Incheon International Airport

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is South Korea's primary international gateway, located on Yeongjong Island about 52 km west of central Seoul. Consistently ranked among the world's best airports, ICN handles over 70 million passengers annually and serves as the main hub for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.

The airport has two terminals connected by a free shuttle train:

• Terminal 1: The original terminal opened in 2001, expanded with a concourse in 2008. Most international airlines operate from here, including Asiana, Star Alliance partners, and many Asian and Middle Eastern carriers.
• Terminal 2: Opened in 2018, this modern terminal serves Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, and other SkyTeam alliance members. Known for its art exhibitions and spacious design.

Critical note: The two terminals are not connected by walking. The free Shuttle Train takes 15-18 minutes between terminals. Allow significant time if transferring between terminals.

ICN is famous for its passenger amenities: free showers, a Korean cultural center, transit hotel, ice rink, spa, and extensive shopping. For long layovers, it is one of the best airports in the world.

Gimpo Airport (GMP)

Seoul has two airports, and connecting between them is common for domestic travelers.

Gimpo (GMP) is Seoul's city airport, located just 32 km from Incheon and only 15 km from central Seoul. It primarily handles domestic Korean flights plus some short-haul international routes to Japan, China, and Taiwan.

Airlines at Gimpo:

• Korean Air, Asiana (domestic and select international)
• Jin Air, T'way, Jeju Air (domestic low-cost)
• JAL, ANA (Tokyo Haneda shuttles)
• China Eastern, Air China (Shanghai, Beijing)

Common connection scenarios:

• International arrival at Incheon, domestic connection to Busan/Jeju on a budget carrier
• Domestic flight from Gimpo, international departure from Incheon
• Tokyo Haneda arrival at Gimpo, onward travel from Incheon

Connecting between Incheon and Gimpo:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Airport Railroad (AREX)	35-40 min	₩4,150	Direct, most reliable
Airport Limousine Bus	45-60 min	₩7,500	Comfortable, traffic-dependent
Taxi	40-60 min	₩60,000-80,000	Expensive

Step-by-step AREX route:

1. From Incheon T1 or T2, take AREX (Airport Railroad)
2. Exit at Gimpo Airport station
3. Walk directly into Gimpo terminal

Minimum connection time: Allow 3 hours between separate bookings. With same-airline connections (Korean Air, Asiana), through-check is usually available and 2.5 hours may suffice. Verify with your airline.

Pro tip: Korean Air and Asiana offer combined international-domestic tickets with coordinated connections. If you can book this way, they'll transfer your bags and rebook you if you miss the connection.

Incheon Airport is located 52 km (32 miles) west of central Seoul, on Yeongjong Island connected to the mainland by bridges and tunnels.

Method	Time to Seoul Station	Cost
AREX Express Train	43 minutes	₩11,000
AREX All-Stop Train	66 minutes	₩4,850
Airport Limousine Bus	60-90 min	₩15,000-18,000
Taxi	60-90 min	₩65,000-100,000
KakaoT (rideshare)	60-90 min	₩70,000-100,000

Traffic congestion is common during rush hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM). The AREX Express train is the most reliable option for timing.

Important: Uber does not work well in South Korea due to local regulations. Use KakaoT (Korea's dominant rideshare app) or official taxis instead.

KakaoT (Recommended Rideshare)

• App: Download "KakaoT" (available in English)
• Payment: Requires Korean payment method or international credit card registration
• Pickup location: Designated rideshare zones at arrivals level
• Typical fare to Seoul: ₩70,000-100,000 depending on destination and traffic

Official Taxis

Taxis queue outside arrivals at both terminals. Two types are available:

Regular Taxi (Orange/Silver):

• To Seoul: ₩65,000-80,000 (metered)
• To Gangnam: ₩70,000-90,000 (metered)

International Taxi (Black):

• Premium service with English-speaking drivers
• Fares approximately 20% higher than regular taxis
• Can be reserved in advance

