korean air free tour

Travel Guide Travel Guide to the countries of the world

Free tours for transit passengers at seoul-incheon airport.

in South Korea 2,885 Views

This post is also available in: Deutsch

Are you in transit at Seoul-Incheon airport in South Korea? Do you have a few hours of time between your flights? Why not take advantage of a free service that the airport makes available to its passengers? In fact, you should know that the efficient and ultra-modern Seoul-Incheon airport offers to its passengers in transit a series of free tours of varying duration.

WHAT ARE THE FREE TOURS AVAILABLE?

There are various possibilities based on the time you have available, you can choose between free tours of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours. If you have 5 hours of time there is the possibility to visit the city of Seoul through four different tours. These itineraries will take you to Gyeongbok palace and Insadong street (tour 1). Or at the Bukchon HanokVillage and Gwangjang market (tour 2). Or at Changdeok Palace and Samcheong dong (tour 3). And finally to Myeongdong and Namsan Seoul Tower (tour 4).

If instead you have less time available you can opt for the 4-hour tour, what we did, which will allow you to visit the Songdo Central Park, the Ocean Scope and the Singi Market. The 3-hour tour takes you to Gwangmyeong Cave. While the 2-hour tour takes you to visit Heungryunsa Temple, the Incheon Grand Bridge and the Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation. The shortest tour is the one-hour tour that allows you to visit the Yonggungsa Temple.

Finally if you have just over an hour you can take the cultural tour inside the airport (Incheon Airport Culture Tour) which will allow you to visit the Culture Street, the Security Screening, the Traditional Craft Gallery, the Walk of the Royal Family, the Traditional Korean Culture Center and to finish with a nice Classical Music Concert.

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

Related Articles

Incheon: Songdo Central Park and the Singi Market

Seoul-Incheon Airport: among the best airports in the world

The climate of south korea: when to go to south korea, south korea: lovely nature and buddhist shrines.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Follow Me On

Options For Free Incheon Airport Transit Tours (2024)

Updated: Feb 14, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When planning a trip that includes a layover at Incheon International Airport , you were probably excited to learn about the free transit tours offered by the government. These tours offer a chance to explore Korea's history, culture, daily life, and even go shopping opportunities without too much time or effort on your part.

Right now the nearly dozen government-run transit tours range from short 1-hour jaunts to longer 5-hour excursions, giving you plenty of options to choose from, depending on your layover duration. With themes like entertainment, hands-on experiences, nature walks, and traditional Korean sites , there's an option for every interest, most of which are kid-friendly.

As you prepare for your trip, also keep in mind that you can only join one tour per layover, and you'll need a valid visa or an approved K-ETA to join a transit tour, regardless of your reservation status.

Korea Visa Information

About incheon airport transit tours, free cultural transit tours in seoul, free dmz transit tours from incheon, free tours for shopping in korea, paid layover tours from incheon airport, transportation and access, apply for a k-eta.

Before joining an Incheon Airport transit tour , you must have a valid visa or an approved K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), even if you make a reservation online. The good news is that there's a temporary exemption of K-ETA for travelers coming from 22 countries/regions between April 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, making a layover tour even easier for many visitors.

To apply for a K-ETA , follow these simple steps:

• Visit the K-ETA official website and create an account.
• Fill out the required personal information and travel details.
• Pay the processing fee (if applicable) and submit your application.
• Check your email for the K-ETA approval notification within 48 hours.

Remember that transit tours are subject to seasonal availability and run on set schedules, so make sure to check the eligibility criteria and any restrictions for your chosen tour. When planning for a shorter layover (under 4 hours), keep in mind the duration of the tour and the time it takes to get through customs at the airport.

Korea Transit Tour Overview

During your layover at Incheon Airport, tour offerings both within and away from the airport can give you a taste of Korean history, culture, and daily life. Available options include a short 4-hour Glimpse into North Korea Tour, as well as various full-day tours from Incheon Airport to Seoul.

To reserve a spot on a transit tour, you can visit the official transit tour website and pick out one that works for your schedule and sign up right then. Keep in mind that you will still have to complete the K-ETA process to enter Korea for these transit tours, so this does not take the place of a visa or K-ETA.

Also note that even if the booking system says that a tour is sold out, you can always just join the exact same tour when you arrive, as they allot less than half the available spaces to the online booking system. Each tour is covered in more detail below, as well as on the official site linked above.

Free Shuttle Bus

As part of the transit tour offering, Incheon Airport also provides a complimentary shuttle bus service for passengers. To board the free shuttle bus, simply show your tour reservation and ticket to the driver.

Remember to double-check the shuttle bus schedule and plan your tour accordingly to ensure you have enough time to enjoy your layover tour before returning to the airport. During your time outside the airport, please also make sure to explore responsibly and always follow local rules and regulations.

Gyeongbokgung & Insadong

Immerse yourself in Korea's rich history by visiting the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and the vibrant cultural district of Insadong. At Gyeongbokgung ( gung means palace, so the full name is technically just 'Gyeongbokgung'), marvel at the traditional architecture and witness the changing of the guards ceremony.

Surrounding the palace grounds, which are the largets in the country, the neighborhood of Insadong offers an authentic Korean experience filled with art galleries, tea houses, and traditional souvenir shops.

Hanji Experience Workshop & Sinpo Market

Get hands-on with the traditional Korean craft of Hanji , a unique type of paper made from mulberry bark, in a workshop where you can create your own souvenirs. Later, experience local flavors at Sinpo Market, known for its delicious Korean street food ; this option tends to be rather popular with kids.

Yonggungsa Temple

Especially beautiful in the spring and fall, discover the picturesque Yonggungsa Temple, nestled amongst the lush greenery and tranquil mountains surrounding the city. The temple grounds house a remarkable stone pagoda and large Buddha statues that are a must-see for any visitor, and certainly inspire return trips for many.

Jeondeungsa Temple

Alternately, visit Jeondeungsa Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple with over 1,000 years of history and arguably just as beautiful grounds to wander. This tour leaves time for visitors to appreciate the serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and discover the fascinating stories behind the temple's artifacts.

Hyundai Motor Studio & Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory

It may seem a bit random, but Korea's manufacturing sector is what pulled the country up out of poverty in the latter half of the twentieth century, so companies like Hyundai have been integral to Korea's economic growth.

Car enthusiasts in particular will enjoy a visit to Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, where you can learn about Hyundai's car manufacturing process and immerse yourself in the automotive industry's rapid advances. Finish the tour by taking in the city's panoramic views from Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory, particularly impressive around sunset.

Nuri Park & Dokgae Bridge (DMZ)

This DMZ tour takes you to the symbolic Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park and the colorful Dokgae Bridge, both representing the hope for peace and reunification between North and South Korea. The park is adorned with colorful flags and captivating sculptures, while the bridge is covered in ribbons inscribed with wishes for peace, and on sunny days you can even see into North Korea.

Third Tunnel & Dora Observatory (DMZ)

This is a different, more historical and battle-focused experience at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. This particular tour covers some of the strategy and realities faced by soldiers on both sides of the war.

It includes a visit to the Third Tunnel and the Dora Observatory, from where you can catch a glimpse of North Korea through binoculars, and a remarkable drive through the countryside to arrive at the DMZ.

Paradise City Art-tainment

Art and fashion lovers will enjoy visiting Paradise City Art-tainment, a complex that combines art and entertainment. It's not a venue as frequented by Seoulites, but you could easily pass an afternoon there exploring the various exhibitions, installations, and performances that blur the lines between reality and imagination.

Hongdae Street

This pick takes you to stroll through the bustling streets of the Hongdae neighborhood, named for the local arts university and known for its youthful energy, street art, and vibrant music scene. When you need a break from shopping, you can stop to savor delicious Korean food on the cheap and experience the dynamic culture in one of Seoul's most popular neighborhoods.

Hyundai Premium Outlet & Triple Street

This is the most straightforward shopping tour of all of the options. It allows you to indulge in some retail therapy at Hyundai Premium Outlet, with both luxury and affordable brands, and Triple Street, a trendy shopping complex with a unique mix of stores and cafes.

If none of the free transit tours from Incheon Airport interest you or fit your schedule, there are a number of paid tours you can reserve ahead of time. These are also better for larger groups (6 people or more), as some of them can be customized or even just chosen to fit everyone's tastes.

Viator Private Seoul Layover Tour

For those with DIY tastes, Viator offers a private layover tour to Seoul which includes a guide, transportation fpr the duration of your tour, and visits to top attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Namsangol Hanok Village.

Admission fees are included in the price of the tour, but if you want to go to any other stops nearby, you must coordinate it in advance. 

DMZ and Observatory Tour

Viator also offers a more intense but even more short DMZ tour with a trip to the famous tunnels dug by North Korea. It takes you to explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone more hands-on, though Viator also offers a version of the DMZ tour with a North Korean defector .

This particular DMZ tour takes you to several of the most important sites during the war, including the Third Tunnel and the Dora Observatory, though it does not take you to the JSA. Note that stops are also carefully regulated, so no schedule changes are permitted. 

Gondola DMZ Tour

Viator also offers a more family-friendly DMZ tour with a Gondola ride and a trip to the DMZ Museum rather than crawling around in the actual tunnels.

This particular tour of the DMZ also takes you an observatory in Paju, the town along the border, where you cna buy North Korean-made products and look at the DPRK through a telescope, though more bespoke DMZ tours are also available .

Private Seoul Tour w/ Meal

Somewhat comparable to the tour from Viator, GetYourGuide also offers a private layover tour from Incheon Airport that generally includes a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and a few nearby attractions. However this option includes a traditional Korean meal, and is generally more customizable than other options, meaning it can be tailored to your or the group's interests. 

Korean Folk Village Tour

Another option through GetYourGuide is the Korean Folk Village tour, which takes you to a living museum where you can experience traditional Korean life. This tour includes a visit to the museum's various exhibits and performances, and shows you a stark contrast to the many skyscrapers dotting the city. 

Seoul Metro (Slower)

If you're planning to strike out on your own for your layover, taking the Seoul Metro to the city center is your best bet. This is both because it's cheaper and because it won't be as affected by traffic as the other options, with the exception of the Airport Railroad (caught from the same place).

Both Terminal 1 (제1여객터미널) and Terminal 2 (제2여객터미널) at Incheon Airport have access to the metro lines, with Terminal one ever-so-slightly closer to the city. The travel time from the airport to Seoul is approximately an hour to an hour and a half, depending on where you're headed, and the time between trains is around 10-12 minutes.

Airport Railroad (Faster)

The Airport Railroad (AREX) is another convenient way to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport, though it's slightly more expensive than the regular metro. It has two types of trains: the express train and the all-stop train, both of which are still faster than the regular trains.

The express train directly connects the airport to Seoul Station, with a travel time of approximately 43 minutes, while the all-stop train stops at sevral stations and takes just under an hour to reach Seoul Station. Both types of trains can be boarded at boarding gates in Terminals 1 and 2, so buy your train or metro ticket carefully.

Airport Limousine (Slower)

You can also choose to take an Airport Limousine bus to reach your destination in Seoul, which is actually how I first went into the city when I moved to Korea. It sounds bougie, but they're not actually limos; they're nice buses which offer a comfortable ride to designated stops throughout the city.

The tickets are affordable and the stops include several popular tourist areas and major hotels. While the distance and travel time may vary depending on your destination, you can expect a journey of approximately 60 to 80 minutes unless there's traffic (I'd recommend taking the metro if you'll be leaving the airport between 4pm-6pm).

Taxi into Seoul (Expensive)

If you prefer a more direct and private mode of transportation, you can always take a taxi into Seoul. There are taxi stands located outside both terminals, and depending on the distance and traffic conditions, a taxi ride into the city can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

Keep in mind that this option is generally the most expensive among all methods of transportation from the airport, and many locals now exclusively use the Kakao Taxi app to call for rides, so some of the taxis may be claimed quickly. Just look for the red sign in the taxi window.

In addition to these transportation options, if you need to get between the terminals, there's a shuttle train service that operates from 4:45am to 11:30pm, with roughly 6 to 8 minutes between trains.

More South Korea Travel & Life

Reader Interactions

No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Interactive Map

GNB menu Open Search box Show

• Visit KOREA Instagram
• Visit KOREA Twitter
• Visit KOREA Facebook
• Visit KOREA Youtube

Interactive Map GNB menu Open Search box Show

Weather 04-26-2024

Seoul/Gyeonggi-do/Incheon

Temperatures

Exchange Rates Travel Calendar

Sign in as a member

Link one of the following accounts to sign in as a VisitKorea member

Notice on Gathering Information

Done Cancel

Enter your personal information from the list below.

Field of Interest

※Pick at least three fields of interest.

• Accommodations
• Transportation
• History / Tradition
• Urban travel
• Festivals / Performances / Events
• Leisure / Sports
• Entertainment / Arts
• Theme parks

Transit Tours

Home Transportation Useful Tips Transit Tours

* Some attractions subject to closure or limited access due to COVID-19, please check ahead before visiting.

If you have a long layover at Incheon International Airport, don't just sit around and miss out on a taste of local culture. Joining one of the exciting transit activities and tours is a splendid way to experience some of the popular sights and sounds of Korea. Whether you have a couple of hours or longer until your next flight, there are plenty of options to suit your travel schedule and interests. Visitors who were not able arrange their transit tours before their flight may still stop by the airport Transit Tour Desk and consult with the staff upon arrival. Choose from a wide variety of activities that range from visiting Korea's historical treasures to shopping in the trendiest districts. Instead of sitting at the gate and waiting for the next flight, travelers can turn their short stay into a great experience!

Free Transit Tour

[Incheon International Airport Transit Tour Desk Map]

Incheon International Airport provides a wide range of free transit tours, ranging from entertainment to lifestyle to business, temples, shopping, and tradition. Travelers can choose among the different tours available: 1-hour, 2-hour, 4-hour, and 5-hour tour courses. Each transit tour is led by an English-speaking tour guide and can be signed up for in advance online or upon arrival in the case of available seats. All tour participants must present their passport along with their flight ticket when signing up for the tour. All tours in the transit tour program are provided for free. However, tourist site admission fees and meals are excluded and must be paid individually.

Transit Tour Program

• Inquiries: +82-32-741-3139 (Korean, English) / [email protected] (Korean, English)
• Websites Transit Tour Program (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) Incheon International Airport (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Independent Travel via the Airport Railway

For those who do not want to make use of the travel packages provided by travel agencies, we recommend taking the Airport Express (AREX). AREX is the fastest and most convenient option for transit passengers to explore Seoul at their own time and pace.

Related page: From Incheon Airport to Seoul

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.

Related posts

Read all articles about

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 :)

Incheon Airport Transit Tour

Top ways to experience Incheon Airport Transit Tour and nearby attractions

• Incheon International Airport • 3 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Incheon Airport Transit Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.07 mi) Darakhyu - Terminal 1, Incheon International Airport
• (0.67 mi) Grand Hyatt Incheon
• (0.83 mi) Paradise City
• (0.39 mi) Incheon Airport Transit Hotel -Terminal 1
• (2.81 mi) Ibis Styles Ambassador Incheon Airport T2
• (0.00 mi) Starbucks - Incheon Airport T2 Air
• (0.04 mi) Seobeuwei
• (0.04 mi) Gongcha
• (0.04 mi) Paris Croissant
• (0.09 mi) Food On Air

• ESL Teaching
• Hotel Reviews
• Media & Advertising

How To Book Your Free Korea Transit Tour

Incheon Airport near Seoul in South Korea continues to impress on an international level and win awards year after year for being among the best airports in the world. This is largely due to the convenient and tasteful design, impeccable service and plentiful facilities. For example, there is a Korean culture center, a museum showcasing Korean artifacts; plus: if you have a long layover in Seoul , you can even book a free Korea transit tour – and here’s how!  

If you have a long layover and want to leave the airport and explore Seoul on your own accord, check out these helpful articles:

25 Free Things To Do In Seoul

Seoul Travel Essentials You Can Pick Up From Incheon International Airport

8 Views of Bukchon 북촌 8경 – The Best Photo Spots in Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

Things To Know Beforehand

Free korea transit tours at a glance.

There are a total of 9 different transit tours available leaving from Incheon Airport and taking passengers back to the airport after the tour has ended, ranging from 1 to 5 hours in tour length. Check out all tour options below.

Tradition Tour – 5 hours

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung was the first royal palace built in the Joseon Dynasty and is considered one of the greatest tourist attractions in South Korea today.

This is a very popular part of Seoul and also one of the oldest districts in the city. There is a lot to do in Insadong : You will find dozens of antique shops, folk art galleries and small shops selling traditional items in this neighborhood.

Shopping Tour – 5 hours

If you are a shopping lover, Myeongdong is a must-go-to destination, filled with shopping centers, boutiques and duty-free stores. This is also a great place to stock up on Korean skincare and make-up products!

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun is one of the largest traditional markets in South Korea. This is the perfect place to try Korean snacks, drinks and purchase some traditional items, such as handcrafted paper art or small souvenirs.

Temple 1 Tour – 4 hours

Jeondeungsa Temple

Considered to be the oldest temple in Korea, Jeondeungsa Temple was built in the ate 4th century when Buddhism was first introduced to Korea. The main buddha hall of the temple is a national treasure and a must-see when visiting.

Deokjinjin Fortress

This fortress was a strategic defense point for the outer castle wall during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Deokjinjin Fortress was also an important site for several battles, such as the French Invasion (1866) and the American Invasion (1871).

Temple 2 Tour – 4 hours

Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa is the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and considered the center of Korea’s modern Buddhist movement. Various important Buddhist festivals take place at Jogyesa Temple during the year.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Once a small watercourse hidden by an overpass, Cheonggyecheon Stream is an important part of downtown Seoul today. With a 600-year-old history, the Seoul government decided in recent year to undertake a massive urban renewal project.

Industry Tour – 4 hours

Gwangmyeong Cave

This cave used to be a gold mine from 1955 to 1972. Today, it’s considered a historic place preserving the modernization of Korea after its independence from Japanese colonialization. 

Entertainment Tour – 2 hours

Paradise City Art-Tainment

As the first Korean-style resort complex in Northeast Asia, Paradise City has a lot to offer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and culture experiences, including casino games, a club, an art gallery and retail facilities. The art gallery showcases over 2,700 artworks from world-renowned artists, including Yayoi Kusama and Damien Hirst.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Paradise City (@paradisecity_seoul) on Jul 16, 2019 at 7:23pm PDT

Incheon City Tour – 2 hours

Songdo Hanok Village

The term hanok refers to traditional Korean houses made of wood. The Hanok Village in Songdo features several stores, restaurants and a hotel.

Songdo Central Park

A green oases in the middle of futuristic skyscrapers in Songdo, this park is a great place to experience Korea’s mix of old and new.

Triple Shopping Street

This splendid shopping walkway offers a lot of things to see, things to eat and things to enjoy. Do some shopping and try local Korean food.

Sea & Shopping Tour – 2 hours

Incheon Airport Maglev Train

Fancy a ride on the world’s first urban maglev train? You can try it out right at Incheon Airport. An experience you don’t want to miss!

Eurwangni Beach

Because of its beautiful white sand and gentle slant, this beach is a popular place to hang out throughout the whole year and famous for camping and shellfish.

This discount store and hypermarket is a great place to shop for local food, groceries, household supplies, appliances and much more with a global refund scheme for tourists.

Seaside Tour – 1 hour

Eurwangni Beach or Masian Beach

This tour either stops at Eurwangni or Masian Beach near the airport. Both beaches are popular among locals to hang out throughout the whole year and famous for camping and shellfish BBQ.

Take Advantage of Free Korea Transit Tours

Whether you have a short or a long layover, it’s definitely worth checking out one of the free Korea transit tours at Incheon airport. This gives you a chance to see a little bit of South Korea during your long-haul flight. 

Travel Insurance for South Korea

I’m always surprised how many people travel without travel insurance . For me , it’s as essential to travel as buying a plane ticket, backpack or accommodation, and I never go without it.

Although Korea is very safe, unexpected disasters, accidents or other kinds of damage can always happen.

Adequate insurance not only provides you with medical coverage (if you get sick or break your leg), but also covers things like your camera full of epic shots getting damaged or stolen, your flights getting cancelled, or you getting caught up in a natural disaster.

