Originally Posted by
jemctag
... was in ICN a few months ago and the duty free shops were basically shells ... that they would reopen the shops in November ... Got a turnaround mr to hit my exp this year on 11/10 and would like to pick up a few gifts to bring back. Thanks.
Not sure what you meant by shells ? as in empty or closed for remodelling ?
That was not our case, were @ ICN - T1 in early September & again late September. Multiple duty-free shops open on departure's level 3, a few were open even at 4:30 AM busy restocking - cosmetics, liquors & of course, ginseng & similar products, etc. We picked up cigarettes on our way back to JFK - need to present our BP & passports for purchase. Many shopping bags "boarded" our flight and of course, if you are flying KE - FA were just as busy selling duty-free items on board & you can pre-order it on the outbound flight - we're told that our A388 were well stocked on popular items, LOL.
P.S.
See comment below on prices, very true. Beauty face masks were excellent buys. Cigarette prices were excellent, super low and 35 to 45% less than what we paid cruising @ USVI with its preferred duty-free pricing - but 1 cartoon per adult only (and, not that I personally endorse nicotine products, as these were gifts requested by extended family members)