Seoul

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Airports

Seoul is served by major international and domestic airports, making it a key transportation hub for travelers and newcomers.

Sections

1. Overview of Seoul’s Airports

Seoul is served by two main airports:

  • Incheon International Airport (ICN): The primary international airport, located about 50 km (31 miles) west of central Seoul. It is one of the busiest and most modern airports in the world, known for its efficiency and excellent facilities.
  • Gimpo International Airport (GMP): Located closer to central Seoul (about 16 km or 10 miles west), Gimpo primarily handles domestic flights and a few short-haul international flights to nearby countries like Japan and China.

2. Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Key Features:

  • Terminals: ICN has two terminals:
    • Terminal 1: Serves most airlines.
    • Terminal 2: Primarily serves Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, and their SkyTeam partners.
  • Facilities: ICN is renowned for its amenities, including:
    • Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
    • Rest zones, nap rooms, and capsule hotels (e.g., Darakhyu).
    • Cultural experience centers offering traditional Korean crafts and performances.
    • Duty-free shopping and a wide range of dining options.
    • Spa, ice skating rink, and golf course.

Transportation Options to/from Seoul:

  1. Airport Railroad Express (AREX):

    • Types:
      • Express Train: Non-stop service between ICN and Seoul Station (43 minutes).
      • All-Stop Train: Stops at multiple stations, including Gimpo Airport (about 58 minutes to Seoul Station).
    • Cost:
      • Express Train: KRW 9,500 (~USD 7).
      • All-Stop Train: KRW 4,150 (~USD 3).
    • Tips: The Express Train is faster and more comfortable, while the All-Stop Train is more budget-friendly.

  2. Airport Limousine Buses:

    • Routes: Cover most major areas in Seoul, including Gangnam, Myeongdong, and Hongdae.
    • Cost: KRW 10,000–16,000 (~USD 7–12), depending on the route.
    • Tips: Buses are spacious and have luggage storage. Check the route number and destination before boarding.

  3. Taxis:

    • Types:
      • Regular (silver or white).
      • Deluxe (black with gold stripes, more expensive but spacious).
    • Cost: KRW 60,000–100,000 (~USD 45–75) to central Seoul, depending on traffic and time of day.
    • Tips: Taxis are metered, but toll fees for expressways are added to the fare. Credit cards are widely accepted.

  4. Private Transfers/Ride-Hailing:

    • Services like Kakao T (local ride-hailing app) or international platforms like Klook offer pre-booked transfers.
    • Cost: KRW 70,000–120,000 (~USD 50–90).

  5. Car Rentals:

    • Available at the airport, but driving in Seoul can be challenging due to traffic and parking limitations.

3. Gimpo International Airport (GMP)

Key Features:

  • Terminals: Separate terminals for domestic and international flights.
  • Facilities: Smaller than ICN but still offers:
    • Free Wi-Fi.
    • Cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores.
    • Duty-free shops for international travelers.

Transportation Options to/from Seoul:

  1. Subway:

    • Gimpo Airport is connected to Seoul’s subway system (Line 5, Line 9, and AREX).
    • Cost: KRW 1,250–2,000 (~USD 1–1.50), depending on the distance.
    • Tips: Subway is the most affordable and convenient option for reaching central Seoul.

  2. Airport Limousine Buses:

    • Cost: KRW 7,000–10,000 (~USD 5–8).
    • Tips: Check the bus schedule and route in advance.

  3. Taxis:

    • Cost: KRW 20,000–40,000 (~USD 15–30) to central Seoul.
    • Tips: Similar to ICN, toll fees are added to the fare.

  4. AREX:

    • The All-Stop Train connects Gimpo to Incheon Airport and Seoul Station.
    • Cost: KRW 1,850–4,150 (~USD 1.50–3).

4. Procedures for International Travelers

Arrival at ICN or GMP:

  1. Immigration:

    • Have your passport, visa (if required), and arrival card ready.
    • Follow the signs for "Foreign Passport Holders."
    • Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected.

  2. Baggage Claim:

    • Check the monitors for your flight’s carousel number.
    • Free luggage carts are available.

  3. Customs:

    • Declare items if necessary (e.g., cash over USD 10,000, restricted goods).
    • Use the green lane if you have nothing to declare.

  4. Transportation:

    • Follow the signs for buses, taxis, or the AREX train. Staff at information desks can assist in English.

Departure from ICN or GMP:

  1. Check-In:

    • Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights.
    • Self-check-in kiosks are available for many airlines.

  2. Security and Immigration:

    • Liquids over 100 ml are not allowed in carry-on luggage.
    • Have your boarding pass and passport ready.

  3. Boarding:

    • Listen for announcements and check the monitors for gate information.

5. Typical Costs for Services

  • Food: KRW 5,000–15,000 (~USD 4–12) for meals at airport restaurants.
  • Luggage Storage: KRW 4,000–8,000 (~USD 3–6) per day, depending on size.
  • SIM Cards/Portable Wi-Fi: KRW 5,000–10,000 (~USD 4–8) per day for Wi-Fi rental; SIM cards start at KRW 30,000 (~USD 22) for a week.
  • Duty-Free Shopping: Prices vary, but South Korea is known for competitive prices on cosmetics, electronics, and luxury goods.

6. Local Cultural Considerations and Tips

  1. Language:

    • English signage is widely available, and airport staff often speak basic English.
    • Learn a few Korean phrases like "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida, thank you) to show politeness.

  2. Queuing:

    • Koreans value orderly lines, so always queue properly at immigration, transportation, and boarding gates.

  3. Tipping:

    • Tipping is not customary in South Korea, including for taxi drivers and airport staff.

  4. Luggage Handling:

    • Free luggage carts are available, and porters are not common.

  5. Cultural Etiquette:

    • Be respectful and quiet in public spaces like airport lounges and transportation.

  6. Apps to Download:

    • Kakao T: For taxis and ride-hailing.
    • Naver Map or KakaoMap: For navigation (Google Maps is less reliable in Korea).
    • Papago: For translation.

7. Final Tips

  • Plan Ahead: Check your terminal and transportation options in advance.
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange some cash at the airport for small expenses, but rates are often better in the city.
  • Stay Connected: Rent a portable Wi-Fi device or buy a SIM card upon arrival for seamless internet access.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Seoul’s airports and make your journey smooth and enjoyable!