【South Korea】Seoul/Incheon International Airport | Explanation of ways to pass time and transit

Introducing Incheon International Airport, the gateway representing Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

Incheon International Airport is one of the top hub airports not only in South Korea but also in Northeast Asia, offering an extensive network of routes! Due to its massive size, Incheon International Airport features numerous entertainment facilities, transit hotels, and duty-free shops, making it a convenient airport where you won’t struggle to find ways to pass the time during a layover.

This article will introduce ways to make use of Incheon International Airport, highlight its facilities, explain how to pass the time, and provide details on transit tours available for those connecting at the airport!

The main gateway to Seoul! What is Incheon International Airport?

Incheon International Airport (인천국제공항 Incheon Gukje Gonghang), known as the main gateway to Seoul, is located in Incheon, a neighboring city of Seoul. While Seoul also has another, smaller airport called Gimpo International Airport, it mainly serves domestic flights and a limited number of international routes.

To compare it to Japan, Gimpo is similar to Haneda or Itami, which primarily handle domestic flights, while Incheon is more like Narita or Kansai International Airport, focusing on international routes.

All flights departing from and arriving at Incheon International Airport are international, including designated "international transfer-only flights" (serving Busan and Daegu). There are no domestic flights, so be careful not to confuse the two airports.

◆ Access from Incheon International Airport to Downtown Seoul

There are several transportation options from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul, including the Airport Railroad, limousine buses, and taxis. The train takes about 45 minutes to reach Seoul Station. Alternatively, the KAL Limousine Bus provides easy access to areas like Myeongdong, known as the Harajuku of Seoul, and Dongdaemun.

For more detailed information about getting to downtown Seoul, please refer to the related skyticket travel guide below.

Seoul/Incheon International Airport offers an abundance of routes♪ Convenient for transit!

Incheon International Airport connects to over 130 cities worldwide! It offers flights to various locations across Japan, from Sapporo in the north to Okinawa in the south. Additionally, some airlines and routes operating from Incheon are not available as direct flights from Japan, making it a useful transit hub.

◆ Flights from various cities in Japan to Incheon International Airport!

As of July 2024, Incheon International Airport is accessible from 22 different airports across Japan! One of its advantages is the availability of flights from regional airports such as Niigata and Sendai, which have fewer direct options to Haneda or Narita.

Particularly for travelers from Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Saga, and Kumamoto, it only takes about an hour to reach Incheon International Airport. If you're booking flights to Europe or North America, it’s worth comparing the cost and travel time of transiting through Haneda/Narita versus Incheon.

For Haneda and Kansai routes, flights also operate via Gimpo Airport, which is closer to Seoul’s city center. However, Haneda flights are often scheduled as late-night departures, making them convenient for catching early morning connections from Incheon.

◆ Not yet served in Japan! Featured destinations you can reach with a connection in Seoul/Incheon

Among the airlines operating at Incheon International Airport, there are many that do not yet serve Japan, along with numerous destinations that are not directly accessible from Japan! For example, Vientiane in Laos, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan, Prague in the Czech Republic, and Lisbon in Portugal.

By making a connection at Incheon International Airport, you can reach a variety of cities around the world, expanding your travel possibilities!

How to transit at Incheon International Airport

There are four main types of transit scenarios. The process depends on whether your checked baggage is transferred directly to your final destination and whether you need to change terminals.

◆ If your baggage is not checked through

This is common with low-cost carriers (LCCs). If your baggage is not checked through, you must enter South Korea, collect your luggage, and then recheck it with your next airline. In such cases, it is best to allow at least an extra two hours for your connection. For LCC-to-LCC transfers, delays can happen, so it’s advisable to leave at least six hours between flights to avoid any issues.

◆ Which terminal do major Airlines use?

The table below shows which terminal is used by airlines flying from Japan to Incheon International Airport.

Most airlines, except for Korean Air and some SkyTeam members, operate out of Terminal 1.

For transfers between terminals, a shuttle bus service is available. The transfer takes approximately 15–18 minutes, so be sure to allow enough time for your connection.

◆ Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) at Incheon International Airport

The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) at Incheon International Airport is as follows. If you have separate tickets for different flights, please double-check that your itinerary meets the MCT requirements. For tickets purchased through skyticket, only those that meet these MCT requirements are available for sale, so you can rest assured.

How to spend time at Seoul/Incheon International Airport! Lounge information included

Incheon International Airport offers a variety of attractions to keep travelers entertained, including a kids’ play area and cultural experiences showcasing traditional Korean heritage.

◆ Experience traditional Korean Culture at Incheon Airport!

At Incheon International Airport, you can witness a performance called the "Royal Procession," where performers dressed in traditional royal attire parade through the airport. Additionally, there is a Korean Traditional Culture Center and live performances featuring traditional Korean musical instruments, allowing travelers to enjoy Korean culture even during their layovers.

◆ Lounge information at Incheon International Airport

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport have lounges, making them ideal places to relax during layovers. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines have their own dedicated lounges, which are available to their premium members as well as business and first-class passengers.

Korean Air also offers a mileage lounge, where access is available for 4,000 Korean Air Skypass miles.

For those without a gold membership, paid lounges such as the Sky Hub Lounge (35,000 KRW) and the Matina Lounge (USD 39 per adult) are available. Both lounges have locations in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

A Wide Selection of Duty-Free Shops♪ Enjoy Shopping at Incheon International Airport!

Incheon International Airport is home to numerous duty-free shops offering cosmetics, accessories, liquor, tobacco, and more.

In addition to airport stores, there are also designated counters where travelers can pick up duty-free items purchased online or from city duty-free shops. This makes duty-free shopping a great way to pass the time while waiting for your flight.

Taste "Delicious Korea!" restaurants at Incheon International Airport

Incheon Airport is home to numerous delicious dining options, including authentic Korean cuisine. Here are some recommendations.

◆ Before Security

In Terminal 1, on the B1 and 4th floors, you will find a variety of Korean restaurants and food courts offering Japanese, Western, Chinese, and Korean cuisine.

In Terminal 2, there are restaurants specializing in Sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew), as well as Dunkin’ Donuts, Lotteria, and Starbucks, which are also familiar to Japanese travelers.

◆ After Security

The post-security area includes fast-food chains such as Burger King and Taco Bell, as well as restaurants serving Mexican food, Vietnamese pho, and of course, Korean cuisine.

These eateries are perfect for grabbing a meal before boarding, allowing you to enjoy authentic Korean flavors right up until your departure.

Feel secure even late at night! Stay at a transit hotel inside Incheon International Airport

If you're worried about spending the night at the airport, consider staying at a "transit hotel." These hotels offer private rooms equipped with beds and showers, providing a quiet and comfortable environment despite being inside the airport. Since transit hotels are located within the airport, they do not require you to pass through immigration, making them ideal for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of entering Korea.

Note that the Terminal 1 Transit Hotel is only available for passengers departing from Terminal 1, and the Terminal 2 Transit Hotel is only for those departing from Terminal 2.

Availability of SIM cards and Wi-Fi at Incheon International Airport

Nowadays, smartphones are an essential item when traveling abroad, but where is the best place to get a SIM card or Wi-Fi?

SIM cards can be purchased at the arrival lobbies on the first floor of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport.

In recent years, eSIMs have become available, allowing travelers to connect to local networks without needing to swap physical SIM cards. Additionally, Wi-Fi can be reserved in advance through skyticket before departing from Japan, with pickup available at various airports.

Foreign currency exchange at Incheon International Airport? Cashless payments are also convenient in Korea♪

When exchanging Japanese yen upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, it is best to exchange only a small amount and complete the rest of your currency exchange at money exchange shops in areas like Myeongdong, which offer better rates.

If you have leftover Korean won when departing, exchanging it back to Japanese yen at Incheon International Airport generally provides a better rate than doing so in Japan.

◆ What About ATM Exchange Rates?

If you withdraw cash using an international debit card, cash card, or credit card at an ATM in Incheon International Airport, here are the exchange rates as of July 10, 2024:

VISA: 1 JPY = 8.76 KRW
Mastercard: 1 JPY = 8.60 KRW
JCB: 1 JPY = 8.58 KRW

◆ Check Credit Card Withdrawal Rates Here (External Links)

VISA Rate Check: https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/travel-support/exchange-rate-calculator.html
Mastercard Rate Check: https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/convert-currency.html
JCB Rate Check:
https://www.jcb.jp/rate/jpy.htm

◆ A Must-Have for Travelers to Korea! Get a WOWPASS or NAMANE Card♪

Cashless payments are now the norm in Korea! With cashless cards such as WOWPASS or NAMANE Card, you can seamlessly pay for public transportation (subways and buses) and even shop.

Head outside Incheon International Airport to pass the time! Transit tours available◎♪

There are plenty of sightseeing spots in Incheon, the city where Incheon International Airport is located! Highlights include Incheon Open Port Street (formerly the Japanese Quarter) and the photogenic "Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village."

If you don’t want to plan an itinerary yourself, joining a transit tour is a great option. Available tour courses include visits to the DMZ, casinos, and more.

For more details, check here (external link).

◎ Connect to destinations Worldwide via Seoul/Incheon International Airport!

How did you find this guide to Incheon International Airport, the gateway to Seoul, Korea?

Skyticket offers affordable international flight and hotel packages through its "Overseas Tours" service, as well as study abroad opportunities in Korea. In addition to language programs, there are even K-POP training programs!

Make the most of your Korea experience with skyticket!

Search

Customer Support

【South Korea】Seoul/Incheon International Airport | Explanation of ways to pass time and transit