Incheon International Airport, Passenger Terminal Complex
Fentress Studios was unanimously selected to design this majestic terminal complex through an international design competition. Inspiration came from the four historic gates of Seoul, once the entrances to the 2,000-year-old walled capital.
-
Year
2001
-
Client
Korean Airport Authority
-
Disciplines
-
Collections
The Korean Airport Authority unanimously selected Fentress to design a terminal complex that would be both a high-tech transportation hub and a cultural experience.
The team was guided by the intention to integrate humanistic elements and a cultural aesthetic in the design, bringing warmth and welcome to the expansive terminal. A material palette including indigenous woods adds to the experience, and skylights bathe the terminal in daylight, allowing Korean-influenced gardens to flourish inside and enhance wayfinding for passengers.
The concourse’s roof expresses a modern interpretation of a traditional Korean temple. Its gentle catenary curve reflects the elegant lines found in Korean architecture, and the steel masts and cables that support the roof echo the silhouettes of ships in Incheon Bay, paying tribute to Korea’s rich maritime history and strong steel industry.
Awards
- Most Beautiful Airports In The World, Top 22 List, Huffington Post, 2020
- World’s Best Transit Airport, Skytrax World Airport Awards, 2019
- World’s Best Airport, Top 10 List Skytrax World Airport Awards, 2013
- World’s Best Airport, Skytrax World Airport Awards, 2012
- World’s Most Beautiful Airports, Top 10 List, CNBC, 2011
- Best International Airport, Executive Travel Magazine, 2010
- World’s Most Beautiful Airports, Top 15 List, Travel + Leisure Magazine, 2010
- Best Airport Worldwide, Airport Service Quality Awards, Airports Council International, 2009
- Best Airport in the World, Business Traveler Magazine, 2009
- Best Airport, Passenger Survey, CNN Travel Network, 2009
- World’s Best Airport, Global Traveler Magazine, 2009
- World’s Best Airport, Skytrax World Airport Awards, 2009
- Best Airport in the World, Business Traveler Magazine, 2008
- Best Airport in the World, Official Airport Guide, 2007
- Honor Award, AIA Denver, 2001
Explore More Projects
10 items.
-
Houston, United States 2025 George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Mickey Leland International Terminal Complex -
Nashville, United States 2024 Nashville International Airport, Terminal Lobby and International Arrivals Facility -
Orlando, United States 2024 Orlando International Airport, Terminal C -
Austin, United States TBC Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Renovations -
San Francisco, United States 2016 San Francisco International Airport, Control Tower Replacement -
Portland, United States 2020 Portland International Airport, Concourse E Extension -
Los Angeles, United States 2012 Los Angeles International Airport, Alaska Airlines Terminal 6 Renovation -
Nashville, United States 2020 Nashville International Airport, Concourse D and Terminal Wings -
Pampanga, Philippines 2021 Clark International Airport -
Osaka, Japan 2025 Kansai International Airport
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur, adipisicing elit. Non facere corporis et expedita sit nam amet aut necessitatibus at dolore enim quis impedit eius libero, harum tempore laboriosam dolor cumque.
Lorem, ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Illo temporibus vero veritatis eveniet, placeat dolorem sunt at provident tenetur omnis, dicta exercitationem. Expedita quod aspernatur molestias eum? Totam, incidunt quos.