seoul tour from incheon airport

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Seoul Layover Tour from Incheon airport

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Tour Description

Seoul layover tour.

• Private Seoul Layover
• Pick-up & drop-off from Incheon airport included
• Enjoy Seoul’s best highlights and discover the most famous Modern and traditional landmarks
• Try unique Korean dishes or street food made in Korea

Minimum travelers 1      Duration  1 Day

* The tour duration will be adjusted depending on your flight time.

You’re having a layover in Incheon and would you like to visit Seoul? Then this is the perfect layover to discover or rediscover the amazing capital of South Korea. This one-day Seoul layover tour is one of our most popular tours! The itinerary can be changed depending on the flight time, so please contact us first. We will customize the best itinerary for you!

Description

Our tour guide will meet you at Incheon airport first. After a 1 hour drive, we will arrive in Seoul, a city with modern and traditional culture. We will see the  Royal Guard Changing Ceremony in front of the palace .  During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guards performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place and its record has been consulted for the present reenactment ceremony.  The reenactment of the original ceremony began in 1996 and it catches the eyes of passersby, especially foreign tourists, when guardsmen perform the changing of guards in traditional costumes at the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in downtown Seoul, so you can experience this traditional event in Seoul every day except Tuesday. After the 20mins ceremony, we go ahead to see the beautiful palace. Built in  1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because its location is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the largest of all five palaces, with beautiful buildings such as Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong Pavilions which are both on top of ponds.

*Royal Guard Changing Ceremony & Gyeongbokgung Palace are closed on Tuesday. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace instead.

Walk along the  Bukchon Hanok Village , which   sits between the two palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung, and Changdeokgung, as well as the Jongmyo Shrine. Unlike other Hanok villages, Bukchon was not created for tourists but is actually a living village inhabited by Seoulites. The village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called ‘Hanok’ that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Today, many of these Hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, or tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture.

You can choose to have lunch in a restaurant or local market after a half-day tour, or just skip the lunch and visit Insa-dong . Insa-dong is located in the heart of the city is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, traditional tea houses, and cafes.

Have a relaxing and peaceful time at Jogyesa Temple , which is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is also famous for being located in the city. The first thing you will see at the temple are the trees since these locust trees and Baeksong trees are about 500 years old. It’s stated that the main temple was built in 1938, and it is particularly beautiful with all the different colors painted on it, and inside the building is the statue of Seokgamoni.

This is a 7-8 hour private tour that includes a 2 hours round-trip transfer between Seoul city & Incheon airport. The tour itinerary and attractions can be changed depending on your flight time. You can contact us before you make the reservation if you need a custom private tour.

Seoul Layover Tour – Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

Seoul Layover Tour – Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul Layover Tour – Bukchon Hanok Village

Read our ”Seoul Layover Tour” Blog:

Seoul Layover Tour | Info Sheet,Tour Offers and Reviews!

• English speaking driver-guide
• Private transport with Incheon airport Pick-up & Drop-off
• Car parking fee, toll fee
• Admission fees as itinerary
• Meals, drinks
• Observatory tickets of N Seoul Tower (Optional)
• Cable car tickets of N Seoul Tower (Optional)
• Gratuities (optional)
• The tour duration and itinerary can be changed depending on your flight time.
• It takes around one hour for one way transfer between Incheon airport and Seoul city.
• This is a private tour with private transport, you will not be joined by other travelers.
• Incheon Airport Pick up
• The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony & Gyeongbokgung Palace (Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesday)
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Jogyesa Temple
• Drop off at Incheon Airport

10 reviews for Seoul Layover Tour from Incheon airport

Lauren – November 13, 2022

This tour was great! My mom and I got in at 5am and when we arrived, I already had a message from our tour guide, Eric, telling us he was here and was waiting whenever we were ready. After a quick change of clothes, we met Eric. Since the currency exchange wasn’t open until 6:30am, Eric waited until we were set and then took off for Seoul. On the way, Eric was amazing telling us all about the history and cultural aspects of Korea. We arrived at the palace and Eric took care of everything, walking us through the palace and giving us our own personal tour. After the palace, we went exploring. I love how I was able to tailor the tour to what we wanted to do. Eric was also available to translate for us at the market, but also asked if we wanted to explore on our own and we met at a certain time. We were able to do everything we wanted in an eight hour tour. I highly recommend this tour!

Leelee152 – July 21, 2019

The airport layover tour is fabulous! Our tour guide Jay was waiting for us when we arrived and worked hard to make sure we had a wonderful time. He was attentive to the slightest detail and we had a great time! The tour is flexible so that you can see what you want to and gives you a great experience in Seoul. Highly recommended!

gil b – June 8, 2019

We took a late afternoon-evening tour with Andrew from Onedaykorea tout tumkr. We had a wonderfull time. Espacially recommended the Didi Hadid building.

Kumpet4 – May 30, 2019

We ( My daughter, sister and I) had 8 Hr layover tour in Seoul on 5/10/2019. I contacted Yan Wong ( One Day Korea agent) and told her what I wanted to do in Seoul and she presented me with a wonderful itenerary. Yan Wong is a wonderful agent, very helpful, friendly, she responded very quickly and she gave me confidence that I made the right choice by choosing One Day Korea. We did Gyeongbokgung Palace, Buckchon Hanok Village , Seoul Tower, Pass by the Presidential Blue House and Gwangjang Market. We LOVE everything we did and we had A WONDERFUL time! Our guide Justin Is AWESOME! We LOVE Justin cause he made us feel save ( so protective ) comfortable, has so much knowledge, friendly, helpful and a good photographer. I would recommend One Day Korea to everybody. This Travel agent is so reliable, trustworthy and the most important they make you feel “ Save”.

Kim E – April 7, 2019

I have used this company 2 times in the past 2 years for a tour day during a layover in Seoul with both my daughter and husband. We had the best experiences both days, and saw so much in a day on both trips. The guides are kind, courteous and very knowledgeable about the history and culture of Korea, including the Korean War, and made the day so worthwhile and memorable. They will also tailor a trip to your group’s interests, age and timeframes. Thank you for 2 great trips and the lovely photos!

jairomed – April 8, 2018

This was a great tour to get to know the best of Seoul in one day. We had 12 hours layover and we chose to take this tour given the flexibility with the time and the fact they can customize the tour to your interests. We ended up taking the 6 hour tour to account for transportation from the aiport and back. Our tour guide was Jay, very knowledgeable and very nice all around person. He was very flexible with the schedule; and was very realistic with what we could accomplish during the tour. We ended up very happy with what we did and were able to have a taste of Korean culture for a day. The choice for restaurant was spot on, with great food, fast service and traditional, very tasty Korean food.

derm_traveller – February 20, 2017

We had 24 hours in Seoul because of airport connections, and wanted to maximize our time. We had Jonathan take us around the city. Saw the high spots (literally the Seoul Tower) as well as markets, temples and old neighborhoods. Other than being 20 degrees F (it was winter) and windy, it was a great day.

Eitan P – November 1, 2016

My friend and I had a one day layover in Seoul. Our One Day Korea guide, Smith, provided us with a great tour of the city and was extremely knowledgeable about the city sites and history. It would not have been possible to pack in so many sites without the tour service. I would recommend One Day Korea to others traveling in Korea.

Ed N – June 30, 2016

Our guide, Bryan, who spoke very good English, worked very hard to meet our needs and requests. Our driving was filled with cultural exchange conversation . . . nice! He got us to and from the Incheon cruise port on time into Seoul which is critical to cruise touring . . . can’t miss that ship. He also accommodated our request to recommend a very good local food for lunch which was excellent. We sadly got rained out for the Palace and Changing of the Guard (obviously not his fault), but we visited National Museum as backup which was a stellar facility. I do not want to leave out the office folks (Yan) who worked out the advance touring details with great experience and expertise well before our actual visit. Yan made this easy for us too! I do not say this often, but would give this company a 6 over a 5 if that was an option.

Tara – December 2, 2015

We only had about 8 hours in Seoul and one day Korea helped us to make the most of it. Terry was picked up right on time by the van and we had a good range of cultural visits in Seoul, we will never forget this trip. Highly recommended.

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• Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays, we will visit Changdeokgung Palace instead.
• The Royal guard changing ceremony may be canceled due to bad weather.
• You can take the cable car to the N Seoul Tower, but it depends on you. We usually take our car to the top of the tower instead of using the cable car or walking.
• Adults & children pay the same price. Infants under age 3 are free of charge without a seat.
• This is a private tour and private transport, other travelers will not join together.
• Please let us know if you will carry the luggage during the tour before booking.
• The tour duration and itinerary can be changed depends on your flight time.
• We will send you a voucher and meeting point information once your booking confirmed.
• All payment will not be refunded for any cancellation or adjustment related to personal reasons, circumstances of tourist attractions, traffic or weather past 24 hours before the tour start.
• Tour can be automatically canceled and get no refund if you are late for more than 1 hour without any notices.
• The itinerary can be adjusted and the facilities and attractions can be suspended depending on the circumstances of the tourist attractions, such as weather or traffic without any prior notices.
• If you arrive late for the designated tour time or appear at the wrong place, the lost time is not supplemented to the total tour time.
• Please note that there may be traffic jams during weekends, holidays or travel high seasons. In these cases, there will be no additional charge.
• Itinerary can be changed upon driver/guide agreement to the guest’s proposal, in this case, additional car parking fees will be added.
• If you request to extend your tour time (Not related to traffic), we will charge an additional cost.
• OnedayKorea will not be responsible for any injury, illness, damage, loss accident, or expense including their consequential loss or economic loss which are caused by whatever sports or activities.

