Seoul Layover At Incheon International Airport
Jun 29, 2009 | Comments 1
Stuck on a layover in Seoul’s Incheon International Airport? Fortunately you’ve landed in one of the top ten airports in the world. This airport is the largest airport in South Korea, and one of the busiest in Asia.
Not only is the airport considered one of the cleanest in the world, but here you can find over 40 duty free shops to a 72-hole golf course. There are also banks, a large variety of restaurants, a basement supermarket, mobile phone rental outlet and Internet kiosks, pharmacies, airport spa, hair salons, and a post office.
There is also a Korean Cultural Museum, a variety of eco-gardens, and an observation deck that gives you a bird’s eye view of planes taking off and landing. And located only two minutes from the airport is the Paradise Golden Gate casino. If you’re looking to catch some rest, the Best Western Hotel is located five minutes by shuttle or taxi.
If you’re looking to ditch your luggage during your Seoul layover, there are a couple of baggage storage facilities. Hanjin Express is East on the 3rd floor of departures (phone: 032-743-5804, operating hours: 06:00 – 22:00) and Korea Express is West on the 3rd floor of departures (phone: 032-743-5300, operating hours: 07:00 – 21:30)
The airport is located 30 miles from central Seoul. If you’re not sure if you can leave the airport, check here for helpful tips. The Seoul city center is roughly an hour away from the airport, so take into account travel time and budget for delays.
As for transportation, an express railway currently operates between Gimpo Airport (which handles domestic flights) and Incheon International. It will reach Seoul central by 2010. Meanwhile, you can reach the city along the Airport Expressway, by bus or by taxi from the airport Transportation Centre. Drivers often do not speak English so you may want to write down your destination in a Korean on a piece of paper. The trip takes about an hour.
Layover Guide’s Suggestions of Things To Do On A Seoul Layover:
Seoul Tours
The Han River Boat Cruise is a great way to get a scenic tour of the city. There are one-way and
round trip tours. For prices and contact information, click here. There are also a bunch of city bus tours including Aju Incentive Tours, and Seoul City Bus Tour, as well as Seoul temple tours including Discover Asia and Goway- Korean Temple Stay.
Insadong
The art district of Insadong is a great place to take in the sites of Seoul. Whether weaving your way in and out of antique shops and private galleries, grabbing a cup of tea at one of the many tea houses, or wandering through the Historic Tapgol Park where you can visit the Pagoda, the location that Korea’s Declaration of Independence was read in 1919.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Gyeongbokgung Palace houses the National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum. The Palace, built by the Chosun dynasty six centuries, is one of the most famous and oldest Seoul attractions. You can also check out Dongshipjagak, the ancient watch tower.
Myeongdong
If you’re looking to shop, the Myeongdong is a big street flea market as well as a historic walking area. If you’re looking for more serious shopping, check out Namdaemun Market. As one of Korea’s largest wholesale markets, it covers over 10 acres and is the one of the best spots to get some nice souvenirs and clothing, as well as some knock offs. It is closed on Sundays.
N Seoul Tower
If you’re looking for a good aerial view of the city, check out N Seoul Tower. With an observation deck 370 meters tall you can get a great birds eye view of the city (pollution and weather depending).
Deoksugung Palace
The Deoksu-gung Palace is one of Seoul’s smallest of Seoul’s palaces, built during the mid-fifteenth century. Known for its unique stone wall road and the wide bridge of Geumcheon. Here you can also find the Palace Treasure exhibition, and part of the National Modern Arts Center.
Have suggestions for a Seoul Layover? Leave a comment below!
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Filed Under: Asia • layover • things to do • tours
Nothing helps jetlag better than a massage. In the Passenger Terminal and Concourse A (inside security) there is a spa on the 4th floor near the lounges that offers massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures, and is open 7am to 8:30pm. They even offer free showers, or for a small fee provide soap, shampoo and a towel.
I recently flew from LAX to China with an 8 hour layover in Seoul, so I had a shower and massage. I never felt better after a 13 hour flight! I can’t recommend this more, don’t waste a day with jetlag, get a massage and feel great.
JES Massage Center at Incheon Airport, Seoul Incheon International Airport, 2 locations: Passenger Terminal 4th Floor Rest & Relax Zone & Concourse A, ☎ +82 32 743 6925