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  Incheon airport guide Moving between terminals

Incheon airport guide

Moving between terminals Method

You can use the free shuttle bus to get to the terminal quickly.

※ You may utilize the Airport Railroad to transfer between Terminals. (Time: 6 min, Fee: 900 KRW)

Transit Tour

Transit tour information.

If you satisfy any of the following conditions, you can join the transit tour without a visa. Passengers from visa exempt countries are still need to obtain K-ETA except the countries/regions which got temporary exemption. (https://k-eta.go.kr)

• 1) Visa Free Entry by designation ※ For more specific visa information, Please check this website : https://www.visa.go.kr/
• 2) Transit Tourists Travelling to a Third Country Persons who hold a visa (or permanent residency) to the United States(including Guam and Saipan), Canada, Australia, New Zealand or one of the 32 European countries who transit through Korea to enter the abovementioned countries or persons who stayed in and departed from one of the abovementioned countries and transit through Korea bound for the country of origin or a third country.
• 3) Visa Free Entry for foreign transfer passengers

※ To join the Transit tour, you need under 24hours of layover time. Passengers who have over 24hours of layover cannot join the tour.

※ To register the Transit tour, passport and both arrival&departure boarding passes will be required.

• The passenger arrive at concourse must reach registration desk at terminal 1 & 2 for yourself by using the shuttle train at the basement.
• Tour program may be modified without pre-notification.
• The Space will be shared by the on-line reservations and new registrations by the rule of first come first served upon arrival.
• Korea immigration does not allow multi entry during one single trip to Korea.

Transit Tour Information Desk Location

• 1F Registration desk : <After immigration clearance> Between Exit 1 and 2, Desk number 19, 20
• 2F Information desk : Near immigration(East side)
• 3F Information desk : Near gate 25 and 29

• 1F Registration desk : <After immigration clearance> Near Exit 3, Next to Tourist information desk
• 2F Information desk : In the transfer gate, Near security check
• 3F Information desk : Near gate 231 and gate 268
• 4F Information desk : At the Free Transfer lounge

Q. How to sign up the tour?

All passengers including passenger booked by on-line must show up to main registration desk on the 1st floor with travel documents at latest 30 min before tour starts.

Q. In order to show up right time, what are important tips?

Please avoid transferring to the departure on the 3rd floor but rush to registration desk on the 1st floor. (after the immigration process)

Q. Does the wait-listed passenger still have good chance to join the tour?

The no-show seats pre-occupied by on-line reservation will be released 30 min before tour starts.

Q. How do I return to airport if I lost the group at last meeting place?

If passenger got lost because of the late show up to last meeting point, rush back to the airport not to miss the flight. And entire liability goes to the passenger.

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Options For Free Incheon Airport Transit Tours (2024)

Updated: Feb 14, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When planning a trip that includes a layover at Incheon International Airport , you were probably excited to learn about the free transit tours offered by the government. These tours offer a chance to explore Korea's history, culture, daily life, and even go shopping opportunities without too much time or effort on your part.

Right now the nearly dozen government-run transit tours range from short 1-hour jaunts to longer 5-hour excursions, giving you plenty of options to choose from, depending on your layover duration. With themes like entertainment, hands-on experiences, nature walks, and traditional Korean sites , there's an option for every interest, most of which are kid-friendly.

As you prepare for your trip, also keep in mind that you can only join one tour per layover, and you'll need a valid visa or an approved K-ETA to join a transit tour, regardless of your reservation status.

Korea Visa Information

About incheon airport transit tours, free cultural transit tours in seoul, free dmz transit tours from incheon, free tours for shopping in korea, paid layover tours from incheon airport, transportation and access, apply for a k-eta.

Before joining an Incheon Airport transit tour , you must have a valid visa or an approved K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), even if you make a reservation online. The good news is that there's a temporary exemption of K-ETA for travelers coming from 22 countries/regions between April 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, making a layover tour even easier for many visitors.

To apply for a K-ETA , follow these simple steps:

• Visit the K-ETA official website and create an account.
• Fill out the required personal information and travel details.
• Pay the processing fee (if applicable) and submit your application.
• Check your email for the K-ETA approval notification within 48 hours.

Remember that transit tours are subject to seasonal availability and run on set schedules, so make sure to check the eligibility criteria and any restrictions for your chosen tour. When planning for a shorter layover (under 4 hours), keep in mind the duration of the tour and the time it takes to get through customs at the airport.

Korea Transit Tour Overview

During your layover at Incheon Airport, tour offerings both within and away from the airport can give you a taste of Korean history, culture, and daily life. Available options include a short 4-hour Glimpse into North Korea Tour, as well as various full-day tours from Incheon Airport to Seoul.

To reserve a spot on a transit tour, you can visit the official transit tour website and pick out one that works for your schedule and sign up right then. Keep in mind that you will still have to complete the K-ETA process to enter Korea for these transit tours, so this does not take the place of a visa or K-ETA.

Also note that even if the booking system says that a tour is sold out, you can always just join the exact same tour when you arrive, as they allot less than half the available spaces to the online booking system. Each tour is covered in more detail below, as well as on the official site linked above.

Free Shuttle Bus

As part of the transit tour offering, Incheon Airport also provides a complimentary shuttle bus service for passengers. To board the free shuttle bus, simply show your tour reservation and ticket to the driver.

Remember to double-check the shuttle bus schedule and plan your tour accordingly to ensure you have enough time to enjoy your layover tour before returning to the airport. During your time outside the airport, please also make sure to explore responsibly and always follow local rules and regulations.

Gyeongbokgung & Insadong

Immerse yourself in Korea's rich history by visiting the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and the vibrant cultural district of Insadong. At Gyeongbokgung ( gung means palace, so the full name is technically just 'Gyeongbokgung'), marvel at the traditional architecture and witness the changing of the guards ceremony.

Surrounding the palace grounds, which are the largets in the country, the neighborhood of Insadong offers an authentic Korean experience filled with art galleries, tea houses, and traditional souvenir shops.

Hanji Experience Workshop & Sinpo Market

Get hands-on with the traditional Korean craft of Hanji , a unique type of paper made from mulberry bark, in a workshop where you can create your own souvenirs. Later, experience local flavors at Sinpo Market, known for its delicious Korean street food ; this option tends to be rather popular with kids.

Yonggungsa Temple

Especially beautiful in the spring and fall, discover the picturesque Yonggungsa Temple, nestled amongst the lush greenery and tranquil mountains surrounding the city. The temple grounds house a remarkable stone pagoda and large Buddha statues that are a must-see for any visitor, and certainly inspire return trips for many.

Jeondeungsa Temple

Alternately, visit Jeondeungsa Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple with over 1,000 years of history and arguably just as beautiful grounds to wander. This tour leaves time for visitors to appreciate the serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and discover the fascinating stories behind the temple's artifacts.

Hyundai Motor Studio & Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory

It may seem a bit random, but Korea's manufacturing sector is what pulled the country up out of poverty in the latter half of the twentieth century, so companies like Hyundai have been integral to Korea's economic growth.

Car enthusiasts in particular will enjoy a visit to Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, where you can learn about Hyundai's car manufacturing process and immerse yourself in the automotive industry's rapid advances. Finish the tour by taking in the city's panoramic views from Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory, particularly impressive around sunset.

Nuri Park & Dokgae Bridge (DMZ)

This DMZ tour takes you to the symbolic Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park and the colorful Dokgae Bridge, both representing the hope for peace and reunification between North and South Korea. The park is adorned with colorful flags and captivating sculptures, while the bridge is covered in ribbons inscribed with wishes for peace, and on sunny days you can even see into North Korea.

Third Tunnel & Dora Observatory (DMZ)

This is a different, more historical and battle-focused experience at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. This particular tour covers some of the strategy and realities faced by soldiers on both sides of the war.

It includes a visit to the Third Tunnel and the Dora Observatory, from where you can catch a glimpse of North Korea through binoculars, and a remarkable drive through the countryside to arrive at the DMZ.

Paradise City Art-tainment

Art and fashion lovers will enjoy visiting Paradise City Art-tainment, a complex that combines art and entertainment. It's not a venue as frequented by Seoulites, but you could easily pass an afternoon there exploring the various exhibitions, installations, and performances that blur the lines between reality and imagination.

Hongdae Street

This pick takes you to stroll through the bustling streets of the Hongdae neighborhood, named for the local arts university and known for its youthful energy, street art, and vibrant music scene. When you need a break from shopping, you can stop to savor delicious Korean food on the cheap and experience the dynamic culture in one of Seoul's most popular neighborhoods.

Hyundai Premium Outlet & Triple Street

This is the most straightforward shopping tour of all of the options. It allows you to indulge in some retail therapy at Hyundai Premium Outlet, with both luxury and affordable brands, and Triple Street, a trendy shopping complex with a unique mix of stores and cafes.

If none of the free transit tours from Incheon Airport interest you or fit your schedule, there are a number of paid tours you can reserve ahead of time. These are also better for larger groups (6 people or more), as some of them can be customized or even just chosen to fit everyone's tastes.

Viator Private Seoul Layover Tour

For those with DIY tastes, Viator offers a private layover tour to Seoul which includes a guide, transportation fpr the duration of your tour, and visits to top attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Namsangol Hanok Village.

Admission fees are included in the price of the tour, but if you want to go to any other stops nearby, you must coordinate it in advance. 

DMZ and Observatory Tour

Viator also offers a more intense but even more short DMZ tour with a trip to the famous tunnels dug by North Korea. It takes you to explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone more hands-on, though Viator also offers a version of the DMZ tour with a North Korean defector .

This particular DMZ tour takes you to several of the most important sites during the war, including the Third Tunnel and the Dora Observatory, though it does not take you to the JSA. Note that stops are also carefully regulated, so no schedule changes are permitted. 

Gondola DMZ Tour

Viator also offers a more family-friendly DMZ tour with a Gondola ride and a trip to the DMZ Museum rather than crawling around in the actual tunnels.

This particular tour of the DMZ also takes you an observatory in Paju, the town along the border, where you cna buy North Korean-made products and look at the DPRK through a telescope, though more bespoke DMZ tours are also available .

Private Seoul Tour w/ Meal

Somewhat comparable to the tour from Viator, GetYourGuide also offers a private layover tour from Incheon Airport that generally includes a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and a few nearby attractions. However this option includes a traditional Korean meal, and is generally more customizable than other options, meaning it can be tailored to your or the group's interests. 

Korean Folk Village Tour

Another option through GetYourGuide is the Korean Folk Village tour, which takes you to a living museum where you can experience traditional Korean life. This tour includes a visit to the museum's various exhibits and performances, and shows you a stark contrast to the many skyscrapers dotting the city. 

Seoul Metro (Slower)

If you're planning to strike out on your own for your layover, taking the Seoul Metro to the city center is your best bet. This is both because it's cheaper and because it won't be as affected by traffic as the other options, with the exception of the Airport Railroad (caught from the same place).

Both Terminal 1 (제1여객터미널) and Terminal 2 (제2여객터미널) at Incheon Airport have access to the metro lines, with Terminal one ever-so-slightly closer to the city. The travel time from the airport to Seoul is approximately an hour to an hour and a half, depending on where you're headed, and the time between trains is around 10-12 minutes.

Airport Railroad (Faster)

The Airport Railroad (AREX) is another convenient way to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport, though it's slightly more expensive than the regular metro. It has two types of trains: the express train and the all-stop train, both of which are still faster than the regular trains.

The express train directly connects the airport to Seoul Station, with a travel time of approximately 43 minutes, while the all-stop train stops at sevral stations and takes just under an hour to reach Seoul Station. Both types of trains can be boarded at boarding gates in Terminals 1 and 2, so buy your train or metro ticket carefully.

Airport Limousine (Slower)

You can also choose to take an Airport Limousine bus to reach your destination in Seoul, which is actually how I first went into the city when I moved to Korea. It sounds bougie, but they're not actually limos; they're nice buses which offer a comfortable ride to designated stops throughout the city.

The tickets are affordable and the stops include several popular tourist areas and major hotels. While the distance and travel time may vary depending on your destination, you can expect a journey of approximately 60 to 80 minutes unless there's traffic (I'd recommend taking the metro if you'll be leaving the airport between 4pm-6pm).

Taxi into Seoul (Expensive)

If you prefer a more direct and private mode of transportation, you can always take a taxi into Seoul. There are taxi stands located outside both terminals, and depending on the distance and traffic conditions, a taxi ride into the city can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

Keep in mind that this option is generally the most expensive among all methods of transportation from the airport, and many locals now exclusively use the Kakao Taxi app to call for rides, so some of the taxis may be claimed quickly. Just look for the red sign in the taxi window.

In addition to these transportation options, if you need to get between the terminals, there's a shuttle train service that operates from 4:45am to 11:30pm, with roughly 6 to 8 minutes between trains.

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Things to Do On a Layover at Incheon Airport (2024)

Last Updated: Feb 28, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 81 Comments

As a traveler, one of the most common dilemmas is an unplanned extended layover. It’s happened to me more than once, and what was supposed to be just a quick, hour-long stay turned into a 7-hour distressful wait. This is not what I want for you on your Seoul layover.

If you find yourself experiencing a layover at Incheon Airport, fret not, but be aware that you will need to fill out a K-ETA and Q-Code before arriving at Incheon Airport. You're still going to have a great time because there are tons of things to do in Incheon Airport to have fun while awaiting a flight.

Read on to learn how to make your layover in Incheon Airport a worthwhile experience!

Basics of Travel in South Korea

Before a layover in incheon airport (tips), what to do inside incheon airport, how to sleep at incheon airport on a layover, what to do on a layover in seoul.

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

If only visiting Korea on a layover, you only need the following two documents, in addition to your passport and boarding pass.

Visa or K-ETA : This is the document required by Korea for you to go through customs and/or leave the airport. If you visited Korea before September 2021, even if you didn't need a visa back then, you will need a K-ETA now.

Check the official site to sort out whether you need a Korean visa or K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). These are good for 2 years, and you must apply at least 72 hours before your departure.

Note that from April 2023 to December 2024, citizens of 22 countries will temporarily NOT need a K-ETA or visa to visit the Republic of Korea: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the UK, and the US (including Guam).

Q-Code : This is part of the covid tracking system Korea has implemented since the end of 2019. Even though they no longer require you to be vaccinated or take a covid test, they still want to be able track you down if you at some point do test positive for covid. You can fill this out when you arrive.

If you don't want to leave the airport on your layover, for example if your bags are checked on, you don't need either of these documents, though I'd recommend a K-ETA, regardless.

I'm sure that if you find yourself stuck in an airport after a long flight, the first thing that comes to mind is food. It's good then that Incheon Airport boasts a range of restaurants with affordable food you can try.

From fast food to local and traditional delights, you can find these stalls throughout the airport, and most of them are open 24 hours. Lounges also frequently offer one-day access to their buffet tables. 

If you're craving something a bit fancy, there are also a few restaurants which serve gourmet cuisine. For those in the mood for relaxation, passengers can visit any of the airport’s facilities without issue– and you'll be happily surprised to learn that this airport has features not seen in an ordinary airline terminal. 

Exciting activities to do in Incheon Airport include watching a movie in their CGV theater, touring the golf course, or gliding in their massive ice skating rink.

A layover at Incheon Airport may mean that you arrive in Incheon during the wee hours of the morning. Since the airport accommodates flights 24/7, it's pretty natural to expect that there are sleeping zones for weary travelers from around the world.

Within the terminals you can keep your eyes peeled for the designated Nap or Relax Zones to sit in their comfortable reclining chairs, padded benches, and even beds. 

All of this is free for transit passengers who aren’t rechecking bags in Seoul, a fact which often surprises visitors. Because this is Korea , generally these are quiet spaces which encapsulate you from the world. There’s plenty of space where you can park your things, especially on a weekday or during the day.

You needn’t worry about thieves, either, because Incheon Airport has a state-of-the-art security system. You can even safely take a shower after getting your much-needed sleep, though there is a time limit for shower use.

While the standard airport seats are quite comfortable for a short rest, some of you may need more privacy to rest optimally. Incheon Airport Transit Hotel is a good choice that provides a pleasant place you can use all to yourself. 