In short, it’s an insurance against potential issues that arise when you’re traveling and can save your life (or at the very least, a lifetime of debt).

You can also select more than one country, if you’re going on a multi-country trip.

BOOK | I recommend booking World Nomads travel insurance

Love it? Pin it and save it for later!

Check out more korea content:, leave a reply cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

안녕, I'm linda :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope you find what you are looking for and return for more.

Where I am now

Linda goes east shop.

Shop Korea-inspired home decor prints. Unique. Affordable. Korea.

Map of Seoul Round High Quality Digital Print

Uri jib home sweet home high quality print, korean alphabet hangul print high quality digital print, privacy overview.

Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance

Type in your account to login. Only foreigner, Korean login go

• Reset password
• Incheon Airport
• Airport Corporation.
• Login Logout
• Register My Page
• Customer Center

--> 인천국제공항 로고

Enter your flight number and we will inform you of your terminal.

  Incheon airport guide Moving between terminals

Incheon airport guide

Moving between terminals Method

You can use the free shuttle bus to get to the terminal quickly.

※ You may utilize the Airport Railroad to transfer between Terminals. (Time: 6 min, Fee: 900 KRW)

Transit Tour

• Course Information

환승투어 COURSE 안내 상세

Fun with the seagulls.

Gueup Ferry Terminal, Wolmi Park 4 hr Free

Gueup Ferry Terminal(Feeding seagulls experience)   Take a ferry from Gueup Ferry Terminal in Yeongjongdo to Wolmido Island. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the Korean coast and see the many seagulls that flock to the area. The ferry ride is about 15 minutes long, and it's a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Wolmi Park   Located at the heart of old downtown Incheon. Wolmi Park offers a delightful escape for locals and tourists alike. Situated on Wolmido Island, this park is a vibrant hub of leisure and recreation. Boasting scenic waterfront views and lush greenery, it provides a serene environment for relaxation and enjoyment.

Find Your Fun at INSPIRE

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort 3 hr Free

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort   An innovative destination with everything from food to entertainment, perfect for filling a few valuable hours. You can visit INSPIRE Casino, Le Space(Immersive Media Art Exhibition), and INSPIRE Mall.

Green Lovers

Seoul Botanic Park 3 hr $4

This tour is an alternative tour in case of inclement weather such as rain or snow.

Seoul Botanic Park   This park introduces native plants and horticulture of 12 different cities from around the world and raise ecological awareness in the city. It integrates a botanical garden and a public park, and the area is the size of 70 soccer fields.

Presidential Legacy

Cheongwadae, Gwangjang Market 5 hr Free

Cheongwadae   Cheongwadae served as the official residence and office of the president of the Republic of Korea. It has been open to the public as a museum for art and history exhibitions of May 10, 2022.

Gwangjang Market   Locating in the heart of Seoul, is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the country. The most popular section is the food street which caters to a wide range of menus available.

Royal Heritage and Charm

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insa-dong 5 hr $3

Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday and is replaced with Changdeokgung Palace.

Gyeongbokgung Palace   Gyeongbokgung Palace, constructed in 1395 (25 years before China's Imperial Palace), is the first palace of the Joseon dynasty, and it was restored in 1867 during King Gojong's reign after it was burnt down during the Japanese invasion of Korea.

Insa-dong   Insa-dong is a neighborhood filled with old yet invaluable items, and its alleyways are intertwined centered around the main road like a maze. Within the alleyways, there are many galleries, traditional crafts shops, ancient art stores, traditional tea houses, cafes, and more.

Embracing Peace on Divided Land

Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park, Dokgae Bridge 5 hr Free

Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park   Imjingak is an important place 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    The Dokgae Bridge was the only bridge that connected the north and south prior to the Korean War. The bridge is currently broken due to a bomb that was dropped during the Korean War.

The Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory 5 hr $4

The Third Tunnel   The Third Tunnel truly reveals the reality of a divided country. It is often called the Seoul Tunnel due to its proximity to Seoul. As a cave dug by North Korea to invade South Korea, it is 2 m wide, 2 m tall, and 1,635 m long, which can transport up to 30,000 soldiers every hour. If you walk through the tunnel, you can enter the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) just 170 m away from the Military Demarcation Line (MDL).

Dora Observatory   Dora Observatory is situated within the DMZ, and guards the northernmost post of the western front. Located 1.5 km from the MDL, you can see the lives of North Koreans as well as the statue of Kim Il-sung as well as Kijong-dong and the outskirts of Gaeseong.

Tranquil Temple

Jeondeungsa Temple 4 hr Free

Jeondeungsa Temple   Jeondeungsa Temple was lost to two series of fire after its establishment in 382, and it was reconstructed in 1625 during the third year of King Injo's reign. It gained st ate protection by the Joseon royal family as it started to store The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty from 1678, the fourth year of King Sukjong's reign. There are two ginkgo trees that are over 600 years old within the temple premises.

Trendy Hub of Youth

Hongdae Street 4 hr Free

Hongdae Street   Hongdae Street is Korea's foremost youth street with countless cafes, clubs, graffiti, fashion streets, underground music, and art festivals.

Petit Shopping Delight

Sinpo Traditional Market 3 hr Free

Sinpo Market   Sinpo Market was created as it started to sell food to the surrounding settlers during the late 19th century. Recently, its sweet and sour fried chicken with spicy sauce has become a specialty.

Golf Tour-1

Orange Dunes Golf Club 5 hr ￦170,000

Orange Dunes Golf Club   According to it's name(Dunes), Orange Dunes Yeongjong Golf Club pursue a challenging and strategic course attack as a course built between large and small dunes on the coast and inland. * Green fee, Cart fee, Rent equipment for Free ** For more information, such as reservations for tours, please refer to the relevant Orange Dunes Golf Club website(www.orangedunesyj.com) or contact the reservation front (+82-32-745-3001).

Golf Tour-2

Club72 (Hanul Course) 5 hr ￦180,000

Club72 (Hanul Course)   The course is created with the best bent grass on a rock and utilizes natural rock beds. (Bent Grass is on the all Green, Fairway and Teeing ground.) It is a tournament course attuned with all natural elements including Grand Canyon-like rock cliffs, valleys and wide fairways. You can play a shot towards the wide view of the ocean. * Green fee, Cart fee, Rent equipment for Free ** For more information, such as reservations for tours, please refer to the relevant Club72 website(www.onetheclub.com/eng/swp/use) or contact the reservation front (+82-32-270-7137).

K-Culture Zone

Hanbok experience, Hangeul craft (Airport tour) 30 min Free

K-Culture Zone   You can directly experience Korean culture without leaving the airport at K-Culture Zone.

Hanbok Experience   At K-Culture Zone, you can wear hanbok (traditional Korean costume) to become a king, queen, or scholar of the Joseon dynasty.