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• Seoul Travel Guide

15 Things to do on a Layover in Seoul: Incheon Transit Tour

Home > South Korea

Flying can be a draining experience, especially when faced with long layovers. However, an often overlooked gem during a layover in Seoul Airport in South Korea is the opportunity to explore and enjoy Seoul for a few hours without even having to worry about the cost. The Incheon Transit Tour offers free and paid Seoul layover tours of the city for passengers with extended layovers, making it a fantastic chance to break up the monotony of air travel and immerse oneself in the vibrant Korean culture.

During my time in Seoul, I was amazed at how easily accessible these tours were. The Incheon Transit Tour makes for perfect opportunity to get a taste of Korean history, culture, and daily life, all without breaking the bank. And who knows, it just might inspire you to book your next trip to South Korea ! From breathtaking ancient palaces to bustling city streets, the tour allows you to see the highlights of Seoul, making your layover in Seoul much more enjoyable than simply waiting in the airport.

Incheon Transit Tour Overview

Tour options.

Incheon Airport offers free transit tours for visitors on a layover in Seoul. These tours provide a great opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings without having to worry about planning your own itinerary or sitting at the airport not having much to do. There are several options available, ranging from short 1-hour tours to longer 5-hour experiences. Some of the popular tour options include visiting cultural and historical attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong, or exploring the bustling streets of Myeongdong and Gangnam. I highly value these tours, as they help make the most of my layover in Seoul.

Here is a list of the 15 tours in the Incheon Transit Tour offer:

K-culture zone: hanbok experience, hangeul craft (airport tour) – 30 min, free.

Free Experience Korean culture without leaving the airport at K-Culture Zone. Try on traditional Korean costumes, known as hanbok, and learn about the country’s unique writing system, Hangeul, while crafting your own souvenirs such as bracelets and scrolls.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 (4F East Transfer Lounge) 09:00~16:30

Past and Present: Cheongwadae (Blue House), Tongin Market – 5 hr, Free

Explore the historical landmarks of Cheongwadae and Tongin Market on this 5-hour tour. Cheongwadae served as the official residence and office of the president of the Republic of Korea, and now serves as a museum for art and history exhibitions. Tongin Market is a marketplace for delicious food and fresh ingredients.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 08:00~13:00 (Mon)

Tradition: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insa-dong – 5 hr, $3

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the first palace of the Joseon dynasty, and Insa-dong, a neighborhood filled with old yet invaluable items. Gyeongbokgung Palace was restored in 1867 after it was burnt down during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Insa-dong is a maze of alleyways filled with galleries, traditional crafts shops, ancient art stores, traditional tea houses, cafes, and more.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 08:00~13:00 (Tue~Sun)

Peaceful Korea: Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park, Dokgae Bridge: 5 hr, $4

Visit Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park and Dokgae Bridge, important places in Korean history. Imjingak Park was created in 1972 to comfort those who were not able to return to their homeland following the division of Korea. Dokgae Bridge was the only bridge that connected the north and south prior to the Korean War.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 09:00~14:00 (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)

DMZ: The Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory 5 hr, $4

Explore the Third Tunnel, a cave dug by North Korea to invade South Korea, and the Dora Observatory, situated within the DMZ. The Third Tunnel is often called the Seoul Tunnel due to its proximity to Seoul. Dora Observatory guards the northernmost post of the western front and offers a view of North Korea.

Schedule: Terminal 1, 2 09:00~14:00 (Tue)

Future: Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory 5 hr, $5

Visit Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, the largest automobile theme park in Korea, and Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory, which boasts endless mudflats with skies where planes take-off and land.

History: Jeondeungsa Temple 5 hr, $2

Visit Jeondeungsa Temple, which was established in 382 and gained state protection by the Joseon royal family as it started to store The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty from 1678.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 09:00~14:00 (Thu)

Street: Hongdae Street – 4 hr, Free

Explore Korea’s foremost youth street filled with countless cafes, clubs, graffiti, fashion streets, underground music, and art festivals. This 4-hour tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 14:00~18:00.

Experience: Hanji Experience Workshop, Sinpo Market – 3 hr, $0-20

This 3-hour tour takes you to Sinpo Market, which was created during the late 19th century and is known for its sweet and sour fried chicken with spicy sauce. You can also visit the Hanji Experience Workshop and make your own traditional Korean hanji. The cost of the tour is $0~$20, and it starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 1 15:0018:00 (Tue, Sun).

Shopping: Hyundai Premium Outlet, Triple Street – 3 hr, Free

If you love shopping, this 3-hour tour is perfect for you. Visit Hyundai Premium Outlet, which features a wide array of luxury and trendy brands, and Triple Street, a booming shopping street with many things to see, eat, and enjoy along with cultural facilities. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 1 15:00~18:00 (Mon).

Temple: Yonggungsa Temple – 1 hr, Free

This 1-hour tour takes you to Yonggungsa Temple, which is said to be a temple constructed by the Buddhist priest Wonhyo Daesa during the Silla dynasty. The temple was the temporary residence of Heungseon Daewongun for ten years before King Gojong’s coronation. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 2 08:00~09:00.

Entertainment: Paradise City Art-tainment – 1 hr, free

If you are looking for entertainment, this 1-hour tour is perfect for you. Visit Paradise City, the first resort complex in northeast Asia that provides enjoyment and cultural experiences such as convenient accommodation, casinos, art gallery, clubs, and more. There is also an art gallery that exhibits more than 2,700 works by famous artists from across the globe, such as Yayoi Kusama and Damien Hirst. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport. 

Schedule: Terminal 1 1F 3C every 05, 35 minute, Terminal 1 1F 14C every 10, 40 minute, Terminal 2 1F 2A every 45 minute

Landscape: Yedanpo Trail and Haneul Garden – 2 hr, Free

This 2-hour tour takes you to Yedanpo Trail, located near Incheon Airport, where you can enjoy a comfortable walk in the park and breathe in the fresh air. You can also visit Haneul Garden, a place where you can enjoy the beautiful sky and the vast flower garden. Seasonal flowers will bloom beneath you while airplanes cross the blue skies. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Scheduled to operate in the second half.

Songdo: Songdo Central Park and Tri-bowl – 2 hr, Water Taxi $4

This 2-hour tour takes you to Songdo Central Park, the first-ever park to use seawater. Visitors can not only enjoy a comfortable walk in the park but also experience water taxi rides, canoeing, moonboats, and more. You can also visit Tri-bowl, one of Songdo Central Park’s landmarks, which has a unique flat ceiling and a round floor. The cost of the tour is $4, and it starts from Incheon Airport.

Cave Theme Park: Gwangmyeong Cave – 4 hr, Free

This 4-hour tour takes you to Gwangmyeong Cave, formerly known as Siheung Mine, which was constructed starting in 1912 with the purpose of resource exploitation by the Japanese. It was used as a warehouse for salted shrimp for 40 years since it was closed in 1972. Gwangmyeong Cave became Korea’s greatest cave theme park in 2011 after the city of Gwangmyeong transformed it into a historical and cultural tourist spot attracting 1.4 million annual visitors. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport. Schedule: Scheduled to operate in the second half. (Note: Gwangmyeong Cave is closed every Monday and may be replaced with a different course.)

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for participating in the Incheon Transit Tour may vary slightly depending on the tour option. Generally, passengers with a layover of at least 6 hours at Incheon Airport are eligible. The passengers must be in transit to a third country or their country of nationality, and not just entering South Korea as their final destination. The tour spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to reserve a spot as soon as possible upon arrival at the airport.

Visa Requirements

Incheon Transit Tours are designed to accommodate a wide variety of nationalities. For many travelers, a visa may not be required to participate in these tours, as long as they remain within the designated tour areas. Passengers who are eligible for visa-free entry or transit through South Korea can take advantage of the Incheon Transit Tour without having to obtain an additional visa. Remember that the exact visa requirements will depend on your nationality and the tour you choose, so make sure to double-check the requirements before planning your visit.

Booking and Registration Process

Reservation methods.

To secure a spot on the Incheon International Airport Transit Tour on your layover in Seoul, it’s important to make a reservation in advance. There are a few options available for making reservations:

• Online: The preferred method is to register online through the official website or email.
• Transit Tour Desk: Alternatively, you could book a tour at Incheon International Airport’s Transit Tour Desk located near Gate 8. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bear in mind that most of the tours will be available to people with 6 or more hour long layovers in Seoul. So if you have a 5 hour layover in Seoul or a 3 hour layover in Seoul, the best thing to do is probably just the hanbok experience inside the airport.