Tips:

• Taxis accept cash and credit cards
• Late-night surcharge (20%) applies midnight to 4:00 AM
• Expressway tolls (₩7,800-9,000) are extra
• Most taxi drivers speak limited English; have your destination written in Korean

Pickup Locations

• Terminal 1: Ground floor (1F), outside arrivals hall, taxi stands 4-8
• Terminal 2: Ground floor (1F), outside arrivals hall

AREX (Airport Railroad Express) - Recommended

The AREX connects Incheon Airport directly to Seoul Station, with stops along the way.

Express Train (Direct):

• Fare: ₩11,000 (as of 2025)
• Journey time: 43 minutes to Seoul Station
• Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes
• Operating hours: 5:20 AM to 10:50 PM (from ICN)
• Departure: Terminal 1 → Terminal 2 → Seoul Station

All-Stop Train:

• Fare: ₩4,850 to Seoul Station (varies by destination)
• Journey time: 66 minutes to Seoul Station
• Frequency: Every 6-10 minutes
• Operating hours: 5:23 AM to midnight
• Key stops: Digital Media City, Hongik University, Seoul Station

How to take AREX from Terminal 1:

1. Proceed to Basement Level 1 (B1), Transportation Center
2. Purchase ticket at machines or use T-money card
3. Express and All-Stop trains depart from different platforms
4. Follow signs to Seoul direction

From Terminal 2:

1. Go to Basement Level 1 (B1), Transportation Center
2. AREX station is directly connected
3. Terminal 2 is the first stop; trains continue to Terminal 1, then Seoul

Connection to Seoul Metro:

• At Seoul Station, transfer to Metro Lines 1 and 4
• At Hongik University, transfer to Line 2 (for Gangnam via transfer)
• At Digital Media City, transfer to Line 6

Airport Limousine Buses

Direct buses to various Seoul districts and nearby cities:

To Gangnam/Southern Seoul:

• Bus 6020: ₩18,000, 70-90 minutes
• Departs every 15-25 minutes

To Myeongdong/City Center:

• Bus 6015: ₩17,000, 80-100 minutes
• Stops at major hotels

To Hongdae/Western Seoul:

• Bus 6002: ₩15,000, 60-80 minutes

Bus tickets: Purchase at kiosks outside arrivals or pay with T-money card.

Late Night Options

After the last AREX (around 11:45 PM), options include:

• Night buses (N buses): Limited routes, ₩2,650
• Taxi: Most reliable late-night option
• Airport sleeping: ICN has 24-hour rest areas and a transit hotel

ICN offers extensive parking with varying prices:

Short-Term Parking

Lot	Location	Rate
P1	Terminal 1	₩2,400/30 min, ₩48,000/day max
P2	Terminal 2	₩2,400/30 min, ₩48,000/day max

Long-Term Parking

Lot	Rate (per day)	Notes
Long-Term P1	₩18,000	Free shuttle to Terminal 1
Long-Term P2	₩18,000	Free shuttle to Terminal 2
Private off-site lots	₩9,000-12,000	Various operators, shuttle included

Tips:

• Reserve online for discounts (up to 30% off)
• First 30 minutes free in short-term lots
• Payment accepts cash, credit cards, and T-money

ICN is famous for excellent airport dining, including authentic Korean cuisine:

Terminal 1:

• Korean Food Street (4F): Multiple Korean restaurants including bibimbap, Korean BBQ, and traditional soups
• Food Court (4F): Variety of Asian cuisines at reasonable prices
• Shake Shack: American burgers (airside, near Gate 28)
• Outback Steakhouse: Western dining option
• Ashley: Korean buffet restaurant

Terminal 1 Concourse:

• Sky Garden: Quick dining options
• Various Korean restaurants: Udon, kimbap, rice dishes

Terminal 2:

• Korean Food Hall (B1): Traditional Korean food court with diverse options
• Crafted by Korean Air: Premium Korean dining experience
• Food Republic (3F): International food court
• Paris Baguette: Korean bakery chain, good for quick bites

Airside (both terminals):

• Duty-free area restaurants
• Convenience stores (CU, 7-Eleven) for snacks
• Coffee shops (Starbucks, Hollys Coffee)

Tip: For authentic Korean food at reasonable prices, the food courts on the upper floors of both terminals offer better value than airside options.

