Incheon International Airport

Incheon International Airport (인천국제공항) (ICN IATA) is South Korea's largest airport, its main international gateway, and the main airport of Seoul. == Understand == Incheon International Airport was built to the west of Seoul and opened in 2001, taking over from Seoul Gimpo airport as the nation's international hub. Gimpo is still in operation, serving domestic flights and a few to nearby Asian countries. Incheon has comprehensive connections to the South Korean capital, and is frequently rated in the top three airports in the world. The terminal buildings are architecturally very impressive, and are a pleasure to look at, even if you are not flying. The airport is beautiful, meticulously clean and well maintained. There's plenty to keep one occupied while waiting. The nearby city of Incheon is also a significant center of industry. A second terminal was opened in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics. South Korea allows sterile transit; if you are just changing between two international flights and your baggage is checked through, then you do not need to pass through Customs or Immigration and do not need a Korean visa. Just stay on the air side of the terminal and follow signs for "환승 승객 - transit passengers" to move from the arrivals to the departure area; there will be a security check (usually with only a short line) but no other formalities. Beware, however, that if your flights are on different airlines and baggage is not checked all the way, then you will need to collect the bags, go through immigration and customs, then check in for your next flight. The airport is located on Yeongjong Island. If you want to get out of the airport, particularly to sleep, you might find the listing in that article useful. == Flights == Incheon is the main international hub for both Korean Air and Asiana (which are about to merge sometime in 2026) alongside their subsidiaries Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul, with many airlines flying from North America, Europe, Africa, Australasia and Asia. There are two terminals: Terminal 1: All other airlines not in Terminal 2 Terminal 2: Korean Air, its subsidiaries Asiana, Jin Air, and Skyteam alliance members Air France, Delta, KLM, China Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and XiamenAir. See also: full list of airlines at Seoul Incheon International Airport (in English). The vast majority of domestic Korean flights, as well as some international flights to China, Japan and Taiwan, are still handled by the older Seoul Gimpo airport (GMP IATA) which is a short AREX train journey from Incheon airport and closer towards the central district then Incheon. Korean Air offer a limited number of direct flights between Seoul Incheon to both Busan's Gimhae International Airport (PUS IATA) and Daegu (TAE IATA) every day. These cost slightly more than the corresponding flights from Gimpo, but they are much more convenient if you arrive on an international flight. These are actually treated as international connections, and you will pass immigration later at your destination. As such only passengers connecting to/from an international flight are allowed on these flights. == Ground transportation == === By train === ==== A'REX (Airport train) ==== The A'REX airport train link connects the airport to Seoul Station (for further connections to KTX high-speed services) and stops at Gimpo Airport (most domestic flights) on the way, operating from 05:20 until 00:00. There are express services and only slightly slower all-stop services, also signposted as "subway" services. Express services to the city (every 40 minutes) takes 43 minutes (Terminal 1 to Seoul Station) or 51 minutes (Terminal 2 to Seoul Station) and cost ₩13,000/₩9,000 (adult/child as of 2025) with WiFi available on board and more comfortable seats. See here for more details and discounts. All-stop services (every 6 minutes as part of the Seoul Subway system) take 59-66 minutes and cost an adult ₩4,150 from Terminal 1 or ₩5,050 from Terminal 2. It is often faster to take the All-stop than wait for the Express train, however it has subway style seating and can get very crowded. Carriages 2 and 5 on each train have luggage racks. The All-stop (blue) and the Express train (orange) leave from different platforms and have separate ticket booths. While tickets for the Express can be bought with foreign credit cards, the regular train only accepts cash or the T-money card. If you are flying with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, T'Way Air, Jeju Air or Lufthansa you can check