Hangeul Craft   At K-Culture Zone, you can learn Hangeul, Korea's unique writing system, and write your Korean name as well as craft your own souvenirs, such as bracelets and scrolls.

How to Spend 12 Hours in Seoul on Long Layover

Posted By: theweekendjetsetter January 17, 2020

When I went to the Philippines , my ultra-cheap flight came with a 15-hour layover in Seoul, South Korea. At first I thought, no big deal. I can entertain myself for one day anywhere, right? But then I found out that Seoul is literally the best place one could ever schedule a long layover. Here’s why a 12 hours layover in Seoul went above and beyond my expectations.

Why Plan a Layover in Seoul: Because Incheon Airport is Amazing

Incheon Airport is one of the nicest airports I’ve ever been to. Not only do they have tons of great shops and restaurants (hello Taco Bell… Kidding. Kind of… true story, I ate Taco Bell in Korea), but they offer tons of other amenities as well, including…

• A “Rest & Relax” area complete with comfy lounge chairs and couches for napping
• A hotel that can be rented for as short as 6 hours if you really need to crash
• Golf course
• Ice skating rink (yes, seriously)
• Indoor gardens
• Museum of Korean culture

You could spend an entire 15-hour layover at Incheon Airport. However, I only decided to spend about 3 hours of my layover there, leaving 12 hours in Seoul. First things first? The Rest & Relax area. I had flown overnight from Manila and wasn’t quite ready to wake up yet!

12 Hours in Seoul: Free Tours of Seoul for Layover Travelers

The absolute best thing about a layover in Seoul? The free city tours, aka “Transit Tours,” provided by the airport. At absolutely NO COST, you can take a tour that fits into your schedule (from 1 to 6 hours) and see a bit of the area before boarding your next flight. They provide transportation and a guide.

When you arrive, simply find the info desk for Transit Tours and look up the next convenient time. You’ll have to meet the guide there and they’ll help you exit the airport (note: you’ll have to go through customs). You can also email them at [email protected] to make reservations in advance, although we didn’t need one.

The first stop was Gyeongbok Palace or Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace that was built in 1395. It’s known as one of the most beautiful palaces of the Joseon dynasty (there are five) and served as the home for the kings of the dynasty and the government. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a changing of the guards ceremony.

Next, the bus took us to Insadong Street, a famous shopping street in Seoul, for lunch. We ate a typical Korean lunch with fellow tour attendees.

After lunch, the tour was headed back to the airport. But with a few hours still left before our flight, we asked the guide if it was OK if we stayed behind and took public transit for our return. No problem!

12 Hours in Seoul: Refuel at the Cat Cafe

I’ve been intrigued by the idea of cat cafes for a long time. A former kitty owner myself (RIP Misty, my childhood pet), I love cats so of course I couldn’t resist when we stumbled upon one on Insadong Street after lunch.

These cafes ask you to pay for a coffee in exchange for your time with the cats. Caffeine and cats… what more could one want?

The cats were either very friendly and playful, or asleep. Seems like a pretty good gig to me.

The cafe is filled with toys to engage your new furry friends with. All in all it was quite an entertaining way to kill an hour and refuel for more city exploring.

12 Hours in Seoul: Street Eats at Gwangjang Market

One of the most famous sights in Seoul is the Gwangjang Market, a traditional Korean street market is filled with vendors selling everything from textiles and linens to handmade crafts but is most known for its food stands. It’s one of the oldest markets in South Korea and a must-visit for foodies during a layover in Seoul.

If you know me, you’ll know I was there for the food even though I’d just eaten lunch.

I’m not going to pretend that spending 30 minutes here turned me into a Korean food expert, but these dumplings were yummy. If I wasn’t facing an 11-hour flight back to the U.S. shortly, I would have been a little more adventurous. Either way, Gwangjang Market was a fun place to explore for a bit during our 12 hours in Seoul!

12 Hours in Seoul: Walk Along Cheonggyecheon Stream

After eating a double lunch, it was time for some exercise so we decided to walk from Gwangjang Market to the train station where we’d catch a ride back to the airport. It turned out to be quite a hike and took us about an hour. If you’re not up for a long walk, subway and taxi options are also available.

I love seeing how different cities build unique public spaces for people to escape from the hustle and bustle for a moment and  almost (key word: almost) feel like you’re somewhere lovely. In Seoul, it’s the Cheonggyecheon Stream, an 11 km (about 7 miles) walk that’s popular with both locals and tourists. It’s actually located  below much of the city.

It was a nice place to stretch our legs before the long haul back to Chicago.

Oh, and getting back to the airport was quite the adventure. We couldn’t figure out how to add money to our train cards, but luckily a nice man helped us when he saw us struggling. I’d recommend figuring this out right away when you ditch your tour bus back to the airport to avoid our last minute panic 🙂

Suggested Further Reading if You Have a Seoul Layover Planned

• Seoul: A Travel Guide for Your Perfect Seoul Adventure (written by a local – and it’s only $2.99 for the Kindle edition!)
• Seoul City Subway Tour: Complete Guide to Getting Around Seoul’s Top Attractions by Just Taking the Subway (a good idea to read if you don’t plan on returning to the airport with the bus – plus the Kindle edition is just $3.95)
• Top 10 Seoul (A little more expensive at $7.99, but this guide gets straight to the point on Seoul’s top 10 attractions for time-crunched travelers)
• Got another question? Join the Weekend Jetsetters community on Facebook to ask fellow travelers (including me!) and get a quick response.

Disclosure: the above links are affiliate links. 

Subscribe to The Weekend Jetsetter — You’ll Instantly Get a Free 22-Page eBook of My Top Travel Tips!

79 comments on "how to spend 12 hours in seoul on long layover".

This sounds ah-ma-zing!! We are traveling to US via Korea in September. May I ask firstly where you kept your luggage whilst exploring and secondly did you need any type of Visa to leave Seoul airport? Loved your blog, fantastic tips we will definately be doing!! -Nicolle

Hi Nicolle, thanks so much! There was a place to leave your luggage in the airport. I don’t remember the exact location, but there were signs (and an information desk). Hope you have a great trip!

I love your blog!

I have a clarification though, for a 15-hr layover, as it’s with the same airline, i don’t have to worry about my checked-in luggage as i won’t see that until i get to the US, right? (I’m traveling from Manila) .. i plan to just bring a purse as my carry-on bag as i want to roam around Seoul without having to worry about my bags.

Thanks! No, they should keep your luggage checked. If you need to check something, there is also a place to store luggage at the airport.

Thank you for responding! You are amazing. I am a fan. 🙂

I just have one more question. How much Korean Won should i prepare to make sure i will be able to eat and perhaps buy a simple remembrance of my short visit to Seoul? I don’t think i will be going back any time soon so i don’t want to have too much Korean Won. How much did you spend during your 12-hr layover including the commute to the airport? (If you don’t mind me asking) thanks!