Free WiFi is available throughout Incheon Airport with excellent coverage and speed.

Network name: "AirportWiFi@Incheon" or "FreeWiFi@ICN"

How to connect:

1. Select the network
2. Accept terms (no registration required)
3. Connect automatically

Details:

• Speed: Generally fast and reliable (one of the best airport WiFi globally)
• No time limit
• Coverage: All areas including gates, lounges, and transit areas

Tip: Korea has excellent 4G/5G coverage. Renting a pocket WiFi device or getting a local SIM provides connectivity throughout your trip.

SIM cards and portable WiFi devices are readily available:

Airside pickup counters (after immigration):

• KT Roaming Center: Major carrier, good nationwide coverage
• SK Telecom: Premium coverage, slightly higher prices
• LG U+: Competitive pricing

Landside locations:

• Arrival hall counters at both terminals
• Convenience stores (limited selection)

Typical costs:

• Tourist SIM (7 days, unlimited data): ₩30,000-45,000
• Tourist SIM (30 days, unlimited data): ₩55,000-70,000
• Pocket WiFi rental: ₩8,000-12,000 per day

Major carriers:

• SK Telecom: Best coverage, premium pricing
• KT (Korea Telecom): Excellent coverage, good value
• LG U+: Budget-friendly option

Tips:

• Pre-order online for pickup at airport counters (Klook, Trazy)
• eSIM options available (Airalo, Holafly) - activate before arrival
• Return pocket WiFi at airport counter before departure

ATMs are plentiful throughout both terminals:

Locations:

• Arrivals halls (landside)
• Departure areas (airside)
• Near convenience stores
• Transportation centers

Major banks with ATMs:

• Shinhan Bank
• KB Kookmin Bank
• Woori Bank
• KEB Hana Bank
• NH Bank

Currency exchange:

• Multiple exchange counters in arrivals halls
• Banks offer better rates than independent bureaus
• Airport rates are generally 2-5% worse than Seoul city rates

Tips:

• Korean Won (₩) is the only accepted currency in Korea
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted at major establishments
• ATM foreign transaction fees vary; check with your bank
• Avoid dynamic currency conversion - always choose to be charged in KRW

ICN is renowned for world-class duty-free shopping:

Duty-Free Zones:

• Extensive duty-free shops in both terminals after security
• Operated by Lotte, Shilla, and Shinsegae
• Korean cosmetics, electronics, fashion, liquor, and tobacco

Terminal 1:

• Lotte Duty Free: Luxury brands, Korean cosmetics
• Shinsegae Duty Free: Designer fashion
• Korean specialty shops: Ginseng, K-beauty products, traditional crafts
• Electronics stores: Samsung, LG products

Terminal 2:

• Shilla Duty Free: Premium luxury shopping
• Lotte Duty Free: Wide selection of brands
• K-Beauty Zone: Innisfree, Laneige, Sulwhasoo, and more
• Designer boutiques: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci

Must-buy Korean items:

• Korean cosmetics and skincare (significantly cheaper than abroad)
• Ginseng products
• Korean snacks and seaweed
• K-pop merchandise
• Traditional crafts and souvenirs

Tips:

• Pre-order online from duty-free websites for additional discounts
• Pick up pre-ordered items at dedicated counters before departure
• Tax refunds available for purchases made in Korea (bring receipts)

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 1:

• Matina Lounge (East Wing): Near Gate 29. Open 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Hot food, showers, adequate seating. Can get crowded during peak hours.
• Matina Lounge (West Wing): Near Gate 11. Similar amenities to East Wing location.
• Sky Hub Lounge: Near Gate 43. Basic amenities, coffee and snacks.