into your flight at Seoul Station before you get on the AREX Express train if you are there at least 3 hours before your departure time. Immigration officers are also on hand to stamp your passport, which means you are processed and can quickly go through a dedicated security screening entrance in Incheon Airport. See City Airport Terminal. Travel time to Gimpo Airport is 35 minutes (₩3,100), making this the fastest and cheapest option for inter-airport transfer as well. The Express train does not stop at Gimpo Airport, so use the all-stops service for changing airports. === By maglev === The Incheon Airport Maglev shuttles between Terminal 1 and Yongyu Island. Reopened October 2025 after an extended closure, it's free to ride but only runs every 35 minutes from 10:00 to 17:00, and is closed entirely on Mondays. ==== KTX ==== Korea's high speed rail service (KTX) running directly to and from Incheon Airport was terminated after short-lived operations in 2018, with the station platforms now being abandoned (the unlit stairs are still visible next to the AREX entrances). To use the KTX, take the AREX to Seoul Station or Bus No. 6770 (₩15,000) to Gwangmyeong Station. Bus 6770 is operated by Korail, and there is a ₩3000 discount for the combined ticket for KTX and the bus. City Airport Terminal at Gwangmyeong Station can be faster than going to Seoul station. === By bus === When traveling into Seoul with a lot of luggage or heading to southern parts of Seoul (e.g. Gangnam) then the airport buses are a very good option. Limousine buses (₩15,000 to/from city for one way, ₩6,500 to/from Gimpo Airport (domestic flight)) travel directly to major areas and big hotels in Seoul, while public buses (₩8,000-9.000) will take you to major transit hubs. If you're visiting for the first time, it's worth paying a bit extra for the limousine bus. For either bus type, consult the big maps or staff to figure out which route best suits your needs; you can then find the shuttles outside 1st floor arrivals (if possible get this information from your hotel before arriving). Or simply, walk out and ask the many ticket sellers (they are wearing vests) which bus goes to your hotel because if it's a popular one or in a popular area, they'll surely know which you'll need. It's best to buy tickets at any of the ticket gates near the bus arrival area but you can also pay the fare using won or a T-Money card if you have one. The limousine bus drivers are extremely friendly but don't count on them knowing too much English. There are maps inside the buses letting passengers know which stops are upcoming and these are also announced in Korean and English. Pressing any of the red buttons inside signals to the driver you want off at the next stop. You can purchase and recharge a T-Money card at the GS25 store which is located at the end of the arrivals area, next to "International Arrivals F" exit. If you have a late flight and plan on getting into Seoul via bus, make sure you get out to the curb as soon as you can. The last buses run shortly after the last flights land. If you miss your bus, you'll be stuck paying for a taxi, as the trains will stop running too. There are also inter-city and express bus to cities other than Seoul. === By taxi === A taxi direct to Seoul will cost around ₩50,000/70,000 regular/deluxe. Black deluxe taxis (모범 택시) and almost all regular taxis accept credit cards, but a few regular taxis (일반 택시) may not. Ask the driver before you get on if you can pay by credit card. You are expected to pay any road tolls on top of the meter fare. Having your destination written down in Korean will be very helpful. Steer clear of taxi drivers trying to pick you up from inside the terminal and even the bus stop. As both buses and taxis are subject to traffic, allow extra time for rush hour delays (or take the train back). === By car === It is connected by two highways. Incheon International Airport Expressway (No. 130) is connected to Seoul and north of Incheon. Incheon Bridge (No. 110, the longest bridge in South Korea) is for the people heading to the south of Incheon or other parts of region. === City Airport Terminal === At the City Airport Terminal, you can check your bags and even pass through security and immigration, allowing you to skip the lines at the airport and to spend a little longer in the city, or helping you make a mad dash to the airport. It is located at COEX, Seoul Station, and Gwangmyeong Station. Not all airlines operate at City Airport Terminals. Make sure to check. == Get around == There are two terminals and a Concourse. Terminal 2 has Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Air France, Delta, KLM, SAS, China Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Jin Air, and XiamenAir. Terminal 1 houses all other airlines. The Concourse is an island of gates midfield between the two terminals. You reach it by a shuttle train connecting the Concourse to each terminal. The Airport Railroad from Seoul and Gimpo Airport has stations in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and serves as a transfer between terminals, for a fare of ₩1,050. A free shuttle bus system has five routes. Route 3 runs from Terminal 2 parking to Terminal 2, 3rd floor, between gates 5 and 6; then to Terminal 1, 3rd floor, stopping at exits 3 and 12) and on to the Hyatt hotel and the operational areas of the airport; Route 4 runs in the opposite direction, and stops instead at exit 8 in Terminal 1. The transfer between Terminals 1 and 2 takes 20–22 minutes. Buses run every 7–20 minutes, between 04:30–22:35. The airport is well signposted and caters to all your traveler needs, and even includes a small mall. It's spread out over five floors: 4F: Viewing lounge, upscale restaurants, food court 3F: Departures/Transit level, tax-free shopping, fast food 2F: Business center 1F: Arrival level, tourist information, buses and taxis B1F: Starline shuttle (transit side) "Spa on Air" sauna, cafeteria, hospital (land side) == Wait == === General === Incheon is somewhat close to the North Korean border, and dedicated DMZ tours are available if you have some hours to spare. A booth in the arrival hall offers "free Korea Transit Tours". the airport site for more details. The only downside is that the last trip starts at 15:00. If you have a few hours to spare from 15:00 onwards, you'll have to figure out the trip arrangements yourself. If you want to visit the small Yonggungsa Temple (location #1 on the "free Korea Transit Tours" suggestion), which is not overwhelmed by tourists, the taxi round trip is about US$30 and 40 minutes (two-way travel time). Bus is significantly cheaper, but will take several times as long. The airport information booth can help you plan this trip, or you can use Google Transit to plan this trip. The Google Maps friendly address of this Temple is "667 Unnam-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea". Revive yourself with a reasonably priced Korean sauna experience on the basement level. JES Massage Center, 2 locations: Passenger Terminal 4th Floor Rest & Relax Zone & Concourse A, ☏ +82 32 743 6925. Learn about Korean traditional culture in the dedicated cultural learning center. This is actually very well organized. There is a free transit lounge with sleeping chairs and showers. The showers are free but do not offer towels (which can be purchased downstairs). There is also a small museum at the airport that you can walk through in less than 5 minutes. There is a lovely garden inside the airport to relax by. See the occasional parade going through the airport. Virtual reality games Areas for kids Watch a traditional Korean performance troupe walk through the airport. Grab a coffee and surf free internet in the Samsung lounge. You can surf the internet free almost anywhere on the airport thanks to free Wi-Fi (hassle free - no registration of any kind required, connect to Airport Wi-Fi network and you are good). === Lounges === Korean Air has a very large lounge in T2 for 'Morning Calm' passengers, equivalent SkyTeam members, Prestige class passengers, and First class passengers. Asiana business and elite passengers use it as well. Showers are good, but a long wait is possible during busy times. There are separate lounges for First class and Prestige class. Oneworld operates a lounge for Oneworld elite members in T1. Cathay Pacific has a functional lounge with basic refreshments, bathrooms, comfortable seating and fast internet. It does not offer showers. It is in the T1 satellite terminal near the gate for Cathay flights. There are various private lounges around provided by Matina. They cost USD $45 for 3 hours use. == Eat and drink == === Restaurants === Land-side there is a food court named "Food on Air" in the first floor that offers Korean, Chinese and Japanese, and a lot of other menus. It is divided into two parts, which are called "Studio 1" and "Studio 2". The two separate studios have different menus and are popular with airport workers. Also, there is a McDonald and a KFC on the first floor. There is also a Paris Croissant Kitchen, which offers a varied pastas and a variety of breads. On Incheon Airport Transport Centre, there is a Korean BBQ restaurant named "Bong Pi