Passport Control and Immigration

To take part in the Incheon Transit Tour oj your layover in Seoul, you will be required to pass through passport control and immigration. As a participant of the Transit Tourism Program, passengers from most countries can enjoy visa-free entry to South Korea. However, it is vital to check if your country qualifies for this exemption before booking the tour.

When you arrive at Incheon International Airport and proceed through immigration, you should carry your transit tour reservation confirmation as proof of participation. After going through customs and immigration, you can then proceed to the starting point of the tour, ready to explore Seoul!

I hope you enjoyed this free guide to everything you need to know about the Incheon transit tour and how to best spend your layover in Seoul. For more information visit Incheon Airport’s website.

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South Korea

Janis Paster

Saturday 4th of November 2023

On Friday, November 17 I arrive in Seoul by plane @ 7:25 am. My flight to LAX the same day @ 2:30 pm Is it possible to have a private car tour of the city for about 2 hrs and arrive back to the airport around 11:30. I’m flying delta Airlines operated by Korean airlines

Monday 13th of November 2023

Seoul is a big city and traveling by car can mean being stuck in traffic a lot. Even coming from the airport can sometimes take 2 hours. So I would probably try and go to Incheon instead, maybe see the Paradise plaza? It's a really cool yellow building often featured in kdramas :)

Living and traveling in Korea

How To Get To Seoul From Incheon International Airport: A Guide To All Of The Transfer Options

Are you traveling to Seoul, Korea soon? Most likely you’ll land at Incheon International Airport, Seoul’s airport, which is an amazing airport and the 22nd busiest airport in the world and serves more than 60 million passengers each year. The airport is one of the leading transit airports in the world and honestly, it’s absolutely stunning.

Incheon International Airport is one of the few airports I enjoy getting to early because there is plenty of good food to eat, lovely architecture to see, and it’s a great airport with kids because there are play places to find too. Keep that in mind for your way out.

To the business at hand though, how to get to Seoul from Incheon International Airport. There are quite a few options, so get ready to learn about them all.

If you’re headed to Seoul, make sure you’re prepared for an amazing trip. There is much fun to be had here if you’re ready for it! Here is the packing list that you’ll want to check out to prep for your trip to Seoul . Also, check out this epic list of must see and must do things in Seoul . There is much fun to be had, and this is just the beginning. Land in Incheon and get from there to Seoul for your adventure in the capital of Korea. Oh, but before you go, you might also want to check out 10 Things to Know Upon Arrival In Korea . Now you’ll be set!

Here’s what you can find in this post:

Incheon Airport Fast Facts

By private transfer.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

What is the airport code for Incheon International Airport?

• The Seoul airport code OR airport code for Incheon International Airport is ICN.

How far is Incheon Airport from Seoul?

• Seoul is 49 kilometers from Incheon Airport.

How long does it take to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?

• It usually takes between 50-70 minutes to get into the city of Seoul depending on which area you’re going to.

How To Get To Seoul From Incheon International Airport

For the most convenience, book a private transfer before you get there. Drivers will wait at the departure gate with your name on a placard. They’re easy to find and then you they’ll take you right to the door where ever you are staying. We pretty much take this option every time, especially now that we have a child in tow. It’s just the most convenient way to get into Seoul from Incheon International Airport.

Pre-Book: If you aren’t last minute and have a bit more time to book your driver, then use this private transfer option. You can choose whether you want a round trip or one way option, day or night, and you’ll get a professional driver to greet you. Friendly, polite, and super convenient.

• Klook: You can book a private transfer from the airport to popular touristy areas like Myeongdong, Gangnam, Itaewon, Yongsan, and Hongdae.
• Viator: There are a lot of options for private airport transfers available especially if you have large groups.
• kkday: Book at least 24 hours in advance and they can help you get to and from the airport.

The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) has two trains that go back and forth between Incheon International Airport and Seoul. Know where you’re going though as there are two train options – an Express Train and an All Stop Train.

The Express Train goes directly to Seoul Station in just 40 minutes without stopping. The All Stop Train stops at other stations on the way including  Gongdeok , which is an off the beaten but great area to stay, and Hongik University Station , which is popular for nightlife and quirky cafes. This train takes 60 minutes to go the entire way.

This is the best budget way to get into the city but it doesn’t get you right to the door fo where you’re going and during rush hours there may only be standing room available.

How much does the AREX cost?  The Express Train costs W9,500 for an adult and W7,500 for children. This is the most budget friendly way to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul.

What are the major differences between the Express Train and the All Stop Train?  The All Stop Train is two times cheaper than the ticket for the Express Train. BUT, the Express Train, is only 15 minutes faster so keep that in mind.

How to buy tickets for the AREX?

• In Person: You can buy tickets for AREX in terminal 1 and terminal 2 of the airport at the AREX Travel Center. You can buy the ticket with card or cash but you can also, and should if you’ll be using public transportation a lot while you’re here, buy a local transportation card that can be used on all public transportation and topped up throughout your trip.
• Klook: You can buy an AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket with a discount on Klook.
• kkday: You can buy an AREX Incheon Airport Express Train ticket to and from Seoul Station on kkday.

What time are trains from Incheon Airport to Seoul available?

• Trains are available from 5:20am to 11:40pm.

The bus is a great and affordable way to get into Seoul. The buses have comfy seats and are an affordable way to get into Seoul from the airport. This is also great if you’re headed to a less central district as there are a lot more bus lines to choose from. The City Limousine Bus is comfortable and very convenient though does take the longest compared to the other options listed. There are Standard buses and Deluxe buses available. Due to the schedules, you  may have to wait up to 25 minutes if you’ve just missed a bus.

How much to buses cost? Buses from Incheon International Airport to Seoul cost anywhere from W9,000 to W16,000 depending on whether they are standard or deluxe and where they’re headed in the city.

How to buy tickets for the bus?

• In Person: For Terminal 1, you can purchase your tickets from the ticket offices next to Exit 4 or Exit 9 after you’ve exited and are inside of Arrival Hall Floor 1. You can also purchase tickets outside next to Exits 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13. If you’re in Terminal 2, there are ticket offices on floor B1 located at the 2nd Transportation Center.
• Pre   Book:  The first few times I came and used the buses, I found it a little confusing because there are a lot of buses and they all go to different districts. If you want to pre-book, or at least figure out which number you’ll want to use when you arrive, check out the Klook Exclusive Limousine Bus Transfers page or this page which has some other bus route options . It has the districts and bus numbers and you can pre-book if you want, or at least write down which number you’ll want to look for when you arrive.

What time are buses from Incheon Airport to Seoul available?

• Buses are available from 5:05am to 11:20pm.

A taxi can take more or less than an hour and it really depends on what time you arrive and where in Seoul you’re headed. This can also greatly affect the price as well. Taxis are available 24/7 which is very convenient and they’ll take you directly to your guest house, hotel, or Airbnb. The journey will take around an hour, depending on traffic.

How much do taxis cost?  There isn’t a set rate for the journey from the airport into Seoul and the cost will vary depending on if you’re headed to Hongdae on the west side of the city or as far as Gangnam on the east side of the city. It should cost around W44,000, but again that depends on the traffic and distance. There is also an additional fee of W7,900 for the freeway (so don’t be surprised when the driver adds this on to the fee at the end) and if you’re riding in a taxi between midnight and 4:00am, there is an additional 20% fare increase. Basically, the ride could cost anywhere between W52,000 – W80,000.

How to get a taxi at the airport? After exiting departures and heading outside, you can easily spot the taxi stand where taxis are usually waiting. They line up by which area of Seoul or further they’re headed so check the signs. There are usually attendants there during regular hours as well to help you if you’re not sure which area you’re going to. It’s important to stand in the proper line. If you are trying to go to central Seoul and you’re standing in a line for outside of Seoul, the drivers will not want to take you.

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Things to Do On a Layover at Incheon Airport (2024)

Last Updated: Feb 28, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 83 Comments

As a traveler, one of the most common dilemmas is an unplanned extended layover. It’s happened to me more than once, and what was supposed to be just a quick, hour-long stay turned into a 7-hour distressful wait. This is not what I want for you on your Seoul layover.

If you find yourself experiencing a layover at Incheon Airport, fret not, but be aware that you will need to fill out a K-ETA and Q-Code before arriving at Incheon Airport. You're still going to have a great time because there are tons of things to do in Incheon Airport to have fun while awaiting a flight.

Read on to learn how to make your layover in Incheon Airport a worthwhile experience!

Basics of Travel in South Korea

Before a layover in incheon airport (tips), what to do inside incheon airport, how to sleep at incheon airport on a layover, what to do on a layover in seoul.

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid Korean SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

If only visiting Korea on a layover, you only need the following two documents, in addition to your passport and boarding pass.

Visa or K-ETA : This is the document required by Korea for you to go through customs and/or leave the airport. If you visited Korea before September 2021, even if you didn't need a visa back then, you will need a K-ETA now.

Check the official site to sort out whether you need a Korean visa or K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). These are good for 2 years, and you must apply at least 72 hours before your departure.

Note that from April 2023 to December 2024, citizens of 22 countries will temporarily NOT need a K-ETA or visa to visit the Republic of Korea: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the UK, and the US (including Guam).