This is so helpful! I was hesitant about 14 hour layover in Korea! I am so excited now that I can have this great opportunity to explore this country in such a short time!

Glad to help!

Thank God I stumbled upon this amazing blog! I have a 13-hour layover in Incheon, Seoul Korea this coming March and I’m traveling alone. I am so excited and anxious at the same time. Questions like, is the “Transit Tour” really legit and FREE? Can I do it alone? How much Korean won do I need to have exchanged? What documents do I bring when I leave the airport? hehehe I’m just worried I don’t get back to the airport in time for my flight to the US.

Hi Samantha, Yes, the transit tour is legit! Especially if you have a 13-hour layover – you can safely take the longest tour. When you get off the plane, just look for signs/brochures that detail where and when to meet for the tour at information. You’ll definitely need your passport. It also depends on where you’re traveling from (as Americans we didn’t need a visa or anything). I can’t remember exactly how much money I brought, but all you really *need* is money for lunch. Any extra is for shopping, etc. as the tour is free.

I am glad that I found this blog post! I am having a 13-hour layover this coming May and this just gave me an idea! I was wondering if you paid cash while taking the bus? or should i buy a bus ticket/pass somewhere? I am traveling by myself so I just wanted to be prepared while strolling around the city. Thanks!

Hi Jade! The bus tour of the city was free and you can sign up when you arrive at the airport (Transit Tour). The only money I needed was for lunch. We also ended up taking the train back instead of the bus as we wanted to stay in the city longer, so if you’re planning to do that, I’d bring a little extra. Unfortunately I can’t remember exactly how much money I spent, but it wasn’t anything crazy. Maybe the equivalent of $30 USD on lunch, train, and a cat cafe?

Hello. Great blog. I will be in this airport in a couple of days. From Seoul I head to Vancouver so just an 11 hour lay over. Thinking my luggage will be checked so would like to take in all the great things inside the airport! Where are all these services in relation to my arrival and then departure? Also reading security lines long and slow do would think best to get in line early? Also lots of English going on in this airport? Thanks for your help

Hi Shelley,

Thanks! We didn’t have any trouble finding people who spoke English. We arrived back at the airport two hours before our flight, leaving plenty of time to get back through security. When you land, you should be able to find signs pointing out all the airport’s amenities, or ask at the info desk. Have a great trip!

Thank you for sharing your experience! I wanted to ask, my layover is in on my way to the Philippines and I have about 2 checked-in luggages, do I check them all out? How will I deal with it? Obviously, I only plan to carry one purse with me while on the tour. Please advise! I appreciate your help!

If your bags are checked, you won’t need to remove them from checked during your layover. Have a great trip!!

Thank you! Please keep on posting your amazing trips!

Will do! Thanks for reading!

Thanks for the article, always happy to read you!

Hi! I am thinking about taking the free tour but I will be arriving in Korea at around 7 pm. Do you know if they have night tours? I have a 17 hour layover and wouldn’t mind looking around a little at night.

Hi Michelle, I’m not sure if they have night tours (I don’t think so) but you can also take the train into the city on your own. Just double check schedules to make sure you’ll be able to get back if you planned to sleep at the airport!

Wow thank you for this amazing blog post! I have a 12 hour layover in Seoul tomorrow and this is exactly what I was looking for to help me make the most of the time there. I love the information you gave on booking a transit tour and exploring the city – that is so awesome! Thank you so much I am so excited (versus dreading) this layover now! 🙂

Hope you were able to enjoy the layover, Julia! Thanks for reading!

thank you for this blog! Is the transit tour offered even in late afternoon? My flight has an overnight layover, but might just stay in the “hotel” airport for few hours as my flight leaves at 8am.

Hi Chrissy, I’m not 100% sure, you can check when you get there though! If you’re planning to stay in the hotel, try and reserve in advance. We tried that and it was sold out when we arrived for our layover!

I’m going to take one of the free tours and wanted to know when we get back, do we have to go through customs, immigration, and security? Also, my plane leaves at 5:30 pm and my tour gets back at 3:00. Do I have enough time to get back to my gate? Thanks

Hi Peter, yes you’ll have to go through immigration on the way out (the tour guide will show you how to get there and meet you on the other side). Then, when you get back, you need to go through security again. I would think 2.5 hours would be plenty of time!

what if I plan to buy some skincare while on transit? Will I be able to carry that with me when I go back to the airport? Since I will only have my carry on luggage and usually they do not allow liquids from outside. Is there a way to shop in seoul and bring it to the airport?

Hi Yoongi, I’m not sure if you would be able to check an additional bag on your way back into the airport. You should check with your airline. Have a good trip!

hi! I wanted to ask for your advice. I will be lay overing for my manila to London flight. but I’m worried about my checked luggage. will my checked luggage have to go with me when I go out of the airport? I am booked with Asiana. I just wanted to ask about your experience regarding this as I have never done a layover. Thanks!

Hi Stephanie, I did not have to retrieve my checked luggage during the layover.

Hi! Thanks for sharing your layover experience. I’ll be having our 13 hour layover with my daughter after our vacation in Manila ( How was that experience for you?). I was wondering how much you’ve spent and if we needed some Wons but I’ve seen your replies to the others. We’ve been to Korea before but my daughter has been so young back then and this would be a great opportunity for her to experience Korea again even if its for a short while.

Thank for reading, Ida! I didn’t spend any time in Manila except for the taxi ride between airport terminals. My only memory from that was a LOT of traffic. Hope you enjoy it!

Hi! i’m having a layover in Korea on my way back to manila from San Francisco. But my layover is from 530pm to 8am. Do they have tours at that time?

Unfortunately I don’t think they have tours at night, but you could always take the train into Seoul if you wanted to explore these sites on your own!

HI, DO I NEED ANY TYPE OF VISA OR PERMISSION TO RE-ENTRY THE SEOUL AIRPORT ?

Hi Erika, All normal entry/visa requirements apply. After signing up for the tour, you will go through customs on your own and meet the guide outside. Since I’m from the US, I didn’t need a visa but I recommend you check the requirements before you go.

no visa needed for passengers w/ layover and wishes to tour around outside?

All normal entry/visa requirements apply. After signing up for the tour, you will go through customs on your own and meet the guide outside. Since I’m from the US, I didn’t need a visa but I recommend you check the requirements before you go.

After having such a great time during our long layover in Seoul, I think it d be nearly impossible to convince me to fly through Tokyo or Beijing ever again.

Hi! You’re the coolest for posting this. I never knew about this before and now, the 14-hour layover in ICN doesn’t sound so bad after all. But, question– so I’m trying to get a round trip flight from JFK-MNL in the morning since I figured, it’ll be best to do a free day transit tour in Korea, but is there a place in the airport to shower and get yourself camera ready before the tour? Thanks. I would really appreciate your response!

There is a hotel where you can rent rooms by the day/hour, so if there’s availability when you arrive (or book in advance) that should be good!