Yang". Also, there is a small cafe named "MojiTalk", which sells salads and pastas. Air-side there are some fast food establishments on the ground floor, however the fourth floor above them has higher quality restaurants with good Korean food. Definitely worth trying if you are on a stop-over and want to experience something of Korea's food. === Cafes === There are Starbucks and Angel In Us coffee outlets on the air-side. Dunkin' Donuts is also there. There is a Starbucks in the basement of the land side, as Coffee Bean & Tea leaf, Dunkin Donuts on the Departure Floor, Floor 2. == Buy == Incheon is a pretty good shopping experience. Duty Free shops offer many products specific to Korea such as Soju (rice wine) and Ginseng root herbal products. All the luxury goods are also available. There are some electronic shops, although not with the range and prices that you would expect of a major electronics player such as South Korea. Note that you have to leave sufficient time (around an hour) between buying your duty free product and your airline departure time. There are many global ATMs and currency exchanges throughout the terminal. Free Internet access is available in the transit zone. The airport is open 24 hours, although most shops are closed from 21:00 to 07:00. == Connect == Air side there is a Samsung lounge with a selection of comfortable seats and battered laptops with which you can freely browse the internet. There is free airport WiFi (AirportWiFi) available on both land and air side. This apparently has a one-week limit, with a warning thereafter. The "ollehWiFi" and "T wifi zone" WiFi hotspots are, as elsewhere in South Korea, available to subscribers. There are power outlets and USB charging ports next to all seats near the gates. == Cope == There are non-sectarian 24-hour prayer rooms near Gate 29 and one in the 1st basement level of Terminal 1's Transportation Center (A'REX Station). There are a few smoking rooms around. == Sleep == If you're connecting through ICN to another destination on Korean/Asiana and have over 6 hours to spare, you may be entitled to a free transit tour or hotel — ask at the transit desk. Spa on Air sauna. overnight stay from ₩15,000 with private rooms for ₩27,000. 1 Hyatt Regency Incheon, ☏ +82 32-745-1234. (updated Sep 2016) 2 Best Western Premier Incheon Airport (700m from terminal. Infrequent shuttle bus). See the 'Sleep' section of the Yeongjong Island article for a list of nearby accommodation on the same island the airport is located on. === Capsule hotels === Incheon Airport has a capsule hotel in each terminal called "DarakHu" to accommodate early morning flights. DarakHu is a brand created by Walkerhill, a famous luxury hotel in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and is a great place to catch a quick nap. ==== Terminal 1 ==== Capsule Hotel Darak 休 is located on the 1st floor of the Transportation Center (General Area) of Terminal 1. By limousine Get off at the 3rd floor departures level and enter gate 8. Take the escalator in front of you to the 2nd floor. Take the moving walkway to the Transportation Center. From the Transportation Center, take the elevator down to the first floor. By airport rail Get off at Incheon Airport Station. Take the escalator to the 1st floor. ==== Terminal 2 ==== Capsule Hotel Darak (다락휴) is located on the 1st basement floor (general area) of the Transportation Center at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. Room types are available in single bed, single bed + shower, double bed, and double bed + shower. Prices are ₩30,000-40,000 for 3 hours between 08:00 and 20:00, or ₩60,000-80,000 for 12 hours from 20:00 to 08:00. The additional charge per hour is ₩7,000. === Transit Hotel === Incheon Airport has a Transit Hotel for transit passengers. It is the same for both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. East Side: take the escalator located across from Boarding Gate No.11 on the 3rd floor to the 4th floor. == Nearby == Incheon is built near Yeongjong Island and the important city of Incheon is also nearby. Most travelers will however just go directly into Seoul with the fast and convenient transport links. The airport runs a number of free transit tours on a number of attractions around Seoul. These tours range from 1 hour to 5 hours. Day tours direct from the airport to the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on the border with North Korea are available, given you have enough time between flights (at least 8 hours). Near the north side of the airport is a ferry to the smaller nearby islands of Sindoli and Jangbongni.