Q-Code : This is part of the covid tracking system Korea has implemented since the end of 2019. Even though they no longer require you to be vaccinated or take a covid test, they still want to be able track you down if you at some point do test positive for covid. You can fill this out when you arrive.

If you don't want to leave the airport on your layover, for example if your bags are checked on, you don't need either of these documents, though I'd recommend a K-ETA, regardless.

I'm sure that if you find yourself stuck in an airport after a long flight, the first thing that comes to mind is food. It's good then that Incheon Airport boasts a range of restaurants with affordable food you can try.

From fast food to local and traditional delights, you can find these stalls throughout the airport, and most of them are open 24 hours. Lounges also frequently offer one-day access to their buffet tables. 

If you're craving something a bit fancy, there are also a few restaurants which serve gourmet cuisine. For those in the mood for relaxation, passengers can visit any of the airport’s facilities without issue– and you'll be happily surprised to learn that this airport has features not seen in an ordinary airline terminal. 

Exciting activities to do in Incheon Airport include watching a movie in their CGV theater, touring the golf course, or gliding in their massive ice skating rink.

A layover at Incheon Airport may mean that you arrive in Incheon during the wee hours of the morning. Since the airport accommodates flights 24/7, it's pretty natural to expect that there are sleeping zones for weary travelers from around the world.

Within the terminals you can keep your eyes peeled for the designated Nap or Relax Zones to sit in their comfortable reclining chairs, padded benches, and even beds. 

All of this is free for transit passengers who aren’t rechecking bags in Seoul, a fact which often surprises visitors. Because this is Korea , generally these are quiet spaces which encapsulate you from the world. There’s plenty of space where you can park your things, especially on a weekday or during the day.

You needn’t worry about thieves, either, because Incheon Airport has a state-of-the-art security system. You can even safely take a shower after getting your much-needed sleep, though there is a time limit for shower use.

While the standard airport seats are quite comfortable for a short rest, some of you may need more privacy to rest optimally. Incheon Airport Transit Hotel is a good choice that provides a pleasant place you can use all to yourself. 

What they offer is a relatively spacious room with a comfortable bed and full amenities, right in the airport. If you feel like taking a long, heated bath to relax your muscles before slipping into bed, all of their rooms have a shower area which provides this comfort.

You can choose from a range of Korean, Western, and Chinese cuisine to be brought to your room whenever you get hungry, provided by their 24-hour service.

But if you’re on a tight budget or happen to just be getting off the airport metro station at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, Darakhyu Capsule Hotel provides a reasonable space you can sleep in, rented by the hour.

Each capsule is padded with a luxury mattress, and you can adjust the temperature according to your liking. Moreover, a hub next to the bed lets you conveniently charge all your gadgets while connecting your music to the capsule's surround-sound Bluetooth speaker.

Did you know that you can leave the terminal for awhile during a layover in Seoul? Incheon Airport offers this exciting deal for visitors where you can tour for up to 5 hours and witness some of Seoul’s most famous sights.

Just visit their website and choose what you wish to do before leaving on your trip. Recent tour options include stopping by the Songdo Hanok Village and the Triple Shopping Streets for some retail therapy. Please note that all tours are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 (except tours inside the airport).

Joining these tours also allows you to preview what it’s like to visit Seoul’s markets, with the goal of enticing you back for a longer trip to Korea. Here you can have the chance to interact with locals and get to know their way of life.

You can even purchase fascinating items like Hanji, a type of Korean traditional paper, or Dojang , a type of Korean traditional stamp, for any friends back home who might want a piece of Korean culture. 

If historical sights are more of your thing, you can visit two of Korea’s famous traditional palaces right in Insadong. What’s convenient about this particular perk to a Seoul Layover is that the tour shuttles leave and drop off at terminal registration desks, which saves you time in getting back to catch your connecting flight.

If you want to do things on your own, you might want to try a real Jimjilbang (Korean spa) experience relatively near Incheon Airport. Siloam Spa is located near the Seoul station and offers relaxing massage that instantly relieves you from fatigue.

Then you can ride the subway directly to Dongdaemun Design Plaza , a breathtaking architectural marvel designed by radical deconstructivist designer Zaha Hadid.

You should now have a good idea of what to do in and outside Incheon Airport if you're in Incheon Airport on a layover right now. I hope you will be able to try a few of these suggestions before you depart for your next destination.

Nevertheless, all of these are just a small portion of the experiences you could have on a Seoul layover— there are countless other places inside and outside of Seoul that provide even more rewarding experiences.

More South Korea

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Reader Interactions

November 23, 2022 at 9:08 pm

Can we go outside Incheon airport with a Canadian passport? I'm planning on wandering outside the airport after our transit tour.

November 25, 2022 at 11:38 am

Yes, you can go outside the airport, but you'll need a K-ETA before getting to Korea.

February 10, 2023 at 9:18 pm

Thanks for taking the time to write all this out & share updated info!

February 10, 2023 at 9:49 pm

My pleasure!

February 17, 2023 at 8:07 am

Do I need a visa to have 3 hours layover in Incheon airport? I am not planning to go out of the airport though. I only have short hours.

February 20, 2023 at 12:43 am

Nope! You won't need a visa or a K-ETA if only transiting and not re-checking bags.

March 01, 2023 at 4:45 pm

Hello! Can a Philippine passport holder apply for K-ETA and use for this transit tour?

March 02, 2023 at 12:23 am

No, unfortunately a Philippine passport holder will need to apply for a visa to avail of the transit tours.

March 10, 2023 at 3:21 am

If my bags are checked through to my final destination, can I still take a Transit Tour outside of the airport?

March 10, 2023 at 11:24 pm

Yes, but you will need to apply for a K-ETA a few weeks before your trip, and set up your Q-Code within 72 hours of your flight.

March 11, 2023 at 7:43 am

Hi, thanks for this guide. I'm flying to Cebu from Tokyo via Incheon airport with 9-hour layover using different airlines. I'm not planning to go out of the aiport while waiting for my next flight, will I need a transit visa or the K-ETA? Appreciate your confirmation. Thank you.

March 12, 2023 at 9:18 pm

Hi, Gie! Unfortunately you will need a K-ETA or transit visa ONLY IF yo have bags that need to be re-checked, since you'll be flying on different airlines. If you only have carry-ons, you're fine since you won't be exiting the terminal.

March 17, 2023 at 2:25 am

@Max, thanks a lot for the confirmation. So you mean even if I have different airlines for the connecting flights, I can still check in my next flight without visa as long as I don't have bags to check in which would require me to pass through immigration. Is that correct?

March 17, 2023 at 10:53 am

Yes, that is correct. You'll just show them your boarding pass to get on to your next flight and they'll wave you through the Q-Code line, which is before immigration. Just be sure to check in for your next flight before you leave, or do it as soon as you land and get on airport wifi, if need be.

Sam Purewall says

March 14, 2023 at 6:18 pm

I am traveling to Thailand from Canada with a layover at Incheon Airport for 2hours. I will have a checked in bag & backpack. I do not plan to leave the airport - do I need to apply for a visa or K-ETA?

March 14, 2023 at 9:15 pm

That's correct. As long as your bags are checked along to your final destination (you'll have to double-check with the airline), then you won't need to apply for a K-ETA or Q-Code.

March 18, 2023 at 11:31 pm

Hi, I and my wife are Indian citizens, traveling to the US on tourist visa. We have a 10 hour layover at Incheon airport. How can we go out and do some sightseeing during this time?

March 19, 2023 at 1:27 pm

I'd say you could spend 4 or so hours in the city and still get back on time for your flight; all you need to do is each apply for a K-ETA, which you can do now, and apply for a Q-Code within 72 hours of your flight to Korea. There are also some government-run tours available now, as of January!

March 20, 2023 at 7:35 pm

I'm travelling from phil by jin air and hve a 4 hrs layover in korea going to US. From incheon airport terminal 1 need to transit to terminal to for change plane, which is delta airlines. I have bags to recheck but not planning to outside the airport. Do i still nees K-eTa?

March 20, 2023 at 8:12 pm

Yes, unfortunately you'll need either a K-ETA or a transit visa, since you'll need to go through customs to recheck your bags & change terminals.

March 21, 2023 at 2:49 pm

We are Canadians transferring at Incheon airport. During the 15 hours layover, can we pass the customs/immigration and stay in a hotel nearby the airport without bringing our checked-in luggage with us because the luggage will be directly transferred or checked in to the flight to our destination? Thanks.

March 21, 2023 at 11:38 pm

Yes, you can leave through customs with a K-ETA applied for in advance, but unfortunately you'll have to double-check with the airline whether or not they'll check forward a bag for a layover of such a duration.

March 22, 2023 at 7:49 am

Hi, we are Filipinos and we have a flight from US to Philippines and we have a 13hr layover in Incheon. We are planning to go out and explore a little bit. Do we need a visa/K-ETA? Thanks btw for the information.

March 22, 2023 at 3:22 pm

No problem! But yes, to leave the airport & go through customs, you'll need a transit visa.

March 22, 2023 at 11:04 am

I'm Burmese citizen going to US by Korea Airline and have 10 hours layover time. Can I joint transit tour and what do I need to prepare? Any Visa need?