Our layover will be from 4 PM until 9 AM the next day. Do you happen to know what the transit tour hours of operations are, or whether it’s 24/7? Thanks! Great info, BTW, very helpful blog!!

I actually emailed the Korea Transit Tour customer service and unfortunately, the tour only lasts until 3p.

This is the response I got from them, “Thank you for your e-mail.

I’m sorry to inform you that our last tour departs at 15:00, and we don’t provide a night tour. If your arrival time is later than 14:00, it would be difficult to join our tour.

We have free shower and transfer lounge on the 4th floor. Please visit information desk if you can not find it.

Every tour starts from airport and finish at Incheon Airport.

For the reservation

We have an on-line reservation system. You can make a reservation on the website as below; http://www.cyberairport.kr/pa/en/t/2/3/5/index.jsp ”

Hope this helps!

Hi Mien, Thank you! I don’t think they offer tours at night, but if you’re feeling adventurous you could take the train to the city, or just explore around Incheon on your own (there is an interesting temple, I believe).

Hi, I am traveling to Vancouver in a few moths and I am planning to take a flight layover at Inchon for about 12 hrs.. and have some sight seeing tour around Inchon. What are the requirements needed for me to avail of the free trips and to have a safe pass in and out of the airport?

hi, I am traveling to Vancouver few days from now and I am selecting KAL flight and get a 12 hour layover. What are the requirements needed for me to get a free trip around Inchon and a safe pass in and out of Inchon Airport?

Hi, what airline did you fly with? Also, how did you find a cheap flight with a long layover in Korea? I am going to the Philippines next year and I would love to know!

We flew with Asiana. And found the deal via Orbitz’s email newsletter!

Hi do you need visa for the free tour?

Thanks for the info. Im going to need your expert advise on a 12 hr layover from 10pm-9am in December. We are an adventurous family of 5. Any tips on exploring Seoul at night on our own during the holiday season? Best place to go and how to get there? Is there an uber? Thanks!! Soo excited…

Hi Tin – I spent my night in the airport so unfortunately I’m not sure about things to do. I have heard that there are some night markets and restaurants/bars open late (duh!). There was a train to/from the airport that was pretty quick, and Uber is also available. You might also want to consider checking out the city of Incheon, which is much closer to the airport than Seoul.

I found your info to be very helpful and it somehow eased by worry about travelling to Korea for the first time. I, too, have a 15 hour layover to Incheon but unlike yours, I arrive at 5pm on Oct. 27. I was wondering whether it’s easy to take the train instead of taxi going to Seoul. I plan on going to Namsan Tower and The Coffee Prince Cafe in Hongdae. i just want to know about your experience with their train system.

I took the train back to the airport and it was very efficient! It was a little hard to figure out the machines and signs in Korean, but some nice people helped me out 🙂

Thanks for the information, I have a question! I have a 10 hour layover, do you think this is still doable??

They have some tours that are as little as 2 hours, so if you are there while tours are happening, yes!

Informative and useful input . I just hope travellers read similar questions before posting. Also would help if we get feedback from travellers as it wil surely be helpful. Thank you for your infos. I feel better having to save tons of $$$ from my cheap ticket and no more frowning face due to long layover. Now long lay over will be like having a free tour to another country aside from my destination. GREAT!!!

I could still do the tour even if I only have Philippine passport?

Thank you so much for all of this information. I am shopping for a plane ticket to visit family in Asia, and the cheapest ticket had a 23 hour layover in Seoul. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to see the city or anything during the layover. After reading your travel entries, I feel confident that I can have my cake and eat it too! I am really looking forward to taking a mini-tour in Seoul. The fact that the airport runs it makes me feel comfortable I can get back TO the airport! So I went ahead and booked the ticket. Thanks!

This article is great information. I am traveling and purposely chose a long layover in Korea to explore for a bit. When coming back to the airport, how long does it take with customs and etc. to get back to the gate? Should I stick to my 2 hours before boarding time be enough to go through customs and make it on time?

We completed this exact itinerary last week !!! It was AMAZING! although it is currently freezing in South Korea at this time of year . I will definitely be looking into visiting Korea for a longer time next vacation Iplan .!!

very helpful information. thank you also i have one question when you stay over in korea do you need korean visa? my family are going on vacation we we have 13 hours layover in korea. thank you in advance

I’d recommend checking with your government’s travel website to confirm! I only know that Americans do not need a visa.

Awesome article! My wife and I have a long layover in Seoul in January and we were excited to take one of the free Seoul City Transit Tours offered by the airport. Unfortunately, it looks like all of the tours are already filled to capacity on the airport’s reservation site!

Do you know if you’re still able to sign-up for a tour on the day you arrive? If not, are there any alternative tours you can take from the airport into Seoul for 5-7 hours?

Thank you! I signed up for the tour when I arrived, and it wasn’t a problem. It’s been 1.5 years since my trip, so the reservation system may have changed. However, even if the tour is not available, you can always take a taxi or public transit to Seoul or Incheon to explore on your own (it just won’t be free transportation!).

This was SO helpful. Thank you! We have a 15 hour layover in Seoul in March. Reading this has made me so excited for it!

Glad you found it helpful Jessica!

Hi! your blog is so helpful! You mentioned that the tour ends at 15:00.What time does it start? Do you have the site where i can make reservation for the city tour from the airport?

Hi Lisa, there are multiple start and end times. I signed up when I arrived at the airport!

I’m planning to go back to the Philippines and have a layover at SoKor just ’cause I didn’t do it last time when I was going here in the US. Now I’m planning a little trip to Seoul and so I am planning a 15hr layover this summer! I’m happy I found your blog! I have always wanted to go to Seoul because of kpop, the palaces, the food, and their stationary! Thank you!

How many hours layover Chicago?your blog helpful.thank you

I have a Philippine passport travelling to the US with 12 hours Lay over in south Korea… Can I also join the free tour? Are there limitations? In case a friend would like tohave free lunch or will serve as my tour guide, is that possible also?

Thank you for the enlightenment…

Hi Ester – I’d recommend checking with South Korea immigration to see what’s required for you to entry the country. You have to go through immigration, same as getting off anywhere, before the tour! The tour is pretty structured with a guide, so unless you’re planning to leave the group and travel back to the airport on your own (which we did) there isn’t much flexibility.

this is perfect. looks like ill be there for 14 hours and I got tired of reading the ‘we went to neaby temple” reports. You did exactly what Ill do – take the guide then walk off on my own. Thanks a lot for the write up

It looks like you had a great time in Seoul. Your food photos look delicious! In such a big city it would be hard to see everything, but you’ve picked some great highlights to see. Great article.

Great blog post, thanks for sharing. I’m actually a little scared of cats so that may be one place for me to avoid but the rest of your quick stopped looked fab-u-lous.

The place looks beautiful, thanks for sharing your journey with us 🙂

Though I never get a achnace to visit Seoul myself, but when ever I do I believe this would come really handy:)

Comments are closed.

