced about one of my favorite memories there: my short but wonderful visit to the traditional culture center at Terminal 2 in November last year while awaiting my return flight to the Philippines after my trip to Korea.

Korean Traditional Culture Center near Gate 225 at West Wing of airport's Terminal 2 on Nov. 14, 2025.

At the time, the center was holding the free exhibition "The New, The Crafts" under the theme "Connecting Hearts." Opening in July that year and ending last month, it showcased modern interpretations of traditional crafts by domestic artists.

The center also features crafts and products available for purchase plus free activities such as playing folk games, trying on Hanbok (traditional clothing) and making traditional crafts.

From upper left clockwise are cultural items and craft experience area, Korean products, Hanbok try-on area and exhibition space on Nov. 14, 2025.

During my visit, a staff member led me to the center's space where visitors can make personalized traditional crafts. She guided me to a desk with crafting materials for a paengi (traditional spinning top), with a tablet PC giving instructions.

Since the activity took about 30 minutes, I still had a little more than an hour left before my boarding time.

I followed the instructions and drew inspiration from the color combination examples on the tablet and the paengi on my desk. I created my own design and finished mine in about half an hour, and coloring and assembling were so fun that time just flew by.

Creating my own paengi at Incheon International Airport on Nov. 14, 2025.

The activity was short but so fulfilling, especially since I had wanted to visit a center at the airport after learning about it years ago. It was great to experience Korean culture again just before leaving, exercise my creativity and spend my time productively while awaiting my flight. I also had a personalized paengi to take home.

The centers also have a "K-Heritage" craft program in which visitors can make their own lucky tiger ornament. Opening hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. while the centers run from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round.

For the latest on cultural experiences and performances at the airport, check the official website (www.airport.kr).

jcy0531@korea.kr

*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.