March 22, 2023 at 3:23 pm

Yes, you can join a tour, and just need to sign up ahead of time, but you will also need a transit visa.

March 23, 2023 at 6:37 am

@Max, Can I get transit visa on arrival? Or do I need to apply before? Thanks for your information.

March 23, 2023 at 2:17 pm

You'll need to apply beforehand! 🙂

March 26, 2023 at 10:18 pm

Please elaborate when you stated that "All of this is free for transit passengers who aren’t rechecking bags in Seoul". We are traveling from the US to the Philipines soon. We fly with one airlines, have an overnight layover in Incheon, then fly out with another airlines. Does that mean we have to recheck our bags, and if we do then does mean the airport amenities are not free? Thank in advance for your response.

March 27, 2023 at 12:30 am

Yes, you do have to re-check your bags if flying with two different airlines (assuming you have checked bags rather than only carry-ons). All of those amenities are still free for such passengers, but you won't likely get much use out of them, because if you need to re-check your bags then you won't be able to re-enter the airport terminals until at most 3 hours before your flight (when most desks will open for bag check). If you flew on two different airlines but DIDN'T have any bags to reclaim and re-check, then you could avail of the free nap zones regardless because you wouldn't need to go through customs to reclaim your bags.

Tuujuu says

March 28, 2023 at 12:45 pm

Hello! I am flying from Canada to Mongolia. I’m planning to go out and sightseeing while waiting for my next flight, will I need a transit Visa or the K-ETA? I am a Mongolian passport holder. Appreciate your help. Thank you.

March 28, 2023 at 6:35 pm

Yes, you will need one of those two-- you can visit the K-ETA site to see, but it looks like you will need a visa in order to leave the airport for a transit tour.

Katie Mac says

March 29, 2023 at 10:22 pm

I have a long layover in ICN (22 hours) and would love to leave the airport to do some sightseeing and shopping for make up and cosmetics. If I have one bag already checked to my final destination, can I check a new baggage when I come back from my shopping haul during my layover?

March 30, 2023 at 2:51 pm

That's more a question for your airline (even as to whether you can check a bag for such a long layover), but I suspect that if you have the ability to check two bgs, you can check a second one later on, before going through security.

March 31, 2023 at 10:11 am

I just saw where US citizens (and 21 other countries) are not required to get a K-ETA effective April 1, 2023. Is that correct?

April 02, 2023 at 12:35 am

Hi, Alan! Yes, this is a new and temporary policy, I think to help boost tourism post-covid. From April 2023 to December 2024, US citizens will temporarily not need a K-ETA in order to visit Korea. I'll update the post, thank you.

April 04, 2023 at 11:45 pm

a Philippine passport holder can avail this program? if yes, is visa needed?

April 05, 2023 at 7:28 pm

Yes you can, but yes, a visa is needed ahead of time.

April 17, 2023 at 12:19 am

To my understanding passengers with long layover can leave the airport without a visa?

April 17, 2023 at 12:42 pm

Only if you're from one of several countries for which they've temporarily suspended the need for K-ETAs: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam).

Jona Galandeynes says

April 13, 2023 at 2:02 pm

I have a Philippines passport and a US immigrant (green card) and I have a 10 hours layover can i go for a city tour? Do I need a Visa?

April 13, 2023 at 2:29 pm

Hi, Jona! You can go on a city tour, but unfortunately, you do also need to go to your nearest Korean consulate in the US to apply for a visa beforehand (as opposed to needing to go to the Philippines to apply).

April 14, 2023 at 3:41 pm

@Max, Thank you. Can I also apply when I'm in the Philippines? Do you know how much?

April 15, 2023 at 12:58 am

Yes, you can. It's actually free for Filipinos to get a South Korean tourist visa!

April 16, 2023 at 11:57 am

Hi! I will be travelling from the Philippines to NYC with a 2 hour lay-over in Incheon via Korean Airlines. My bags will be checked though, I just want to confirm, I do not need any visa right?

April 16, 2023 at 11:58 am

Correct, if your bags are checked-through then you don't need a visa, as you'll stay in the terminals the whole time.

April 16, 2023 at 8:35 pm

I have a US passport , and fly in to ICN as a standby passenger , but have lay over night to fly the next morning. I like to spend time excursion. When I tried to do K-ETA , they said that I don't have to , is it right.?

April 16, 2023 at 8:59 pm

Correct! Yeah, you no longer need a visa or K-ETA with an American passport, at least until the end of 2024.

April 17, 2023 at 12:23 am

What if I am holding Philippine passport and a US B1/B2 visa? Do we still need a visa? In 2018, I was grateful to be given a chance to visit Korea due to my long layover without a Korean visa but just by presenting my Filipino passport and a US B1/B2 visa.

April 17, 2023 at 12:56 pm

Yes, unforunately since covid they've changed their policy, including suspending the temporary visas for transit passengers to/from the US. If you're in the US, though, you can apply for a transit visa form th e US (wherever the nearest consulate is).

April 16, 2023 at 8:58 pm

Ive heard the terminal 1 Transit hotel is closed. Is it possible to go from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 for the transit Hotel there. My wife would need a Visa to enter Korea but we only have a 20 hr layover and no Visa for her.

April 16, 2023 at 9:02 pm

Yeah, it is temporarily closed, possibly until as late as August, but you may still be able to rent a room at the airport hotel. Unfortunately there's no way to go between the terminals unless you have a K-ETA or K-ETA Exemption/visa.

April 17, 2023 at 1:31 pm

Hi there! i'm traveling from Vietnam to the US and have a 8 hour layover in Incheon. I'd like to leave the airport and tour the city during my layover. It looks like I don't need a K-ETA visa, but it's recommended. So do i need a KETA or no? Also, any suggestions on what a family of four with two small children could do during the 8 hour layover?

April 17, 2023 at 9:28 pm

Hi, Kate! If you have US passposrts, nobody in your family needs a K-ETA or visa until 2025. I'd recommend joining one of the free city tours if you have little kids (organized transport & activities).

April 17, 2023 at 6:07 pm

if I come into ICN and not sure what terminal we will be in , and I like to RSVP for "Steet(Hongdae Street)" . is the 2 terminals is very far from each other if I end up pick the wrong one.

April 17, 2023 at 9:29 pm

Hi, Tana! The terminals are about 10 minutes apart, so not too hard to travel between the two.

May 02, 2023 at 6:11 pm

Flying from SFO to MLA thru Korean Airlines with layover in Incheon, can you direct me where is the Free Nap zone at airport Terminal 2? Thank you

May 04, 2023 at 10:24 am

Sure! Rather than describe it, here's a link to a map: https://www.airport.kr/ap/en/trn/trnServiceDetail.do?SN=1945

Enjoy your trip, Elena!

May 03, 2023 at 12:32 am

I am a US citizen planning to transit in Seoul for 21 hrs in August 2023. Are the city tours offered for transit passengers still running? Does anyone know a website with these details of these tour schedules?

May 04, 2023 at 10:28 am

Yes, the transit tours resumed rather recently, so there's not a ton of info available yet, and not all tours are available each day, but check out the options here: https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/trn/tour/trcose/trcose.do

Aileen says

May 14, 2023 at 8:47 pm

Thanks for all the useful info!

Me and my husband plus our 2 kids(9&4) will have an 11 hrs 40 mins layover this coming July at Incheon. Our plane will land at 5am. From what I see, the tour time we want to join in runs from 8am-1300. Our flight to USA is at 4:40pm. So we have like 3hrs 40mins remaining before the flight, will this be enough time to re-enter the airport etc. so we dont miss our flight? We will be on Korean Airlines Manila to Incheon to USA so I assume we do not need to recheck our bags (but I’m not 100% sure).

Another question. If we are going to do the transit tour, is there a place at the airport that we can leave our hand carry luggages? Where there be a fee? Thank you in advance! Appreciate it!

May 14, 2023 at 10:09 pm

You're very welcome! Yes, that should be plenty of time to get back to the airport and to the terminal, especially if you have your bags checked through. And yes, you can put your hand-carry in the luggage storage, but there is a fee depending on the volume and length of storage; there are a couple of options in the Incheon arrival terminal.

May 21, 2023 at 1:18 pm

Hello, I've been searching hours through countless websites, I hope you can help me. I am a Philippine passport holder flying to Canada with student visa permit and I will have a long lay-over in Seoul ICN. (Less than 24 hours) I booked two separate flights that means I need to claim my baggage. Do I need a visa just to claim my baggage even If I do not have plans to go out if the airport.

May 21, 2023 at 3:11 pm

Unfortunately, from everything that people have told me from their experiences, that does mean that you'll need to apply for a transit visa from your local Korean consulate. You can look into the K-ETA and see if there's a visa/green card section, but everyone who's commented back said that they were unable to just get into the country with only a visa or green card from a K-ETA-exempt country like Canada.

June 01, 2023 at 11:00 pm

For clarifications. As a Philippines passport holder, I can go out without a tourist Visa? If it's only for a few hours? I just need to fill-out K-ETA? Sorry for all the questions. Thank you in advance.