• 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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• All Articles
• 10xTravel Team
• Credit Card Reviews
• Reader Success Stories
• Two Card Trips
• Weekend Getaways
• Award Booking
• All Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards (April 2024)
• Best Airline Credit Cards
• Best Hotel Cards
• Best Travel Cards
• Best Business Cards
• Best Cash Back Cards
• Award Space Alerts
• Award Booking Service
• Credit Repair
• Luxury Hotel Program
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Planning Service
• Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet

My Experience with a Free Transit Tour at Incheon Airport

September 17, 2019

10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Note: Some of the offers mentioned below may have changed or may no longer be available. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. You can view current offers here .

• Loading table of contents …

One of my recent trips took me to Incheon International Airport (ICN) which is the primary airport serving Seoul, South Korea. I flew from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Salt Lake City through Seoul and San Francisco. Unfortunately, my layover in Seoul was clocking in at nine hours, which is rather long even if you stop in at every Priority Pass lounge available. Fortunately, Incheon Airport provides free tours of local attractions to travelers who have daytime connections at the airport.  

Gyeongbokgung palace and the Blue House , Seoul, South Korea

What Kind of Free Transit Tours Are Offered?  

No matter your sightseeing preferences, you’re likely to find a transit tour that suits your needs. Whether it’s Korean culture you’re interested in, ancient temples or shopping, there’s an activity for you.

Tours depart between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. and vary from one hour to five hours in length. Depending on when and how long your layover is, I recommend picking a tour that fits your schedule best. Sure, it’s nice when your theme preference and the layover hours coincide, but perhaps going on a tour that’ll get you back in time for your flight is better than missing out on the experience altogether.

Transit tours depart from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. To check out tour themes and schedule, head to   this page .

Who Can Take a Free Transit Tour at ICN?

• Those who’re eligible to enter South Korea without a visa can take one of the free transit tours. U.S. citizens don’t need a visa, but if you have another country’s passport, check the entry requirements with   Passport Index .
• Travelers who have a connection at Incheon between two other countries within 24 hours of landing. In other words, Seoul can’t be your final destination.
• Flyers whose connection is during the day and is long enough to leave the airport, clear immigration and come back in time to catch the onward flight.  

How to Sign up for a Free Tour at Incheon Airport

To sign up for one of the free transit tours, simply head to the   website  and pick an activity you want to enjoy. It’s also possible to reserve a spot right at the airport, but because these tours operate in small groups, there’s a good chance that your preferred tour will fill up by the time you land at Incheon Airport.

I reserved a tour for my mom and me two days before our arrival at ICN, and most spots had been filled, including the tour we would’ve wanted to join had it been available. Instead, we chose another tour that interested us and displayed two open spots.

My Experience with a Free Adventure Tour

The tour my mom and I chose is listed as “Adventure” on the website. It’s a four-hour outing that took our group of 10 to the Gwangmyeong Cave located on the outskirts of Seoul.

Photo by Anya Kartashova

After clearing immigration, we found the transit tour information desk in Terminal 1 and checked in with the woman working at the tour desk. She glanced at our passports, scanned both our inbound and outbound boarding passes and told us to wait for the tour to begin.

A mini-van with a handful of other tourists picked us up right outside the terminal and drove for an hour from Incheon Airport before dropping us off at the cave’s entrance. On the drive there, our female guide told us a few things about Seoul and Korea in general but she let us sleep for most of the trip. We had just flown in on a redeye flight and didn’t mind the rest.

The Gwangmyeong Cave is a former gold mine exploited by the Japanese up until the end of World War II that closed in 1977 and reopened as a tourist attraction in 2011. In it, we found light tunnels, aquariums full of exotic fish, a laser show, a haunted house and even a winery.

Exploring the cave requires walking up and down several flights of stairs. Some level of fitness is implied, but don’t expect anything crazy.

Overall, visiting the cave was a great way to pass the time while waiting for a flight. It totally won over sitting in a lounge, even a nice one. I’d like to remind you that tour was completely free, including the guide, round-trip transportation and even the entrance fees (about $5 per person).

Vivid images dance to music during a laser show inside the Gwangmyeong Cave. | Photo by Anya Kartashova

What Other Airports Offer City Tours?

Not flying through Incheon Airport any time soon? No worries. Several other airports across the globe offer similar transit experiences to passengers.  

Istanbul Airport: Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Airport offer   a sightseeing tour  called Touristanbul to passengers with a connection of at least six hours. Depending on the time of your transit, you can choose from six different tour options, during which you’ll visit certain landmarks. The catch is, you must be flying with Turkish Airlines to take advantage of the free city tour—both inbound and outbound flights. The tours include free transport, meals and museum fees.  

Hamad International Airport:   Although   this tour  isn’t free, it still gives you an opportunity to visit Doha, Qatar, during your layover. If you have five hours and 75 Qatari Rials (about $20), you can visit the cultural village of Katara, an artificial island The Pearl, Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif, an old marketplace. It’s also possible to venture out to the desert during a longer layover.

The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island with luxury apartments, marina and hotels build outside the coastline of the capital Doha in Qatar

Narita International Airport: The Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program offers free guided excursions run by volunteers. Although the tours themselves don’t cost anything, you’ll need money to cover transportation and food costs. A dozen   tour options is listed on the website —fit for all types of travelers. You can visit a number of temples, cycle across rice fields or partake in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. All tours provide times (most take three to four hours) as well as the minimum budget needed.

Singapore Changi Airport:   Transiting through Changi Airport and have at least five and a half hours to spare? Then feel free to join the   Free Singapore Tour . Two options are available: Heritage Tour and City Sights Tour, but each passenger can pick only one excursion.

The Heritage Tour takes you to Colonial District, Central Business District, Merlion Park, Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. The City Sights Tour includes stops at Singapore Flyer, Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.  

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport:   Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Tourist Service Center offers   two free tours per day  to those transiting through the airport. Each excursion is four hours long, and to be eligible to participate in one of the free tours, your layover must be at least seven hours long.

The morning tour takes you to the Qingshui Zushi Temple, Sanxia Old Street and Yingge Ceramics Old Street. The afternoon outing visits the Ximending shopping district and Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings. Pick one and enjoy your layover in Taipei.

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul ,Korea

Final Thoughts

City tours run by airports are a great use of a long layover. It’s a way of turning a dreadful and unpleasant wait in the terminal into an opportunity to visit a new city. My short stop in Seoul made me want to book a proper visit to the country as soon as possible.

New to the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best card to start with.

With a bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. , 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal and 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), this card truly cannot be beat for getting started!

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

bonus points

after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points

after you spend $4,000 in 3 months

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Venture Miles

after you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

American Express® Gold Card

Membership Rewards® Points

after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms apply.

Charlie Lewis

11 Minute Read

18 Minute Read

17 Minute Read