Everything You Need to Know About Seoul’s 2 Main Airports

So you’re through immigration, and you’ve claimed your bags, now it’s time to make the journey to Seoul's CBD. Seoul international airport – there’s not one, but two of them!

Incheon, which services most international flights and selected domestic flights. And Gimpo, which facilitates mostly domestic flights and select flights to China and Japan. Think of this as your Seoul airport guide for getting to the centre of the city.

 

 

 The AREX Airport Railroad is the fastest way to reach the north side of the Han river (Hongdae, Myeongdong, Euljiro and Jongno). Choose from two different services: the express train from Incheon Airport to Seoul or the all-stop service where you can access every station en route.

 

Photo Credit: Wrightbus

This non-stop service runs between Seoul Station and Incheon Airport. 

Duration: 43 minutes

Frequency: Every 25-40 minutes

Operating Hours: Incheon to Seoul Station 05:20-21:40 and Seoul Station to ICN airport 06:00-22:10

Fare: Adults AUD 10.00 Adult and Children AUD 9.00

Duration: 56 minutes

Frequency: Every 10 minutes

Operating Hours: Between 05:20-23:30

Fare: Adults AUD 5.50 and Children AUD 2.00 (plus any connecting transfer costs)

 

To buy a ticket for this service, you can use the multilingual automated ticketing machines in the station or purchase a T-Money transport card at a convenience store. Book your AREX Incheon Airport Express One Way Train Ticket.

High-Speed Rail and rail services mainly operate from Seoul Station however there are select KTX services that operate directly to and from Incheon Airport.

 An alternative to the airport train is the city’s ‘Limousine’ Airport Buses. Big on comfort, these coaches are decked out in lovely leather upholstered seats. This service serves various city areas, including landmark hotels and subway stations.

Two routes run through the night with services to Gangnam (N6000) and Seoul Station (N6001). Tickets can be purchased from ticketing counters and booths located on the arrivals level of the airport or at a discount online in advance.

Duration: 60-70 minutes

Frequency: Route dependent – usually every 20-30 minutes

Operating Hours: Approx. 05:00-23:00 (route dependent)

Fare: KAL Limousine Bus Ticket for Seoul are AUD 17.00 (single) and AUD 32.00 (roundtrip)

Photo Credit: screenpunk

In Seoul there are three types of taxis including regular, Deluxe and Jumbo taxis (seats between 6-10 people). Taxi drivers are likely only to be able to speak Korean, so it’s a good idea to have your destination written down in Korean.

Duration: 60-70 minutes

Fare: AUD 76.00 – AUD 127.00. This includes toll fees paid by the passenger, so be sure to have some small cash ready.

The base fare for Regular Taxis is AUD 4.00. Deluxe and Jumbo taxis base fare is AUD 6.00, and there’s a 20% night surcharge between 24:00-04:00.

 

Try an international taxi for a convenient airport option. They operate a flat fare service which costs between AUD 83.00 and AUD 96.00. There’s a concierge service in the airport arrivals hall where an agent will book a taxi and allocate you a driver.

 

Photo Credit: Korea Airports Corp

 

If your flights land or arrive at Gimpo airport, you need to find your way to Seoul's CBD. There are three different transfer options to get from Gimpo International Airport to Seoul; taxi, bus or train, so let’s learn more so you can make the best decision.

 

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organisation

 

This is the most convenient and affordable mode of transfer. Orange taxis are available round the clock and can get you to the centre of Seoul in 25 minutes. A taximeter will determine the cost of your journey but expect to pay around AUD 19.00.

 

This is the slowest, but the most budget-friendly way to get into town. On the 6021 bus, it’ll take you around 44 minutes, and you may wait up to 15 minutes. A one-way ticket from Gimpo airport costs AUD 9.00, and you can purchase your ticket from the driver or the airport transport counter. Running from 05:00 to 23:10, this bus goes from the Main Terminal. Inside, there are luggage racks, but space is not plentiful.

 

The all-stop APEX train from Gimpo International airport to Seoul Station super cheap, setting you back just AUD 2.00. It’s fast too – only 22 minutes to the CBD, and is available from 05:30 to 01:00, running every 10 minutes. After you collect your luggage, follow the transportation signs to the escalators and enter the underground station. This train runs on subway line 5 and 9.

 

 

The Korea Rail offers three rail passes, so one of them is bound to be your perfect transport match. Choose from the standard consecutive day-pass, a flexible day-pass for the go-getter and lastly, the saver pass for group travellers. This is a mighty powerful pass, so to get in on this train transport action, simply Klook your Korail pass and get it at a steal!

To get your Korail Pass, select your preferred package option, pass type, validity and group type, then select your ticket quantity based on group type selected (kids 0-5 travel free). Choose pass activation date, making sure to book 3 business days before intended activation date. Check your booking details, then go to the checkout where you can enter each traveller’s details (make sure these match passport details). When you’ve got your pass, reserve your seats either online via the Korail official website or onsite at any Korail ticketing window. Then, present your printed Korail Pass and passport at any Korail station, then – bon voyage! 

 

Now you’ve got all the info you need to get two and from Seoul’s two airports, here are some more suggestions. A don’t-miss day trip with easy transit from the airports. The best way to travel between Seoul and another South Korean gem – Busan. Lastly, discover somewhere close to Incheon Airport where you can rest your weary head.

 

To get the best of Nami Island and Petite France, Klook your one-day adventure on this Nami Island & Petite France tour where an experienced tour guide will show you the must-sees. This picturesque islet sports all-season splendour.

Your best transport bet from Seoul to Busan is to catch the KTX, with a travel time of approximately 2-2.5 hours. From Seoul Station, the Gyeongbu line will get you to Korea’s seaside city, Busan. There’s also a limited number of KTX services from Incheon Airport to Busan which means no annoying airport transfers.

 

From Incheon International Airport or Gimpo International Airport, take the subway to Yongsan Station. From here you can ride the ITX train to Gapyeong Station; a 1-hour trip that costs around AUD 6.50.

Photo Credit: Paradise City

This ‘art-tainment’ resort, Paradise City Incheon, is a 40-minute train ride from Seoul, and just 10 minutes by car from Incheon Airport. This Incheon airport hotel blends a luxe casino with convention centre and family-based facilities. It’s an integrated resort where you can eat, rest and play, all within a stone’s throw of the airport.