June 01, 2023 at 11:14 pm

No, unfortunately Philippines passport holders cannot apply for a K-ETA and still need to acquire a transit visa for Korea, even if it's for a short layover.

Meghan says

June 18, 2023 at 7:40 am

hi! i have a long layover and wanted to explore. What should i write on my arrival card for address since i’m only going out to explore? also was it easy going back in to the airport after going out??

Thank you so much 🙂

June 19, 2023 at 2:51 pm

Whenever I have a layover in Seoul, I find a reputable hotel and use their address and phone number. If you have a super long layover and they ask why you ‘booked a hotel,’ just tell them you wanted somewhere to rest. They really won’t question you further, and in over half a dozen layovers at INC, I've never had them ask to see my booking.

And it's generally quite easy going back into the terminal after exploring on a long layover in Incheon, but keep in mind that you'll need at least 2 hours and for some places 3 hours for the roundtrip from Incheon Airport to Seoul proper, plus arriving back at the airport another hour or two before your flight (whether re-checking a bag or not). So I'd recommend having at least a 6-hour layover if you're going to leave the airport, or if the timing lines up, joining a government-run tour for a 4-5 hour layover (since they provide the transport).

Enjoy your trip!!

Gregg H says

July 31, 2023 at 8:10 pm

I have a 14-hour layover and want to visit the Skygarden and Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul. One question I haven't seen asked is what to do with luggage. Delta will not hold by bags for that long. Are there lockers for rent at the airport? What options do I have? Thank you.

August 01, 2023 at 3:01 pm

Yes, there's a luggage holding/storage company in the arrivals section of both terminals; they charge by the hour, so you can keep your stuff there as long as you need. I'll add that info to the post, thank you.

August 01, 2023 at 4:29 pm

@Max, thank you for the quick response. Good to know that there are lockers at the airport. I later saw that there were Bounce locations near Seoul Station (plus lots of other places) and I was prepared to haul my luggage on the train into town.

August 09, 2023 at 5:23 pm

Hello, I am a Philippine passport holder but a Permanent resident of Canada. I have two connecting flights. From Calgary to Vancouver, Vancouver to Incheon, then Incheon to Manila. There is a 14-hour layover in Incheon and I am planning to explore Seoul during the layover. Do I fall on transit tourist traveling to a third country without a visa or I still need to apply for a tourist visa? Thank you in advance.

August 10, 2023 at 2:17 pm

Hi, Tyn. So from my research, you kind of fall under both-- you'd be eligible for a B2 visa as a permanent resident of Canada, but I'm not exactly sure how you can apply for the visa or if it's automatic upon arrival. Check out this official page for more info.

August 13, 2023 at 9:57 pm

Hi, I have a 15-hour layover from 05:40 to 20:40. Does it take long to check back to Incheon airport? Also, how much time would I have to travel to Seoul?

August 14, 2023 at 2:05 pm

I would leave AT LEAST an hour each way to get to/from Seoul, and a safe buffer is 3 hours early to your flight (in case the return tot he airport hits any snags), so since your layover is during the daytime, you should have 9 or 10 hours to enjoy the city. It's pretty straightforward to check back in at Incheon, but lines can be quite long on weekend evenings, so I may even leave a 3.5 hours buffer for arriving back to the airport before your flight, as traveling around Seoul at rush hour (4pm-6pm) will be its own kind of busy. Definitely leave your bags at the airport lockers (paid), if you have big bags!

February 19, 2024 at 2:43 am

HELLO. I AM FLYING BACK TO US WITH A 15 HR LAYOVER IN INCHEON. FIRST, U STILL OFFER FREE TOURS OUTSIDE OF THE AIRPORT? SECOND, ACCORDING TO THE POST, IF I AM FROM US, FROM APRIL 2023-DEC 2024- I WON'T NEED A K-ETA TO GO OUTSIDE RIGHT? LASTLY, Q CODE AND K-ETA ACCESSIBLE ONLINE TO APPLY 72 HRS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL

ONE MORE THING, WHERE DO I SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TOURS OFFERED?

February 22, 2024 at 1:12 pm

Hi, yes you will be able to visit Korea without issue using a US passport before the end of 2024, and there are still free tours outside the airport for layover visitors; you can read more about those in this article .

Kirsten Li says

February 21, 2024 at 4:23 am

Hi, I hold a Chinese passport and fly from Vancouver to Hong Kong via Seoul. I have 15h stopover, so if I wanna go out and have some sightseeings (not the day tour provided by the airport), do I need a K-ETA? Thank you!

February 22, 2024 at 1:13 pm

Kirsten, yes you would need a K-ETA to exit the airport, and possibly a tourist visa.

February 21, 2024 at 9:01 pm

I'm a Philippine passport holder and will have a layover from Vancouver to Incheon and then from Incheon to Manila. I need to re-check my baggage at Incheon but I am not planning to leave the airport. My flight is on the same terminal. Do I need to have a visa?

February 22, 2024 at 1:15 pm

From what the Korean consulate told me, yes you will need a visa to go through security to re-check your bags.

U.S. Passport Travel Requirements says

April 03, 2024 at 2:18 pm

Nice post. It's very well thought out and quite informative. Keep it up.

April 03, 2024 at 8:23 pm

Thank you for the kind words! Much appreciated.

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Layover Tour From Incheon Airport to Seoul With a Tour Specialist

Set out on an unforgettable journey that transforms a mere layover at Incheon Airport into a captivating adventure through the heart of Seoul with a knowledgeable tour specialist. From the bustling streets to serene temples, this expertly crafted tour promises a deep dive into the city’s culture and history.

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This tour not only showcases Seoul’s top attractions but also allows you to savor local flavors and enjoy fantastic shopping opportunities .

Pickup and Drop-off Services

Discover the seamless convenience of the Pickup and Drop-off Services provided for the Incheon Airport to Seoul Layover Tour, ensuring a stress-free transition from airport to exploration.

The tour offers private pickup service tailored to the traveler’s flight details, with the guide waiting at the designated gate for a smooth beginning. At the end of the tour, transportation back to Incheon Airport is seamlessly arranged, with customizable end point options available.

This service streamlines airport logistics, eliminating the need for travelers to navigate public transportation or taxis. The flexible end time arrangements cater to varying schedules, providing a hassle-free experience.

Explore Seoul with ease, knowing that transportation options are efficiently managed throughout the layover tour.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Upon booking the Incheon Airport to Seoul Layover Tour, travelers are provided with a clear and concise policy regarding cancellations and changes. The reservation process is straightforward, ensuring a seamless experience for customers.

The following points outline the key aspects of the booking and cancellation policy:

Refund Policy : Full refunds are available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance of the tour start time.

Reservation Process : Changes aren’t accepted within 24 hours of the tour start time to ensure efficient scheduling.

No Refunds for Late Cancellations : It’s essential to adhere to the cancellation policy to avoid any forfeiture of fees.

Photography Services Offered

When booking the Incheon Airport to Seoul Layover Tour, travelers can also benefit from professional photography services that capture memorable moments throughout the sightseeing experience. The tour includes personalized photo package options and photography customization to suit individual preferences. Travelers can choose from a variety of high-quality images taken by a photographer-guide during the tour. The photos can be tailored to reflect the unique experiences and locations visited, ensuring a personalized touch to the memories captured. This service adds an extra dimension to the tour, allowing participants to relive their journey through beautifully crafted photographs.

Pricing Details and Reviews

Travelers considering the Incheon Airport to Seoul Layover Tour can expect transparent pricing structures and access to genuine traveler feedback to help make informed decisions. The tour offers group discounts, customizable package options , and varying tour durations to cater to different preferences.

• Group Discounts : Special discounts available for group bookings.
• Tour Duration : Options for different tour durations to suit varying layover times.
• Customer Testimonials : Access to honest reviews and testimonials from previous travelers.

Tour Specialist’s Directions

For a smooth experience on the Incheon Airport to Seoul Layover Tour, visitors can rely on the expert guidance and directions provided by the tour specialist. The tour specialist’s expertise ensures travelers make the most of their time by offering route recommendations that cover must-see destinations like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village , Insadong, and N Seoul Tower. The specialist will meet guests at the designated gate based on their flight number, providing seamless transportation to each location and back to ICN. With customizable end point options and flexible scheduling, the tour specialist ensures a tailored experience for every traveler. Trust in their knowledge to navigate Seoul efficiently and make the most of your layover.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

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• Private Transfer From Seoul Incheon Airport (Icn) to Seoul
• Incheon International Airport Minibus Transfers (ICN Pickup) for Seoul
• Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul – Arrival Private Transfer
• Vocal Recording in K-POP Producers Studio

Common questions

Can I Request Specific Landmarks or Attractions to Be Included in the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, travelers can request specific landmarks or attractions to be included in their customized itinerary . The tour specialist offers photography options and accommodates restroom breaks . The experience is tailored to individual preferences for a memorable journey.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Photography Services or Is It Included in the Tour Price?

Photography services are included in the tour price, offering personalized packages and high-quality images. Customization options are available for a memorable experience. The transparent pricing structure ensures no additional fees for these amenities , enhancing the overall value.

Is There a Restroom Break Scheduled During the Tour?

Restroom facilities are available during the tour, with a planned break in the itinerary. The tour duration allows for comfort breaks. While no meals are included, there are shopping opportunities at various stops.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of Photos That Will Be Taken During the Tour?

During the tour, there are no restrictions on the number of photos taken. Photography guidelines allow for capturing numerous moments. Plus, travelers can customize their itinerary to ensure key attractions are included, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Transportation for the Tour, Such as a Luxury Vehicle or a Traditional Korean Vehicle?

When booking the tour, travelers can request a specific type of transportation, such as a luxury vehicle or a traditional Korean transport. Options cater to individual preferences, ensuring a comfortable and culturally immersive experience throughout the journey.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

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• Private Airport Transfer: Incheon Airport to Seoul City 1-12 Pax
• Cruise Layover Tour : Full-day Customizable Private Seoul Highlight Tour

Experience the best of Seoul with a layover tour specialist from Incheon Airport.

With customizable itineraries, convenient pickup and drop-off services, and a talented photographer-guide, this tour offers a seamless and unforgettable exploration of the city’s cultural gems.

Transparent pricing and stellar reviews ensure a hassle-free experience, making it the perfect way to make the most of your layover in Seoul.

Book now and discover the magic of this vibrant city with a knowledgeable local expert.

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Incheon airport layover private tour - incheon/seoul/dmz, how to book.

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Meet Location

• Incheon International Airport (in front of the arrivals gate)
• Round-trip transportation
• English-speaking guide (driver)
• Entrance fees
• Other personal expenses

*Airport pick-up: 1 hour afer arrival. *Airport drop-off: 3 hours before departure.

Please keep in mind

• All participants must bring a valid passport to enter the DMZ.
• Entrance fees, meals and other personal expenses are NOT included in the price.
• If the tour exceeds the default tour hours, you must pay 20,000 won per additional hour to the guide on the day.

Cancellation policy

• December 18, 2021
• Uncategorized

If you’ve got a few hours to spare in Seoul’s busy Incheon Airport, you might want to take advantage of a great feature here. Incheon Airport has free transit tours of Seoul.

Depending on how long you have to spare, you may be able to take a tour (or multiple tours) of popular attractions around Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.

There are plenty of things to do on a layover in Incheon, but if you have the time, I highly recommend a transit tour or Seoul.

From casinos to caves, shopping markets and ancient temples – there’s something for everyone on Incheon Transit tours.

What are the Seoul transit tours from Incheon?

Seeing parts of Seoul on a guided transit tour from Incheon Airport is simple and a great way to see specific sights of Seoul with a knowledgeable guide to fill you in on the history and significance of some great sights.

The short and sweet of a transit tour from Incheon is:

• Once landed and done any immigration or baggage collection processes, you head to the Transit Tour Information Desk , located in both terminals of Incheon International Airport.
• This is where the tour will meet and leave from. If you haven’t booked a tour online, remaining reservations on the transit tours from.incheon are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• You may have a little free time before your tour leaves. You can freshen up, change or exchange money if needed. Otherwise, check out my.guide to Incheon International Airport.
• Your guide will then instruct you to follow and you’ll be lead to a coach-style bus.
• Depending on how long you have, some tours may be too long in duration for your layover. Make sure you double-check with desk information staff.
• Depending on what tour you decide On, you may have a decent amount of transit time until you reach your destination. While the casino is only a 5-minute drive away, getting into Seoul can take about an hour due to traffic.
• That’s all you need to worry about on your transit tour from Incheon. Your coach shuttle bus will take you from the airport in Seoul, to the transit tour sights in Seoul, back to Incheon Airport.
• Many of the tours will give you time for lunch, but you will need to bring some money – also if you want any souvenirs make sure you bring some local currency.

For more information on specific tours, you can read all about the tours offered in Incheon International Airport.

What are the different guided transit tours from Incheon Airport?

Currently, 9 desperate tours are offered from Incheon Airport into various places around Seoul.

Each tour from Incheon into Seoul goes to separate places around Seoul and none of the tours overlap attractions. Meaning if there’s something on offer below that you must-see , you have very limited options of the tours you can take.

Some of the Incheon transit tours are available at multiple times throughout each day to make planning the best transit tour for you a little easier.

Below, I’ll give a quick rundown on each of the 9 tours from Incheon Airport.

Entertainment

Paradise City Art/Entertainment

2 hours long -, leaves at 7am

There’s a whole range of activities and sights in this Korean-style resort. From a casino, to an art museum with over 2700 exhibits on display. There’s a wide range of activities to do in Paradise City in Seoul, from various entertainment to cultural experiences, there’s something for every Incheon Airport layover tour visitor.

Incheon City

Songdo Hanok Village – Triple Shopping Street – Central Park

2 hours long – leaves at 9am, 3pm and 5pm

This tour holds a little bit of everything. Traditional mixes with modern skylines at Songdo Hanok Village, with Songdo Central Park being within close proximity, it’s a uniqe mix of old, new and green. Lush greenery is flanked by skyscraping towers that stretch into the sky. Triple Shopping Street is more than just stores, the culture of Korea is showcased in cultural points of interest.

Gwangmyeong Cave

4 hours long – leaves at 9am

This 4-hour tour visits an old gold mine. Gwangmyeong Cave was closed in 1972, even though gold deposits still exist throughout the cave system. This cave embodies modern industries of Korea established after gaining independence from Japan.

Jeondeungsa Temple – Deokjinjin

4 hours long – leaves at 8am

Built in the late 4 th century, Jeondeungsa is Korea’s oldest temple. Home to a beautiful  Daewoongjeon (Main Buddha Hall), this temple is a beautiful attraction on a Seoul Transit Tour. The second stop on this tour is to Deokjinjin. One of the most important and strategic points in the outer castle wall. This section of the wall was vital in protecting the  Ganghwa Straits during the Goryeo Dynasty.

Cheonggyechon Stream – Jogyesa Temple

4 hours long – leaves at 2pm

Your first stop on this tour, Cheonggyecheon Stream is historically important to Korean history, dating back 600 years. The final stop on this temple transit tour of Seoul from Incheon is Jogyesa Temple. Being the center of the Korean Buddhist movement it’s a great stop on Incheon International Airport’s transit tour itinerary! Make sure to check out the 500 year old white tree that lives here! The temple also holds an annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha’s birthday

Myeong-dong – Namdaemun Market

5 hours long – leaves at 1pm

Myeong-dong Is hone to plenty of shops, including duty-free outlets and street food opportunities, it’s one of  Seouls most popular shopping districts. Your final stop, Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea. If you can think it, chances are you can find it here!

Traditional Sites

Gyeongbokgung Palace – Insa-dong

5 hours long – leaves at 8am and 10am

Gyeongbokgung Palace was restored in 1867, and was originally built in 1395. It was burned down in 1592 during an invasion by the Japanese. To end this Incheon Airport layover tour, you’ll head to Insa-dong. Filled with antique stores and folk art, this popular neighborhood is a great place to visit from Incheon Airport.

Incheon Airport Maglev Train – Eurwangi Beach – Lottemart

2 hours long – leaves at 1pm

Incheon Airport’s Maglev Train is your first stop on this tour, linking the Transportation Center of the airport and Younyu Island. Eurwangi Beach is second, with beautiful white sands and plenty of water sports, it’s a popular attraction in Seoul. Finally, Lottemart is one of Seoul’s largest supermarket discount stores. Plenty of Baggins to be found here!

Eurwangi OR Masirang Beach

1 hour-long – leaves at 8am or 11am

A short beach visit to either Eurwangi Beach, with water sport and white sand, OR to Masirang Beach, pine trees and wetlands as well beautiful sand are all mixed together.

How do I book a transit tour from Incheon Airport?

It’s super easy to book a transit tour from Incheon Airport. All spots are divided up between online bookings and first come first served in person bookings.

To book your Incheon International Airport transit tour, you need to make your way to the basement floor, or B1, on either the 1 st or 2 nd terminal. Look for the Transit Tour Reservation Desk, this is where transit tours in Incheon  Airport are booked from.

Who is allowed to take a transit tour from Incheon Airport?

Anyone that is allowed to enter Korea is allowed to take a free tour from Incheon Airport.

You must have a connecting flight from anywhere outside of Korea, and a flight exiting Korea within the next 24 hours to be eligible for a transit tour of Seoul. This is the typical definition of a layover.

How much does the transit tours into Seoul from Incheon Airport cost?

The tours from Incheon International Airport are free for the most part. The guide and transport are all complimentary. However, any lunch or souvenirs you want to buy will have to be paid for by you.

There are ATMs in Incheon Airport you can withdraw money From, or exchange currency as well. You should allow a little bit of time to get access to Korean Won to Make sure you’re ready to leave when the tour is ready to begin.

What to expect from a transit tour from Incheon into Seoul

During my layover in Seoul I was lucky enough to take a transit tour from Incheon Airport.

I didn’t need a visa to enter Korea, so I didn’t need a visa to take Incheon International Airport transit tour. After arriving in Seoul, and customs were cleared, my partner and I rushed to the basement of terminal 1, to the transit tour desk in Incheon. (Remember, these tours operate on a first come first served basis, and they are popular!).

We were able to get aboard a 5 hour tour of Seoul. Before the tour left from Incheon Airport we had a few minutes to freshen up and exchange some U.S. Dollar to Korean Won. We set off at 9am sharp, so don’t be late back to the meet up point to depart for your transit tour.

Led out onto a modern coach and set off towards our first destination on this tour of Seoul. It takes around an hour to get into the city due to traffic. So sit back and relax and take in the sights of outer Seoul.

First stop on this city transit tour of Seoul

Almost an hour later, the coach rolled to a stop at Bukchon Hanok Village. This 600-year-old network of alleyways and residential areas is a beautiful insight into ancient Korea and what the country would have looked like.

This narrow streets weave around giving a great view of surrounding suburbs. Please be respectful as this area is just That, people live here, and a group of 25-30 tourists can be quite loud. There are plenty of signs dotting the doors and alleys where your voice will echo through the narrow alleys.

As you look over the rooftops of the ancient Bukchon Hanok Village, there are a few notable things to keep an eye out for:

• There is a man selling traditional-style pansies made from pumpkin. He even gave out small samples and photos to anyone for free.
• The roofs of many ancient Korean houses have small little round discs attached to the edges of the ruling. These little decorated discs are known as Wadangs, and if you would like to paint your own, visit a culture center inside Incheon International Airport.
• It is a common sight for the traditional style dresses, Hanbok’s, are common around these ancient streets as tourists pose in photos.

The second stop on Seoul’s city transit tour – Gwangjang Market

The trip to Gwangjang Market doesn’t take long at all, and you’re there before you know it.

This busy market is a great place to shop for a souvenir of your short trip to South Korea, and also to try some local food. There’s plenty of stalls selling a variety of food, clothing and snacks.

Bibimbap is similar to a salad and one of the most well-known dishes in Korea. It’s served with rice and super filling. There are plenty of stalls selling this popular meal for around 5,000₩. There’s also wonton soup and dumplings if you’re looking for some more tasty things to eat.

All up, you get around an hour to explore the narrow paths of Gwangjang Market. Be careful, scooters/motorbikes are allowed to ride through the congested alleys.

If you’re looking for something else and all shopped out, one of the exits of Gwangjang Market leads to a peaceful river for a quiet walk.

The bus left a little late as it we needed a replacement shuttle bus, there was some issue with the brakes of our original bus. It was a little stressful in making sure we had time to make our connecting flight. The replacement bus was well organized and only set us back around half an hour – in the end, I’d rather be safe, so I was glad to wait around.

In the end, the tour was supposed to finish at 2pm, and my partner and I made our connecting flight at 430pm easily. Even had time for a FREE hot shower at Incheon Airport!

Can I take more than one tour from Incheon Airport?

Yes, you can take as many transit tours as you want from Incheon International Airport. As long as you have enough time in your layover and the tours have spots on then, you can jump on to as many guided tour as you want!

So, is visiting Seoul on a transit tour worth it?

Yes. If you only have a limited amount of time in Seoul, taking a transit tour from the Incheon International Airport is a great way to get a feel for this vibrant city.

Depending on what time you arrive and how long your layover is, your transit tour options from Incheon may be limited, but there are plenty of fun and interesting options to choose from.

If you have the time in Seoul on a layover, and want to go visit a few parts of the city, take a transit tour from Incheon Airport is super easy and worthwhile!

Have you visited any parts of Seoul on a guided transit tour from Incheon Airport? I’d love to hear what you thought of the experience below! Any questions or comments? Drop a comment below as well!

Enjoyed this article? Well here’s what you should do next:

• Share this post to social media to help others enjoy the tours from Incheon Airport
• Sign up to Horizon Unknowns Newsletter for tips and tricks on how to travel better! You’ll also get a free 8-page travel checklist to help you travel better.
• Read more travel-related articles below!

Keep reading about travel:

• How to enjoy a culture shock
• Why you need travel insurance
• Here are plenty of travel tips!

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown

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• Excellent Programs
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Excellent Transit Program

Korean Air turns waiting into a wonderful experience. At Incheon International Airport, take full advantage of our Excellent Transit Program, a grouping of services and opportunities designed to turn "boring" into a wonderful experience.

Transit Tours

Free tour programs to get a taste of Korean history, culture, and daily life

Grand Hyatt Incheon

Luxuries and services to help transfer passengers refresh and relax

Rail & City

Non-stop train service between the airport and inner-city Seoul

• Passengers staying at Incheon International Airport for four hours or longer
• Entrance fees and meal expenses to be paid by participating passengers (tour guide and bus fees included)
• Same-day registration processed (reservation recommended as registration is closed on first-come first-served basis)
• Implementation Period: April 1, 2023 ~ December 31, 2024
• Check K-ETA temporary exemption Countries/Regions : Access to K-ETA Homepage → Click ‘Apply for K-ETA’ on the upper menu → Choose your passport Country/Region → If your country is eligible for K-ETA exemption, notice pop-up will be displayed.
• For more details, refer to the K-ETA homepage.
• Transfer Desk, 2nd floor of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport
• Tel. +82-32-741-0060
• Email: [email protected]              [email protected]
• facebook : LINK
• Instagram : LINK
• Transit tours observe the regulations of the Korean immigration authority.
• Passengers who are denied entry cannot participate in transit tours. For visa- and immigration-related inquiries, please contact the Ministry of Justice. Visit Korea Immigration Service under Ministry of Justice  Open in a new window
• Partner firms and passengers hold all liability for any problems arising form or related to the services/products provided.

• Eligibility : Passengers boarding Korean Air for the entire itinerary and transferring at Incheon Airport
• Benefit : 20% discount + free sauna access for 1 hour                (Please bring your boarding pass or e-ticket itinerary with you for benefits)
• Board at Gate 2A, 1st floor of Terminal 2 (arrival area), Incheon International Airport
• Business Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (SPA open hours)
• Tel.  +82-32-745-2321

Airport Railroad

• Fare discount from KRW 9,500 → KRW 8,000
• Incheon International Airport (Terminal 1/Terminal 2) ↔  Round trip  Seoul Station (express train)
• Reserve in advance through the Airport Railroad reservation page below
• All fare of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is same
• Tel. +82-1599-7788

Joy Tour Korea

Private and small group tour

DMZ tour pick-up and drop off at Incheon airport

from US$130 per person & up

(Private tour, per person price varies by group size)

Entry Korea policy (updated , April 1, 2023)

Tourists holding passports from visa-free countries as listed below, No need any extra application for entry.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)

• Enjoy a smooth and flexible DMZ tour while your layover at Incheon airport.
• Match your schedule between your arrival and departure.
• Valuable opportunity to understand 2 Korea’s situation.
• See north Korea and feel tension in military area.
• Guide will take care all of your concerns, even no need exchange money.
• Private transfer without hassles.

What to expect

Our driver guide will pick you up at Incheon airport, arriving Imjingak peace park  to start DMZ tour after 70 minutes’ driving . You and your guide will take a shuttle bus to pass through check point. You will stop at 

（1）Dorasan Observatory for 20 minutes to see North Korean city, guard post etc.. 

（2） move to 3rd tunnel (stay 60 minutes) to walk down to see infiltration tunnel dug by North Korea during cold war and watch video to learn about Korea war. 

（3）visit Unification village for take a break and souvenir shop available, then return to Injingak peace park. Y ou can have lunch and seeing around  at Injingak peace park. 

（4）After tour, return to Incheon airport.

• Admission fees
• Bottled water
• Driver/guide
• Round-trip private transfer
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Private tour
• Gratuities (optional)

Departure point:

Incheon airport 

7:30a.m- 8:00a.m  from Tuesday to Sunday ( Monday & national Holiday  closed)

Cancelation policy:

• Cancellation fee of 0% is charged if cancelled 3 days or more before the tour date.
• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 2 days or less before the tour date.

Please note before booking: 

It will take alternative tour: (In the event the DMZ closed by army due to security issue, or the ticket sold out due to limited availability). 

If regular DMZ tour impossible: (change to visiting Odusan Observatory, Freedom Bridge, Korean War Abductees Memorial, Imjingak Peace Gondola).

Similar tours...

Please tell us if you have any questions:

THERE ARE FEW PLACES AVAILABLE, SO BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE

There are not many places available for free tours so we recommend booking well in advance (we booked a few months earlier). To book your free tour, the procedure is simple, you need to visit the official page of the airport transit tours and choose the tour you prefer. After making your reservation you will receive an email which you must print and present at the free transit tour desk of the airport.

Once at the airport you have to go through customs for passport control (2F), then go downstairs 1F exiting gates C or D, and then go to the free tour desk (Transit tour desk) which is located between exits 8 and 9 of terminal 1F. Once you arrive at the counter, wait for your turn and show your reservation (go to the counter at least 30 minutes before the start of the tour). You will be given a pin with written “Free Korean Transit tour” and your guide will be introduced to you. Tours are conducted in English, Chinese and Japanese. You are ready for your free tour !

ACCOMMODATIONS, APARTMENTS, B&B AND HOTELS

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