Terminal 2:

• Matina Lounge: Near Gate 253. Open 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Modern facilities, Korean cuisine options, showers available.

Airline Lounges

Korean Air Lounges (SkyTeam/Korean Air status or Business Class):

• KAL Lounge (T2): Multiple locations, excellent Korean food, bibimbap bar
• KAL Prestige Class Lounge (T2): Premium lounge for First/Prestige passengers

Asiana Lounges (Star Alliance/Asiana status or Business Class):

• Asiana Business Lounge (T1): Near Gate 26
• Asiana First Class Lounge (T1): Premium service

Other Airline Lounges:

• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (T1): Star Alliance access
• Cathay Pacific Lounge (T1): Oneworld access

Pay-Per-Use Options

• Matina Lounges: Walk-in rates available (~₩40,000-50,000)
• Spa on Air: Rest and spa facility, pay by the hour
• Book through LoungeBuddy or Priority Pass app for availability

At the Airport:

• Incheon Airport Transit Hotel: Located airside in Terminal 1 (near Gate 43) and Terminal 2. Perfect for layovers without visa. Rooms bookable by the hour (from ₩30,000/2 hours) or overnight.

• Capsule Hotel (Darakhyu): Terminal 1 basement level. Budget sleeping pods, ₩20,000-40,000 for several hours. Showers included.

Near the Airport:

• Grand Hyatt Incheon: 5-minute shuttle from terminals. Full-service luxury hotel with pool and spa. ₩200,000-400,000/night.

• Hyatt Regency Incheon: Connected to the airport by walkway. Business-focused hotel. ₩150,000-300,000/night.

• Best Western Premier Incheon: 10-minute shuttle, solid mid-range option. ₩100,000-150,000/night.

• Hotel Hu Incheon Airport: Budget-friendly with free shuttle. ₩70,000-100,000/night.

Free Amenities for Layovers:

• Free showers: Available in both terminals (24 hours)
• Sleeping zones: Designated rest areas with recliners
• Korean Culture Museum: Free exhibits showcasing Korean heritage
• Spa on Air: Paid spa and jimjilbang (Korean sauna) - Terminal 1

Tip: For long layovers (5+ hours), the Transit Hotel or free rest areas make ICN one of the most comfortable airports for sleeping.

Seoul is a vibrant metropolis blending ancient palaces with cutting-edge technology:

From ICN to Seoul (60-90 minutes):

Must-see attractions:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: Main royal palace, changing of the guard ceremony. AREX to Seoul Station, then Metro Line 3.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses. Near Anguk Station (Line 3).
• Myeongdong: Shopping district for cosmetics and fashion. Line 4.
• Gangnam District: Modern Seoul, K-pop entertainment. Line 2.
• N Seoul Tower: Panoramic city views from Namsan Mountain.

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Hongdae: Youth culture, street performances, nightlife (AREX All-Stop connects directly)
• Insadong: Traditional crafts, tea houses, art galleries
• Itaewon: International dining, diverse nightlife
• Dongdaemun: 24-hour shopping markets

Day trips from Seoul:

• DMZ Tour: Korean Demilitarized Zone, 1 hour north (organized tours required)
• Jeonju: Traditional Hanok village, famous for bibimbap (1.5 hours by KTX)
• Busan: Coastal city, beaches, seafood (2.5 hours by KTX)

Transport tips:

• Get a T-money card (transportation card) at any convenience store - works on buses, metro, and AREX
• Seoul Metro operates 5:30 AM to midnight
• Taxis are affordable compared to Western cities
• KakaoT app for rideshare (Uber doesn't work well)
• Download Naver Maps or KakaoMap for navigation (Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea)