"I lost 500,000 won at Incheon Airport"...Tourist in tears over airport regulations

[Financial News] A traveler from Australia ended up forfeiting hundreds of thousands of won after failing to comply with aviation security regulations at Incheon International Airport, according to foreign media reports. The traveler reportedly complained that it was due to an "unknown airport policy."
Foreign outlets including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)'s Daily Mail reported on the 14th (local time) that Ellie Tran, who was visiting South Korea, had her cordless hair straightener confiscated during a security check while going through departure procedures at Incheon International Airport to fly back to Sydney. The device was a high-end product worth about 515 dollars (around 500,000 won).
Ellie said, "I had taken the same straightener on multiple overseas trips before and never had a problem. There were no restrictions at all on the flight from Sydney to Incheon Metropolitan City, but on my way home, the staff inspecting my baggage suddenly told me I had to throw it away," she complained.
At the time, security staff at Incheon International Airport reportedly informed Ellie that the straightener contained a flammable lithium-ion battery that could not be removed, and therefore could not be taken on board the aircraft.
Ellie recalled, "I burst into tears at the airport because I had to throw away a 515-dollar hair styling tool that I could have used for a lifetime," adding, "The lack of clear information and the inconsistent rules between airports and airlines were extremely confusing."
Major South Korean airlines such as Asiana Airlines have, since September last year, banned not only carrying on board but also checking in heated electronic devices with built-in batteries—such as hair straighteners, irons, and hand warmers—on all routes. Only devices with removable batteries or with an airplane mode function are allowed in the cabin.
This measure was introduced after a series of lithium-ion battery fires occurred on board aircraft.
In January last year at Gimhae International Airport, a power bank exploded on Air Busan Flight BX391 as it was preparing for takeoff, causing the aircraft to be completely burned out. In September last year, a power bank also caught fire on Eastar Jet Flight ZE644 from Fukuoka, Japan, to Incheon Metropolitan City.
Ellie shared her experience on a social networking service (SNS), suggesting, "The safest option is not to bring cordless devices at all, and if you need them, choose products with removable batteries," and adding, "On future trips, I plan to use corded hair tools or look for products with detachable batteries."
y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter