Incheon Airport Comprehensive Guide: Food, Transit & More
Planning your South Korea tour or gonna transit in Seoul? You will land at Incheon Airport for a while. This comprehensive guide will help you to know the basic information about Incheon Airport, including where to eat, shopping, entry procedures, transportation, and other amenities. Just check this article to get to know your first stop in South Korea.
Airport Quick View
Incheon Airport (IATA: ICN) is located 30 miles west of central Seoul. There are 2 airports in Seoul and the other is Gimpo International Airport. Incheon Airport comprises two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Both terminals can accept domestic and international passengers. However, there are more airlines such as United Airlines, Air Canada, and more, stationed in Terminal 1.
| Floor | Domestic Terminal (T1) | International Terminal (T2) |
| Basement Floor | Transportation Hub, parking, food court | Transportation Hub, parking, food court |
| Ground Floor (First Floor) | Arrival hall, baggage claim, immigration area, Wi-Fi rental, car rental | Arrival hall, baggage claim, immigration area, Wi-Fi rental, car rental |
| Second Floor | Airline offices, transfer area | Government general administration center, resident agency office |
| Third Floor | Departure floor, security checkpoint, tax refund, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges | Departure floor, security checkpoint, tax refund, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges |
| Fourth Floor | Food court, duty-free shops, airline lounge, transfer hotel | Food court, duty-free shops, airline lounge, transfer hotel |
| Fifth Floor | - | Promotion hall |
Incheon Airport
Customs Procedures & Entry Requirements
Procedure Upon Arrival
After arrival, you may need to find the landing visa counter if required. Most Western countries are visa-free to visit South Korea, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and more. You can check the latest information on South Korean visas on the official website to find out.
Then you need to proceed to the immigration counters to present your passport and arrival card (if needed). After immigration clearance, get to the baggage claim area to collect your baggage. You may need to pass the customs inspection and then get to the arrival hall.
In general, the procedure upon arrival will take an estimated 45 - 60 minutes. Due to different arrival times, the number of arriving flights, and some other factors, the customs procedure time may vary.
Departure Procedures
First, you need to check which terminal your flight departs from. Then arrive at the airport 2 - 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. Get to the airport in advance, 2 hours for domestic flights, and 3 hours for international flights.
After arriving at the right terminal, you need to check in, get your boarding pass, and check your baggage if there is any.
Then pass through security and remember to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your carry-on for inspection in advance.
And finally, you can find the departure gate indicated on your boarding pass to wait for boarding.
Tips: Remember to allow time for tax refunds and currency exchange if you need.
Wait for Departure
Incheon Airport Hotels
For those who have a long transit time in the airport or consider accommodation near the hotel, there are many choices. Here we list a few as a reference.
Incheon Airport Transit Hotel T1/T2
Incheon Airport Transit Hotel is located in the airport and provides a comfortable place for passengers to stay without leaving the airport. It is suitable for passengers to get a short rest between international flights or wait for delayed flights.
Grand Hyatt Incheon Airport
Grand Hyatt is one of the best choices to stay on a short stopover in Seoul. Located just 3 minutes from the airport, it offers free shuttle buses to and from the airport. This world-class hotel offers comprehensive amenities, and you can just get a good rest after the flight.
Ibis Style Ambassador Incheon (Near T2)
Located near Terminal 2, the Ibis Styles Ambassador Incheon Airport is a perfect choice for travelers who would like to live near the airport. It offers free shuttle buses and it takes 5 minutes’ drive from Terminal 2 to the hotel.
Transportation To / From the Airport
Incheon Airport is located in the west of Seoul's central area. The airport is approximately 60 km away from the city center of Seoul and it takes 45-60 minutes depending on different transportation.
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Rental Cars
Renting a car can be a convenient option to explore South Korea at your own pace. You can book with the car rental companies in advance. Make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and don't forget to have adequate insurance coverage.
Taxi Services
Taxis provide a comfortable way to travel in Seoul. However, the price might be higher than other modes of transportation. You can follow the instructions at the airport to get to the taxi stand.
You can choose regular taxis (black and yellow) which operate on a meter system. Or you can choose deluxe taxis, they are larger and more comfortable, often with premium features. Taxis in South Korea often accept cash or credit cards.
AREX (Airport Rail Express)
Located in the B1 basement, the AREX train is the fastest and most convenient option. It provides 2 types of trains:
1) Express Train takes 43 minutes to travel between Airport and Seoul Station. It operates between 5:15 to 22:48.
2) The All Stops Train travels 53 minutes from Seoul Station to the Airport. The operating hours are between 5:18 to 23:32.
Buses
Incheon International Airport offers various bus services to connect you to different destinations in Seoul and beyond. Here we collect the primary options for your information.
Airport Limousine Bus
Operating Time: 04:15 -17:45 (to the airport), 05:35-22:25 (T1 to Downtown Seoul), 05:15-22:05(T2 to Downtown Seoul)
Duration: 60 minutes/trip
Airport Limousine Bus provides direct service to major hotels, shopping districts, and tourist attractions in Seoul. It offers comfortable seating, luggage storage, and in-vehicle announcements in English. You can often reserve your seat in advance through various online platforms or at the airport itself.
Public Bus
Operating Time: 04:10 - 21:00 (depends on routes)
Duration: Depends on Routes
Public buses are a more budget-friendly option compared to airport limousine buses. There are several public bus routes connecting Incheon Airport to different parts of Seoul. You can check the airport information desk or use online resources to find the appropriate bus route and schedule.
Hotel Shuttles
Most hotels near Incheon Airport offer free shuttle buses or paid shuttle services. You should check your arrival time and contact the hotel to plan in advance.
Services Available at the Airport
Known as one of the most comfortable airports in the world, Incheon Airport provides most services you will need to have a smooth stay here.
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
SIM Cards
Incheon International Airport offers various options for purchasing a SIM card to use during your stay in South Korea. However, you should decide how to stay connected in South Korea depending on the duration of your stay and your destinations.
Several mobile carriers operate kiosks within the airport terminals, making it easy to purchase a SIM card upon arrival. If you prefer a wider range of plans or want more personalized assistance, visit the stores of major mobile carriers like SK Telecom, KT, or LG Uplus. These stores are typically located in the airport terminals or nearby.
Some carriers offer online pre-order options, allowing you to purchase a SIM card before your arrival. This can save time at the airport.
Tips
- Prepare your passport for purchasing a SIM card.
- Estimate your data needs for your trip and choose a plan accordingly.
- Check the validity period of the SIM card and ensure it covers your entire stay in South Korea.
Currency Exchange and Banking
You can exchange South Korea Won at the money exchange counter or the ATM.
Tips
- There might be a transaction fee or commission charged by the money exchanger or ATM, check carefully before exchanging South Korean won.
- Be aware of daily withdrawal limits, which can vary between banks. ATMs operated by South Korean banks typically have higher daily withdrawal limits, often ranging from 1 million KRW (approximately USD 750) to 3 million KRW (approximately USD 2,250) per day. ATMs operated by foreign banks might have lower daily withdrawal limits, often around 1 million KRW.
Dining and Shopping
Incheon Airport provides a variety of dinner choices for travelers, including Korean-style food, western food, and fast food. Below are some examples for your reference.
T2: Jeju Dombe Gomtang, KONTHAI, MUKYOKU, PHO, Gyodong Spicy Noodle Soup, Crème de Marrons YOUTH AID, Haneulmaru Cafe, Starbucks,
T1: Food Garden, Korean Noodles, Somoon, Pho Bay, Burger King, KFC, Shake Shack, Hollys Coffee, Starbucks
Incheon Airport's duty-free area provides a lot of options for you to choose from, including famous Korean cosmetics, perfume, and electronic devices. You can discover it on your own.
Shopping
Lounge Information
Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer a variety of lounges designed to cater to different needs. Whether you're seeking relaxation, business facilities, or simply a comfortable place to wait for your flight, there's a lounge for you. While business class passengers often have lounge access included, you can also pay to enter any lounge. In addition to the standard amenities like air conditioning, food and beverages, conference facilities, disabled access, flight information monitors, newspapers, television, and Wi-Fi, Incheon Airport offers the added convenience of modern showers.
Other Services
Medical Services
The medical services at Incheon Airport can be found near Gate 25 (level 2) and Gate 43 (level 3) of Terminal 1, near Gate 108 (level 2) of Terminal 2.
Family Services
Incheon International Airport offers dedicated kid's play areas in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These play areas are designed to provide a fun and safe environment for children to play and relax while waiting for their flights.
The exact locations of the kid's play areas may vary slightly depending on the airport's layout and recent renovations. However, you can typically find them in the following areas:
- Terminal 1: Near the food court or shopping area.
- Terminal 2: Near the departure gates or in designated family zones.
Kid's Playing Area
Luggage Storage
There are several options for left luggage storage at Incheon International Airport for travelers who want to travel around Seoul in the short term without luggage.
- Left Luggage Storage: This official storage facility is located in Terminal 1, near Gate 25. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 Korean Traditional Culture Experience Center (East): This center offers left luggage storage services, along with other cultural experiences. It is open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
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