What they offer is a relatively spacious room with a comfortable bed and full amenities, right in the airport. If you feel like taking a long, heated bath to relax your muscles before slipping into bed, all of their rooms have a shower area which provides this comfort.

You can choose from a range of Korean, Western, and Chinese cuisine to be brought to your room whenever you get hungry, provided by their 24-hour service.

But if you’re on a tight budget or happen to just be getting off the airport metro station at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, Darakhyu Capsule Hotel provides a reasonable space you can sleep in, rented by the hour.

Each capsule is padded with a luxury mattress, and you can adjust the temperature according to your liking. Moreover, a hub next to the bed lets you conveniently charge all your gadgets while connecting your music to the capsule's surround-sound Bluetooth speaker.

Did you know that you can leave the terminal for awhile during a layover in Seoul? Incheon Airport offers this exciting deal for visitors where you can tour for up to 5 hours and witness some of Seoul’s most famous sights.

Just visit their website and choose what you wish to do before leaving on your trip. Recent tour options include stopping by the Songdo Hanok Village and the Triple Shopping Streets for some retail therapy. Please note that all tours are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 (except tours inside the airport).

Joining these tours also allows you to preview what it’s like to visit Seoul’s markets, with the goal of enticing you back for a longer trip to Korea. Here you can have the chance to interact with locals and get to know their way of life.

You can even purchase fascinating items like Hanji, a type of Korean traditional paper, or Dojang , a type of Korean traditional stamp, for any friends back home who might want a piece of Korean culture. 

If historical sights are more of your thing, you can visit two of Korea’s famous traditional palaces right in Insadong. What’s convenient about this particular perk to a Seoul Layover is that the tour shuttles leave and drop off at terminal registration desks, which saves you time in getting back to catch your connecting flight.

If you want to do things on your own, you might want to try a real Jimjilbang (Korean spa) experience relatively near Incheon Airport. Siloam Spa is located near the Seoul station and offers relaxing massage that instantly relieves you from fatigue.

Then you can ride the subway directly to Dongdaemun Design Plaza , a breathtaking architectural marvel designed by radical deconstructivist designer Zaha Hadid.

You should now have a good idea of what to do in and outside Incheon Airport if you're in Incheon Airport on a layover right now. I hope you will be able to try a few of these suggestions before you depart for your next destination.

Nevertheless, all of these are just a small portion of the experiences you could have on a Seoul layover— there are countless other places inside and outside of Seoul that provide even more rewarding experiences.

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November 23, 2022 at 9:08 pm

Can we go outside Incheon airport with a Canadian passport? I'm planning on wandering outside the airport after our transit tour.

November 25, 2022 at 11:38 am

Yes, you can go outside the airport, but you'll need a K-ETA before getting to Korea.

February 10, 2023 at 9:18 pm

Thanks for taking the time to write all this out & share updated info!

February 10, 2023 at 9:49 pm

My pleasure!

February 17, 2023 at 8:07 am

Do I need a visa to have 3 hours layover in Incheon airport? I am not planning to go out of the airport though. I only have short hours.

February 20, 2023 at 12:43 am

Nope! You won't need a visa or a K-ETA if only transiting and not re-checking bags.

March 01, 2023 at 4:45 pm

Hello! Can a Philippine passport holder apply for K-ETA and use for this transit tour?

March 02, 2023 at 12:23 am

No, unfortunately a Philippine passport holder will need to apply for a visa to avail of the transit tours.

March 10, 2023 at 3:21 am

If my bags are checked through to my final destination, can I still take a Transit Tour outside of the airport?

March 10, 2023 at 11:24 pm

Yes, but you will need to apply for a K-ETA a few weeks before your trip, and set up your Q-Code within 72 hours of your flight.

March 11, 2023 at 7:43 am

Hi, thanks for this guide. I'm flying to Cebu from Tokyo via Incheon airport with 9-hour layover using different airlines. I'm not planning to go out of the aiport while waiting for my next flight, will I need a transit visa or the K-ETA? Appreciate your confirmation. Thank you.

March 12, 2023 at 9:18 pm

Hi, Gie! Unfortunately you will need a K-ETA or transit visa ONLY IF yo have bags that need to be re-checked, since you'll be flying on different airlines. If you only have carry-ons, you're fine since you won't be exiting the terminal.

March 17, 2023 at 2:25 am

@Max, thanks a lot for the confirmation. So you mean even if I have different airlines for the connecting flights, I can still check in my next flight without visa as long as I don't have bags to check in which would require me to pass through immigration. Is that correct?

March 17, 2023 at 10:53 am

Yes, that is correct. You'll just show them your boarding pass to get on to your next flight and they'll wave you through the Q-Code line, which is before immigration. Just be sure to check in for your next flight before you leave, or do it as soon as you land and get on airport wifi, if need be.

Sam Purewall says

March 14, 2023 at 6:18 pm

I am traveling to Thailand from Canada with a layover at Incheon Airport for 2hours. I will have a checked in bag & backpack. I do not plan to leave the airport - do I need to apply for a visa or K-ETA?

March 14, 2023 at 9:15 pm

That's correct. As long as your bags are checked along to your final destination (you'll have to double-check with the airline), then you won't need to apply for a K-ETA or Q-Code.

March 18, 2023 at 11:31 pm

Hi, I and my wife are Indian citizens, traveling to the US on tourist visa. We have a 10 hour layover at Incheon airport. How can we go out and do some sightseeing during this time?

March 19, 2023 at 1:27 pm

I'd say you could spend 4 or so hours in the city and still get back on time for your flight; all you need to do is each apply for a K-ETA, which you can do now, and apply for a Q-Code within 72 hours of your flight to Korea. There are also some government-run tours available now, as of January!

March 20, 2023 at 7:35 pm

I'm travelling from phil by jin air and hve a 4 hrs layover in korea going to US. From incheon airport terminal 1 need to transit to terminal to for change plane, which is delta airlines. I have bags to recheck but not planning to outside the airport. Do i still nees K-eTa?

March 20, 2023 at 8:12 pm

Yes, unfortunately you'll need either a K-ETA or a transit visa, since you'll need to go through customs to recheck your bags & change terminals.

March 21, 2023 at 2:49 pm

We are Canadians transferring at Incheon airport. During the 15 hours layover, can we pass the customs/immigration and stay in a hotel nearby the airport without bringing our checked-in luggage with us because the luggage will be directly transferred or checked in to the flight to our destination? Thanks.

March 21, 2023 at 11:38 pm

Yes, you can leave through customs with a K-ETA applied for in advance, but unfortunately you'll have to double-check with the airline whether or not they'll check forward a bag for a layover of such a duration.

March 22, 2023 at 7:49 am

Hi, we are Filipinos and we have a flight from US to Philippines and we have a 13hr layover in Incheon. We are planning to go out and explore a little bit. Do we need a visa/K-ETA? Thanks btw for the information.

March 22, 2023 at 3:22 pm

No problem! But yes, to leave the airport & go through customs, you'll need a transit visa.

March 22, 2023 at 11:04 am

I'm Burmese citizen going to US by Korea Airline and have 10 hours layover time. Can I joint transit tour and what do I need to prepare? Any Visa need?

March 22, 2023 at 3:23 pm

Yes, you can join a tour, and just need to sign up ahead of time, but you will also need a transit visa.

March 23, 2023 at 6:37 am

@Max, Can I get transit visa on arrival? Or do I need to apply before? Thanks for your information.

March 23, 2023 at 2:17 pm

You'll need to apply beforehand! 🙂

March 26, 2023 at 10:18 pm

Please elaborate when you stated that "All of this is free for transit passengers who aren’t rechecking bags in Seoul". We are traveling from the US to the Philipines soon. We fly with one airlines, have an overnight layover in Incheon, then fly out with another airlines. Does that mean we have to recheck our bags, and if we do then does mean the airport amenities are not free? Thank in advance for your response.

March 27, 2023 at 12:30 am

Yes, you do have to re-check your bags if flying with two different airlines (assuming you have checked bags rather than only carry-ons). All of those amenities are still free for such passengers, but you won't likely get much use out of them, because if you need to re-check your bags then you won't be able to re-enter the airport terminals until at most 3 hours before your flight (when most desks will open for bag check). If you flew on two different airlines but DIDN'T have any bags to reclaim and re-check, then you could avail of the free nap zones regardless because you wouldn't need to go through customs to reclaim your bags.

Tuujuu says

March 28, 2023 at 12:45 pm

Hello! I am flying from Canada to Mongolia. I’m planning to go out and sightseeing while waiting for my next flight, will I need a transit Visa or the K-ETA? I am a Mongolian passport holder. Appreciate your help. Thank you.

March 28, 2023 at 6:35 pm

Yes, you will need one of those two-- you can visit the K-ETA site to see, but it looks like you will need a visa in order to leave the airport for a transit tour.

Katie Mac says

March 29, 2023 at 10:22 pm

I have a long layover in ICN (22 hours) and would love to leave the airport to do some sightseeing and shopping for make up and cosmetics. If I have one bag already checked to my final destination, can I check a new baggage when I come back from my shopping haul during my layover?

March 30, 2023 at 2:51 pm

That's more a question for your airline (even as to whether you can check a bag for such a long layover), but I suspect that if you have the ability to check two bgs, you can check a second one later on, before going through security.

March 31, 2023 at 10:11 am

I just saw where US citizens (and 21 other countries) are not required to get a K-ETA effective April 1, 2023. Is that correct?

April 02, 2023 at 12:35 am

Hi, Alan! Yes, this is a new and temporary policy, I think to help boost tourism post-covid. From April 2023 to December 2024, US citizens will temporarily not need a K-ETA in order to visit Korea. I'll update the post, thank you.

April 04, 2023 at 11:45 pm

a Philippine passport holder can avail this program? if yes, is visa needed?

April 05, 2023 at 7:28 pm

Yes you can, but yes, a visa is needed ahead of time.

April 17, 2023 at 12:19 am

To my understanding passengers with long layover can leave the airport without a visa?

April 17, 2023 at 12:42 pm

Only if you're from one of several countries for which they've temporarily suspended the need for K-ETAs: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam).

Jona Galandeynes says

April 13, 2023 at 2:02 pm

I have a Philippines passport and a US immigrant (green card) and I have a 10 hours layover can i go for a city tour? Do I need a Visa?

April 13, 2023 at 2:29 pm

Hi, Jona! You can go on a city tour, but unfortunately, you do also need to go to your nearest Korean consulate in the US to apply for a visa beforehand (as opposed to needing to go to the Philippines to apply).

April 14, 2023 at 3:41 pm

@Max, Thank you. Can I also apply when I'm in the Philippines? Do you know how much?

April 15, 2023 at 12:58 am

Yes, you can. It's actually free for Filipinos to get a South Korean tourist visa!

April 16, 2023 at 11:57 am

Hi! I will be travelling from the Philippines to NYC with a 2 hour lay-over in Incheon via Korean Airlines. My bags will be checked though, I just want to confirm, I do not need any visa right?

April 16, 2023 at 11:58 am

Correct, if your bags are checked-through then you don't need a visa, as you'll stay in the terminals the whole time.

April 16, 2023 at 8:35 pm

I have a US passport , and fly in to ICN as a standby passenger , but have lay over night to fly the next morning. I like to spend time excursion. When I tried to do K-ETA , they said that I don't have to , is it right.?

April 16, 2023 at 8:59 pm

Correct! Yeah, you no longer need a visa or K-ETA with an American passport, at least until the end of 2024.

April 17, 2023 at 12:23 am

What if I am holding Philippine passport and a US B1/B2 visa? Do we still need a visa? In 2018, I was grateful to be given a chance to visit Korea due to my long layover without a Korean visa but just by presenting my Filipino passport and a US B1/B2 visa.

April 17, 2023 at 12:56 pm

Yes, unforunately since covid they've changed their policy, including suspending the temporary visas for transit passengers to/from the US. If you're in the US, though, you can apply for a transit visa form th e US (wherever the nearest consulate is).

April 16, 2023 at 8:58 pm

Ive heard the terminal 1 Transit hotel is closed. Is it possible to go from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 for the transit Hotel there. My wife would need a Visa to enter Korea but we only have a 20 hr layover and no Visa for her.

April 16, 2023 at 9:02 pm

Yeah, it is temporarily closed, possibly until as late as August, but you may still be able to rent a room at the airport hotel. Unfortunately there's no way to go between the terminals unless you have a K-ETA or K-ETA Exemption/visa.

April 17, 2023 at 1:31 pm

Hi there! i'm traveling from Vietnam to the US and have a 8 hour layover in Incheon. I'd like to leave the airport and tour the city during my layover. It looks like I don't need a K-ETA visa, but it's recommended. So do i need a KETA or no? Also, any suggestions on what a family of four with two small children could do during the 8 hour layover?

April 17, 2023 at 9:28 pm

Hi, Kate! If you have US passposrts, nobody in your family needs a K-ETA or visa until 2025. I'd recommend joining one of the free city tours if you have little kids (organized transport & activities).

April 17, 2023 at 6:07 pm

if I come into ICN and not sure what terminal we will be in , and I like to RSVP for "Steet(Hongdae Street)" . is the 2 terminals is very far from each other if I end up pick the wrong one.

April 17, 2023 at 9:29 pm

Hi, Tana! The terminals are about 10 minutes apart, so not too hard to travel between the two.

May 02, 2023 at 6:11 pm

Flying from SFO to MLA thru Korean Airlines with layover in Incheon, can you direct me where is the Free Nap zone at airport Terminal 2? Thank you

May 04, 2023 at 10:24 am

Sure! Rather than describe it, here's a link to a map: https://www.airport.kr/ap/en/trn/trnServiceDetail.do?SN=1945

Enjoy your trip, Elena!

May 03, 2023 at 12:32 am

I am a US citizen planning to transit in Seoul for 21 hrs in August 2023. Are the city tours offered for transit passengers still running? Does anyone know a website with these details of these tour schedules?

May 04, 2023 at 10:28 am

Yes, the transit tours resumed rather recently, so there's not a ton of info available yet, and not all tours are available each day, but check out the options here: https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/trn/tour/trcose/trcose.do

Aileen says

May 14, 2023 at 8:47 pm

Thanks for all the useful info!

Me and my husband plus our 2 kids(9&4) will have an 11 hrs 40 mins layover this coming July at Incheon. Our plane will land at 5am. From what I see, the tour time we want to join in runs from 8am-1300. Our flight to USA is at 4:40pm. So we have like 3hrs 40mins remaining before the flight, will this be enough time to re-enter the airport etc. so we dont miss our flight? We will be on Korean Airlines Manila to Incheon to USA so I assume we do not need to recheck our bags (but I’m not 100% sure).

Another question. If we are going to do the transit tour, is there a place at the airport that we can leave our hand carry luggages? Where there be a fee? Thank you in advance! Appreciate it!

May 14, 2023 at 10:09 pm

You're very welcome! Yes, that should be plenty of time to get back to the airport and to the terminal, especially if you have your bags checked through. And yes, you can put your hand-carry in the luggage storage, but there is a fee depending on the volume and length of storage; there are a couple of options in the Incheon arrival terminal.

May 21, 2023 at 1:18 pm

Hello, I've been searching hours through countless websites, I hope you can help me. I am a Philippine passport holder flying to Canada with student visa permit and I will have a long lay-over in Seoul ICN. (Less than 24 hours) I booked two separate flights that means I need to claim my baggage. Do I need a visa just to claim my baggage even If I do not have plans to go out if the airport.

May 21, 2023 at 3:11 pm

Unfortunately, from everything that people have told me from their experiences, that does mean that you'll need to apply for a transit visa from your local Korean consulate. You can look into the K-ETA and see if there's a visa/green card section, but everyone who's commented back said that they were unable to just get into the country with only a visa or green card from a K-ETA-exempt country like Canada.

June 01, 2023 at 11:00 pm

For clarifications. As a Philippines passport holder, I can go out without a tourist Visa? If it's only for a few hours? I just need to fill-out K-ETA? Sorry for all the questions. Thank you in advance.

June 01, 2023 at 11:14 pm

No, unfortunately Philippines passport holders cannot apply for a K-ETA and still need to acquire a transit visa for Korea, even if it's for a short layover.

Meghan says

June 18, 2023 at 7:40 am

hi! i have a long layover and wanted to explore. What should i write on my arrival card for address since i’m only going out to explore? also was it easy going back in to the airport after going out??

Thank you so much 🙂

June 19, 2023 at 2:51 pm

Whenever I have a layover in Seoul, I find a reputable hotel and use their address and phone number. If you have a super long layover and they ask why you ‘booked a hotel,’ just tell them you wanted somewhere to rest. They really won’t question you further, and in over half a dozen layovers at INC, I've never had them ask to see my booking.

And it's generally quite easy going back into the terminal after exploring on a long layover in Incheon, but keep in mind that you'll need at least 2 hours and for some places 3 hours for the roundtrip from Incheon Airport to Seoul proper, plus arriving back at the airport another hour or two before your flight (whether re-checking a bag or not). So I'd recommend having at least a 6-hour layover if you're going to leave the airport, or if the timing lines up, joining a government-run tour for a 4-5 hour layover (since they provide the transport).

Enjoy your trip!!

Gregg H says

July 31, 2023 at 8:10 pm

I have a 14-hour layover and want to visit the Skygarden and Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul. One question I haven't seen asked is what to do with luggage. Delta will not hold by bags for that long. Are there lockers for rent at the airport? What options do I have? Thank you.

August 01, 2023 at 3:01 pm

Yes, there's a luggage holding/storage company in the arrivals section of both terminals; they charge by the hour, so you can keep your stuff there as long as you need. I'll add that info to the post, thank you.

August 01, 2023 at 4:29 pm

@Max, thank you for the quick response. Good to know that there are lockers at the airport. I later saw that there were Bounce locations near Seoul Station (plus lots of other places) and I was prepared to haul my luggage on the train into town.

August 09, 2023 at 5:23 pm

Hello, I am a Philippine passport holder but a Permanent resident of Canada. I have two connecting flights. From Calgary to Vancouver, Vancouver to Incheon, then Incheon to Manila. There is a 14-hour layover in Incheon and I am planning to explore Seoul during the layover. Do I fall on transit tourist traveling to a third country without a visa or I still need to apply for a tourist visa? Thank you in advance.

August 10, 2023 at 2:17 pm

Hi, Tyn. So from my research, you kind of fall under both-- you'd be eligible for a B2 visa as a permanent resident of Canada, but I'm not exactly sure how you can apply for the visa or if it's automatic upon arrival. Check out this official page for more info.

August 13, 2023 at 9:57 pm

Hi, I have a 15-hour layover from 05:40 to 20:40. Does it take long to check back to Incheon airport? Also, how much time would I have to travel to Seoul?

August 14, 2023 at 2:05 pm

I would leave AT LEAST an hour each way to get to/from Seoul, and a safe buffer is 3 hours early to your flight (in case the return tot he airport hits any snags), so since your layover is during the daytime, you should have 9 or 10 hours to enjoy the city. It's pretty straightforward to check back in at Incheon, but lines can be quite long on weekend evenings, so I may even leave a 3.5 hours buffer for arriving back to the airport before your flight, as traveling around Seoul at rush hour (4pm-6pm) will be its own kind of busy. Definitely leave your bags at the airport lockers (paid), if you have big bags!

February 19, 2024 at 2:43 am

HELLO. I AM FLYING BACK TO US WITH A 15 HR LAYOVER IN INCHEON. FIRST, U STILL OFFER FREE TOURS OUTSIDE OF THE AIRPORT? SECOND, ACCORDING TO THE POST, IF I AM FROM US, FROM APRIL 2023-DEC 2024- I WON'T NEED A K-ETA TO GO OUTSIDE RIGHT? LASTLY, Q CODE AND K-ETA ACCESSIBLE ONLINE TO APPLY 72 HRS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL

ONE MORE THING, WHERE DO I SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TOURS OFFERED?

February 22, 2024 at 1:12 pm

Hi, yes you will be able to visit Korea without issue using a US passport before the end of 2024, and there are still free tours outside the airport for layover visitors; you can read more about those in this article .

Kirsten Li says

February 21, 2024 at 4:23 am

Hi, I hold a Chinese passport and fly from Vancouver to Hong Kong via Seoul. I have 15h stopover, so if I wanna go out and have some sightseeings (not the day tour provided by the airport), do I need a K-ETA? Thank you!

February 22, 2024 at 1:13 pm

Kirsten, yes you would need a K-ETA to exit the airport, and possibly a tourist visa.

February 21, 2024 at 9:01 pm

I'm a Philippine passport holder and will have a layover from Vancouver to Incheon and then from Incheon to Manila. I need to re-check my baggage at Incheon but I am not planning to leave the airport. My flight is on the same terminal. Do I need to have a visa?

February 22, 2024 at 1:15 pm

From what the Korean consulate told me, yes you will need a visa to go through security to re-check your bags.

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Seoul Layover Tour from Incheon airport

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• Reviews (10)

Tour Description

Seoul layover tour.

• Private Seoul Layover
• Pick-up & drop-off from Incheon airport included
• Enjoy Seoul’s best highlights and discover the most famous Modern and traditional landmarks
• Try unique Korean dishes or street food made in Korea

Minimum travelers 1      Duration  1 Day

* The tour duration will be adjusted depending on your flight time.

You’re having a layover in Incheon and would you like to visit Seoul? Then this is the perfect layover to discover or rediscover the amazing capital of South Korea. This one-day Seoul layover tour is one of our most popular tours! The itinerary can be changed depending on the flight time, so please contact us first. We will customize the best itinerary for you!

Description

Our tour guide will meet you at Incheon airport first. After a 1 hour drive, we will arrive in Seoul, a city with modern and traditional culture. We will see the  Royal Guard Changing Ceremony in front of the palace .  During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guards performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place and its record has been consulted for the present reenactment ceremony.  The reenactment of the original ceremony began in 1996 and it catches the eyes of passersby, especially foreign tourists, when guardsmen perform the changing of guards in traditional costumes at the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in downtown Seoul, so you can experience this traditional event in Seoul every day except Tuesday. After the 20mins ceremony, we go ahead to see the beautiful palace. Built in  1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because its location is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the largest of all five palaces, with beautiful buildings such as Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong Pavilions which are both on top of ponds.

*Royal Guard Changing Ceremony & Gyeongbokgung Palace are closed on Tuesday. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace instead.

Walk along the  Bukchon Hanok Village , which   sits between the two palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung, and Changdeokgung, as well as the Jongmyo Shrine. Unlike other Hanok villages, Bukchon was not created for tourists but is actually a living village inhabited by Seoulites. The village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called ‘Hanok’ that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Today, many of these Hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, or tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture.

You can choose to have lunch in a restaurant or local market after a half-day tour, or just skip the lunch and visit Insa-dong . Insa-dong is located in the heart of the city is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, traditional tea houses, and cafes.

Have a relaxing and peaceful time at Jogyesa Temple , which is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is also famous for being located in the city. The first thing you will see at the temple are the trees since these locust trees and Baeksong trees are about 500 years old. It’s stated that the main temple was built in 1938, and it is particularly beautiful with all the different colors painted on it, and inside the building is the statue of Seokgamoni.

This is a 7-8 hour private tour that includes a 2 hours round-trip transfer between Seoul city & Incheon airport. The tour itinerary and attractions can be changed depending on your flight time. You can contact us before you make the reservation if you need a custom private tour.

Seoul Layover Tour – Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

Seoul Layover Tour – Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul Layover Tour – Bukchon Hanok Village

Read our ”Seoul Layover Tour” Blog:

Seoul Layover Tour | Info Sheet,Tour Offers and Reviews!

• English speaking driver-guide
• Private transport with Incheon airport Pick-up & Drop-off
• Car parking fee, toll fee
• Admission fees as itinerary
• Meals, drinks
• Observatory tickets of N Seoul Tower (Optional)
• Cable car tickets of N Seoul Tower (Optional)
• Gratuities (optional)
• The tour duration and itinerary can be changed depending on your flight time.
• It takes around one hour for one way transfer between Incheon airport and Seoul city.
• This is a private tour with private transport, you will not be joined by other travelers.
• Incheon Airport Pick up
• The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony & Gyeongbokgung Palace (Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesday)
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Jogyesa Temple
• Drop off at Incheon Airport

10 reviews for Seoul Layover Tour from Incheon airport

Lauren – November 13, 2022

This tour was great! My mom and I got in at 5am and when we arrived, I already had a message from our tour guide, Eric, telling us he was here and was waiting whenever we were ready. After a quick change of clothes, we met Eric. Since the currency exchange wasn’t open until 6:30am, Eric waited until we were set and then took off for Seoul. On the way, Eric was amazing telling us all about the history and cultural aspects of Korea. We arrived at the palace and Eric took care of everything, walking us through the palace and giving us our own personal tour. After the palace, we went exploring. I love how I was able to tailor the tour to what we wanted to do. Eric was also available to translate for us at the market, but also asked if we wanted to explore on our own and we met at a certain time. We were able to do everything we wanted in an eight hour tour. I highly recommend this tour!

Leelee152 – July 21, 2019

The airport layover tour is fabulous! Our tour guide Jay was waiting for us when we arrived and worked hard to make sure we had a wonderful time. He was attentive to the slightest detail and we had a great time! The tour is flexible so that you can see what you want to and gives you a great experience in Seoul. Highly recommended!

gil b – June 8, 2019

We took a late afternoon-evening tour with Andrew from Onedaykorea tout tumkr. We had a wonderfull time. Espacially recommended the Didi Hadid building.

Kumpet4 – May 30, 2019

We ( My daughter, sister and I) had 8 Hr layover tour in Seoul on 5/10/2019. I contacted Yan Wong ( One Day Korea agent) and told her what I wanted to do in Seoul and she presented me with a wonderful itenerary. Yan Wong is a wonderful agent, very helpful, friendly, she responded very quickly and she gave me confidence that I made the right choice by choosing One Day Korea. We did Gyeongbokgung Palace, Buckchon Hanok Village , Seoul Tower, Pass by the Presidential Blue House and Gwangjang Market. We LOVE everything we did and we had A WONDERFUL time! Our guide Justin Is AWESOME! We LOVE Justin cause he made us feel save ( so protective ) comfortable, has so much knowledge, friendly, helpful and a good photographer. I would recommend One Day Korea to everybody. This Travel agent is so reliable, trustworthy and the most important they make you feel “ Save”.

Kim E – April 7, 2019

I have used this company 2 times in the past 2 years for a tour day during a layover in Seoul with both my daughter and husband. We had the best experiences both days, and saw so much in a day on both trips. The guides are kind, courteous and very knowledgeable about the history and culture of Korea, including the Korean War, and made the day so worthwhile and memorable. They will also tailor a trip to your group’s interests, age and timeframes. Thank you for 2 great trips and the lovely photos!

jairomed – April 8, 2018

This was a great tour to get to know the best of Seoul in one day. We had 12 hours layover and we chose to take this tour given the flexibility with the time and the fact they can customize the tour to your interests. We ended up taking the 6 hour tour to account for transportation from the aiport and back. Our tour guide was Jay, very knowledgeable and very nice all around person. He was very flexible with the schedule; and was very realistic with what we could accomplish during the tour. We ended up very happy with what we did and were able to have a taste of Korean culture for a day. The choice for restaurant was spot on, with great food, fast service and traditional, very tasty Korean food.

derm_traveller – February 20, 2017

We had 24 hours in Seoul because of airport connections, and wanted to maximize our time. We had Jonathan take us around the city. Saw the high spots (literally the Seoul Tower) as well as markets, temples and old neighborhoods. Other than being 20 degrees F (it was winter) and windy, it was a great day.

Eitan P – November 1, 2016

My friend and I had a one day layover in Seoul. Our One Day Korea guide, Smith, provided us with a great tour of the city and was extremely knowledgeable about the city sites and history. It would not have been possible to pack in so many sites without the tour service. I would recommend One Day Korea to others traveling in Korea.

Ed N – June 30, 2016

Our guide, Bryan, who spoke very good English, worked very hard to meet our needs and requests. Our driving was filled with cultural exchange conversation . . . nice! He got us to and from the Incheon cruise port on time into Seoul which is critical to cruise touring . . . can’t miss that ship. He also accommodated our request to recommend a very good local food for lunch which was excellent. We sadly got rained out for the Palace and Changing of the Guard (obviously not his fault), but we visited National Museum as backup which was a stellar facility. I do not want to leave out the office folks (Yan) who worked out the advance touring details with great experience and expertise well before our actual visit. Yan made this easy for us too! I do not say this often, but would give this company a 6 over a 5 if that was an option.

Tara – December 2, 2015

We only had about 8 hours in Seoul and one day Korea helped us to make the most of it. Terry was picked up right on time by the van and we had a good range of cultural visits in Seoul, we will never forget this trip. Highly recommended.

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• Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays, we will visit Changdeokgung Palace instead.
• The Royal guard changing ceremony may be canceled due to bad weather.
• You can take the cable car to the N Seoul Tower, but it depends on you. We usually take our car to the top of the tower instead of using the cable car or walking.
• Adults & children pay the same price. Infants under age 3 are free of charge without a seat.
• This is a private tour and private transport, other travelers will not join together.
• Please let us know if you will carry the luggage during the tour before booking.
• The tour duration and itinerary can be changed depends on your flight time.
• We will send you a voucher and meeting point information once your booking confirmed.
• All payment will not be refunded for any cancellation or adjustment related to personal reasons, circumstances of tourist attractions, traffic or weather past 24 hours before the tour start.
• Tour can be automatically canceled and get no refund if you are late for more than 1 hour without any notices.
• The itinerary can be adjusted and the facilities and attractions can be suspended depending on the circumstances of the tourist attractions, such as weather or traffic without any prior notices.
• If you arrive late for the designated tour time or appear at the wrong place, the lost time is not supplemented to the total tour time.
• Please note that there may be traffic jams during weekends, holidays or travel high seasons. In these cases, there will be no additional charge.
• Itinerary can be changed upon driver/guide agreement to the guest’s proposal, in this case, additional car parking fees will be added.
• If you request to extend your tour time (Not related to traffic), we will charge an additional cost.
• OnedayKorea will not be responsible for any injury, illness, damage, loss accident, or expense including their consequential loss or economic loss which are caused by whatever sports or activities.

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Incheon Airport Transit Tour

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How to Spend 12 Hours in Seoul on Long Layover

Posted By: theweekendjetsetter January 17, 2020

When I went to the Philippines , my ultra-cheap flight came with a 15-hour layover in Seoul, South Korea. At first I thought, no big deal. I can entertain myself for one day anywhere, right? But then I found out that Seoul is literally the best place one could ever schedule a long layover. Here’s why a 12 hours layover in Seoul went above and beyond my expectations.

Why Plan a Layover in Seoul: Because Incheon Airport is Amazing

Incheon Airport is one of the nicest airports I’ve ever been to. Not only do they have tons of great shops and restaurants (hello Taco Bell… Kidding. Kind of… true story, I ate Taco Bell in Korea), but they offer tons of other amenities as well, including…

• A “Rest & Relax” area complete with comfy lounge chairs and couches for napping
• A hotel that can be rented for as short as 6 hours if you really need to crash
• Golf course
• Ice skating rink (yes, seriously)
• Indoor gardens
• Museum of Korean culture

You could spend an entire 15-hour layover at Incheon Airport. However, I only decided to spend about 3 hours of my layover there, leaving 12 hours in Seoul. First things first? The Rest & Relax area. I had flown overnight from Manila and wasn’t quite ready to wake up yet!

12 Hours in Seoul: Free Tours of Seoul for Layover Travelers

The absolute best thing about a layover in Seoul? The free city tours, aka “Transit Tours,” provided by the airport. At absolutely NO COST, you can take a tour that fits into your schedule (from 1 to 6 hours) and see a bit of the area before boarding your next flight. They provide transportation and a guide.

When you arrive, simply find the info desk for Transit Tours and look up the next convenient time. You’ll have to meet the guide there and they’ll help you exit the airport (note: you’ll have to go through customs). You can also email them at [email protected] to make reservations in advance, although we didn’t need one.

The first stop was Gyeongbok Palace or Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace that was built in 1395. It’s known as one of the most beautiful palaces of the Joseon dynasty (there are five) and served as the home for the kings of the dynasty and the government. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a changing of the guards ceremony.

Next, the bus took us to Insadong Street, a famous shopping street in Seoul, for lunch. We ate a typical Korean lunch with fellow tour attendees.

After lunch, the tour was headed back to the airport. But with a few hours still left before our flight, we asked the guide if it was OK if we stayed behind and took public transit for our return. No problem!

12 Hours in Seoul: Refuel at the Cat Cafe

I’ve been intrigued by the idea of cat cafes for a long time. A former kitty owner myself (RIP Misty, my childhood pet), I love cats so of course I couldn’t resist when we stumbled upon one on Insadong Street after lunch.

These cafes ask you to pay for a coffee in exchange for your time with the cats. Caffeine and cats… what more could one want?

The cats were either very friendly and playful, or asleep. Seems like a pretty good gig to me.

The cafe is filled with toys to engage your new furry friends with. All in all it was quite an entertaining way to kill an hour and refuel for more city exploring.

12 Hours in Seoul: Street Eats at Gwangjang Market

One of the most famous sights in Seoul is the Gwangjang Market, a traditional Korean street market is filled with vendors selling everything from textiles and linens to handmade crafts but is most known for its food stands. It’s one of the oldest markets in South Korea and a must-visit for foodies during a layover in Seoul.

If you know me, you’ll know I was there for the food even though I’d just eaten lunch.

I’m not going to pretend that spending 30 minutes here turned me into a Korean food expert, but these dumplings were yummy. If I wasn’t facing an 11-hour flight back to the U.S. shortly, I would have been a little more adventurous. Either way, Gwangjang Market was a fun place to explore for a bit during our 12 hours in Seoul!

12 Hours in Seoul: Walk Along Cheonggyecheon Stream

After eating a double lunch, it was time for some exercise so we decided to walk from Gwangjang Market to the train station where we’d catch a ride back to the airport. It turned out to be quite a hike and took us about an hour. If you’re not up for a long walk, subway and taxi options are also available.

I love seeing how different cities build unique public spaces for people to escape from the hustle and bustle for a moment and  almost (key word: almost) feel like you’re somewhere lovely. In Seoul, it’s the Cheonggyecheon Stream, an 11 km (about 7 miles) walk that’s popular with both locals and tourists. It’s actually located  below much of the city.

It was a nice place to stretch our legs before the long haul back to Chicago.

Oh, and getting back to the airport was quite the adventure. We couldn’t figure out how to add money to our train cards, but luckily a nice man helped us when he saw us struggling. I’d recommend figuring this out right away when you ditch your tour bus back to the airport to avoid our last minute panic 🙂

Suggested Further Reading if You Have a Seoul Layover Planned

• Seoul: A Travel Guide for Your Perfect Seoul Adventure (written by a local – and it’s only $2.99 for the Kindle edition!)
• Seoul City Subway Tour: Complete Guide to Getting Around Seoul’s Top Attractions by Just Taking the Subway (a good idea to read if you don’t plan on returning to the airport with the bus – plus the Kindle edition is just $3.95)
• Top 10 Seoul (A little more expensive at $7.99, but this guide gets straight to the point on Seoul’s top 10 attractions for time-crunched travelers)
• Got another question? Join the Weekend Jetsetters community on Facebook to ask fellow travelers (including me!) and get a quick response.

Disclosure: the above links are affiliate links. 

Subscribe to The Weekend Jetsetter — You’ll Instantly Get a Free 22-Page eBook of My Top Travel Tips!

79 comments on "how to spend 12 hours in seoul on long layover".

This sounds ah-ma-zing!! We are traveling to US via Korea in September. May I ask firstly where you kept your luggage whilst exploring and secondly did you need any type of Visa to leave Seoul airport? Loved your blog, fantastic tips we will definately be doing!! -Nicolle

Hi Nicolle, thanks so much! There was a place to leave your luggage in the airport. I don’t remember the exact location, but there were signs (and an information desk). Hope you have a great trip!

I love your blog!

I have a clarification though, for a 15-hr layover, as it’s with the same airline, i don’t have to worry about my checked-in luggage as i won’t see that until i get to the US, right? (I’m traveling from Manila) .. i plan to just bring a purse as my carry-on bag as i want to roam around Seoul without having to worry about my bags.

Thanks! No, they should keep your luggage checked. If you need to check something, there is also a place to store luggage at the airport.

Thank you for responding! You are amazing. I am a fan. 🙂

I just have one more question. How much Korean Won should i prepare to make sure i will be able to eat and perhaps buy a simple remembrance of my short visit to Seoul? I don’t think i will be going back any time soon so i don’t want to have too much Korean Won. How much did you spend during your 12-hr layover including the commute to the airport? (If you don’t mind me asking) thanks!

This is so helpful! I was hesitant about 14 hour layover in Korea! I am so excited now that I can have this great opportunity to explore this country in such a short time!

Glad to help!

Thank God I stumbled upon this amazing blog! I have a 13-hour layover in Incheon, Seoul Korea this coming March and I’m traveling alone. I am so excited and anxious at the same time. Questions like, is the “Transit Tour” really legit and FREE? Can I do it alone? How much Korean won do I need to have exchanged? What documents do I bring when I leave the airport? hehehe I’m just worried I don’t get back to the airport in time for my flight to the US.

Hi Samantha, Yes, the transit tour is legit! Especially if you have a 13-hour layover – you can safely take the longest tour. When you get off the plane, just look for signs/brochures that detail where and when to meet for the tour at information. You’ll definitely need your passport. It also depends on where you’re traveling from (as Americans we didn’t need a visa or anything). I can’t remember exactly how much money I brought, but all you really *need* is money for lunch. Any extra is for shopping, etc. as the tour is free.

I am glad that I found this blog post! I am having a 13-hour layover this coming May and this just gave me an idea! I was wondering if you paid cash while taking the bus? or should i buy a bus ticket/pass somewhere? I am traveling by myself so I just wanted to be prepared while strolling around the city. Thanks!

Hi Jade! The bus tour of the city was free and you can sign up when you arrive at the airport (Transit Tour). The only money I needed was for lunch. We also ended up taking the train back instead of the bus as we wanted to stay in the city longer, so if you’re planning to do that, I’d bring a little extra. Unfortunately I can’t remember exactly how much money I spent, but it wasn’t anything crazy. Maybe the equivalent of $30 USD on lunch, train, and a cat cafe?

Hello. Great blog. I will be in this airport in a couple of days. From Seoul I head to Vancouver so just an 11 hour lay over. Thinking my luggage will be checked so would like to take in all the great things inside the airport! Where are all these services in relation to my arrival and then departure? Also reading security lines long and slow do would think best to get in line early? Also lots of English going on in this airport? Thanks for your help

Hi Shelley,

Thanks! We didn’t have any trouble finding people who spoke English. We arrived back at the airport two hours before our flight, leaving plenty of time to get back through security. When you land, you should be able to find signs pointing out all the airport’s amenities, or ask at the info desk. Have a great trip!

Thank you for sharing your experience! I wanted to ask, my layover is in on my way to the Philippines and I have about 2 checked-in luggages, do I check them all out? How will I deal with it? Obviously, I only plan to carry one purse with me while on the tour. Please advise! I appreciate your help!

If your bags are checked, you won’t need to remove them from checked during your layover. Have a great trip!!

Thank you! Please keep on posting your amazing trips!

Will do! Thanks for reading!

Thanks for the article, always happy to read you!

Hi! I am thinking about taking the free tour but I will be arriving in Korea at around 7 pm. Do you know if they have night tours? I have a 17 hour layover and wouldn’t mind looking around a little at night.

Hi Michelle, I’m not sure if they have night tours (I don’t think so) but you can also take the train into the city on your own. Just double check schedules to make sure you’ll be able to get back if you planned to sleep at the airport!

Wow thank you for this amazing blog post! I have a 12 hour layover in Seoul tomorrow and this is exactly what I was looking for to help me make the most of the time there. I love the information you gave on booking a transit tour and exploring the city – that is so awesome! Thank you so much I am so excited (versus dreading) this layover now! 🙂

Hope you were able to enjoy the layover, Julia! Thanks for reading!

thank you for this blog! Is the transit tour offered even in late afternoon? My flight has an overnight layover, but might just stay in the “hotel” airport for few hours as my flight leaves at 8am.

Hi Chrissy, I’m not 100% sure, you can check when you get there though! If you’re planning to stay in the hotel, try and reserve in advance. We tried that and it was sold out when we arrived for our layover!

I’m going to take one of the free tours and wanted to know when we get back, do we have to go through customs, immigration, and security? Also, my plane leaves at 5:30 pm and my tour gets back at 3:00. Do I have enough time to get back to my gate? Thanks

Hi Peter, yes you’ll have to go through immigration on the way out (the tour guide will show you how to get there and meet you on the other side). Then, when you get back, you need to go through security again. I would think 2.5 hours would be plenty of time!

what if I plan to buy some skincare while on transit? Will I be able to carry that with me when I go back to the airport? Since I will only have my carry on luggage and usually they do not allow liquids from outside. Is there a way to shop in seoul and bring it to the airport?

Hi Yoongi, I’m not sure if you would be able to check an additional bag on your way back into the airport. You should check with your airline. Have a good trip!

hi! I wanted to ask for your advice. I will be lay overing for my manila to London flight. but I’m worried about my checked luggage. will my checked luggage have to go with me when I go out of the airport? I am booked with Asiana. I just wanted to ask about your experience regarding this as I have never done a layover. Thanks!

Hi Stephanie, I did not have to retrieve my checked luggage during the layover.

Hi! Thanks for sharing your layover experience. I’ll be having our 13 hour layover with my daughter after our vacation in Manila ( How was that experience for you?). I was wondering how much you’ve spent and if we needed some Wons but I’ve seen your replies to the others. We’ve been to Korea before but my daughter has been so young back then and this would be a great opportunity for her to experience Korea again even if its for a short while.

Thank for reading, Ida! I didn’t spend any time in Manila except for the taxi ride between airport terminals. My only memory from that was a LOT of traffic. Hope you enjoy it!

Hi! i’m having a layover in Korea on my way back to manila from San Francisco. But my layover is from 530pm to 8am. Do they have tours at that time?

Unfortunately I don’t think they have tours at night, but you could always take the train into Seoul if you wanted to explore these sites on your own!

HI, DO I NEED ANY TYPE OF VISA OR PERMISSION TO RE-ENTRY THE SEOUL AIRPORT ?

Hi Erika, All normal entry/visa requirements apply. After signing up for the tour, you will go through customs on your own and meet the guide outside. Since I’m from the US, I didn’t need a visa but I recommend you check the requirements before you go.

no visa needed for passengers w/ layover and wishes to tour around outside?

All normal entry/visa requirements apply. After signing up for the tour, you will go through customs on your own and meet the guide outside. Since I’m from the US, I didn’t need a visa but I recommend you check the requirements before you go.

After having such a great time during our long layover in Seoul, I think it d be nearly impossible to convince me to fly through Tokyo or Beijing ever again.

Hi! You’re the coolest for posting this. I never knew about this before and now, the 14-hour layover in ICN doesn’t sound so bad after all. But, question– so I’m trying to get a round trip flight from JFK-MNL in the morning since I figured, it’ll be best to do a free day transit tour in Korea, but is there a place in the airport to shower and get yourself camera ready before the tour? Thanks. I would really appreciate your response!

There is a hotel where you can rent rooms by the day/hour, so if there’s availability when you arrive (or book in advance) that should be good!

Our layover will be from 4 PM until 9 AM the next day. Do you happen to know what the transit tour hours of operations are, or whether it’s 24/7? Thanks! Great info, BTW, very helpful blog!!

I actually emailed the Korea Transit Tour customer service and unfortunately, the tour only lasts until 3p.

This is the response I got from them, “Thank you for your e-mail.

I’m sorry to inform you that our last tour departs at 15:00, and we don’t provide a night tour. If your arrival time is later than 14:00, it would be difficult to join our tour.

We have free shower and transfer lounge on the 4th floor. Please visit information desk if you can not find it.

Every tour starts from airport and finish at Incheon Airport.

For the reservation

We have an on-line reservation system. You can make a reservation on the website as below; http://www.cyberairport.kr/pa/en/t/2/3/5/index.jsp ”

Hope this helps!

Hi Mien, Thank you! I don’t think they offer tours at night, but if you’re feeling adventurous you could take the train to the city, or just explore around Incheon on your own (there is an interesting temple, I believe).

Hi, I am traveling to Vancouver in a few moths and I am planning to take a flight layover at Inchon for about 12 hrs.. and have some sight seeing tour around Inchon. What are the requirements needed for me to avail of the free trips and to have a safe pass in and out of the airport?

hi, I am traveling to Vancouver few days from now and I am selecting KAL flight and get a 12 hour layover. What are the requirements needed for me to get a free trip around Inchon and a safe pass in and out of Inchon Airport?

Hi, what airline did you fly with? Also, how did you find a cheap flight with a long layover in Korea? I am going to the Philippines next year and I would love to know!

We flew with Asiana. And found the deal via Orbitz’s email newsletter!

Hi do you need visa for the free tour?

Thanks for the info. Im going to need your expert advise on a 12 hr layover from 10pm-9am in December. We are an adventurous family of 5. Any tips on exploring Seoul at night on our own during the holiday season? Best place to go and how to get there? Is there an uber? Thanks!! Soo excited…

Hi Tin – I spent my night in the airport so unfortunately I’m not sure about things to do. I have heard that there are some night markets and restaurants/bars open late (duh!). There was a train to/from the airport that was pretty quick, and Uber is also available. You might also want to consider checking out the city of Incheon, which is much closer to the airport than Seoul.

I found your info to be very helpful and it somehow eased by worry about travelling to Korea for the first time. I, too, have a 15 hour layover to Incheon but unlike yours, I arrive at 5pm on Oct. 27. I was wondering whether it’s easy to take the train instead of taxi going to Seoul. I plan on going to Namsan Tower and The Coffee Prince Cafe in Hongdae. i just want to know about your experience with their train system.

I took the train back to the airport and it was very efficient! It was a little hard to figure out the machines and signs in Korean, but some nice people helped me out 🙂

Thanks for the information, I have a question! I have a 10 hour layover, do you think this is still doable??

They have some tours that are as little as 2 hours, so if you are there while tours are happening, yes!

Informative and useful input . I just hope travellers read similar questions before posting. Also would help if we get feedback from travellers as it wil surely be helpful. Thank you for your infos. I feel better having to save tons of $$$ from my cheap ticket and no more frowning face due to long layover. Now long lay over will be like having a free tour to another country aside from my destination. GREAT!!!

I could still do the tour even if I only have Philippine passport?

Thank you so much for all of this information. I am shopping for a plane ticket to visit family in Asia, and the cheapest ticket had a 23 hour layover in Seoul. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to see the city or anything during the layover. After reading your travel entries, I feel confident that I can have my cake and eat it too! I am really looking forward to taking a mini-tour in Seoul. The fact that the airport runs it makes me feel comfortable I can get back TO the airport! So I went ahead and booked the ticket. Thanks!

This article is great information. I am traveling and purposely chose a long layover in Korea to explore for a bit. When coming back to the airport, how long does it take with customs and etc. to get back to the gate? Should I stick to my 2 hours before boarding time be enough to go through customs and make it on time?

We completed this exact itinerary last week !!! It was AMAZING! although it is currently freezing in South Korea at this time of year . I will definitely be looking into visiting Korea for a longer time next vacation Iplan .!!

very helpful information. thank you also i have one question when you stay over in korea do you need korean visa? my family are going on vacation we we have 13 hours layover in korea. thank you in advance

I’d recommend checking with your government’s travel website to confirm! I only know that Americans do not need a visa.

Awesome article! My wife and I have a long layover in Seoul in January and we were excited to take one of the free Seoul City Transit Tours offered by the airport. Unfortunately, it looks like all of the tours are already filled to capacity on the airport’s reservation site!

Do you know if you’re still able to sign-up for a tour on the day you arrive? If not, are there any alternative tours you can take from the airport into Seoul for 5-7 hours?

Thank you! I signed up for the tour when I arrived, and it wasn’t a problem. It’s been 1.5 years since my trip, so the reservation system may have changed. However, even if the tour is not available, you can always take a taxi or public transit to Seoul or Incheon to explore on your own (it just won’t be free transportation!).

This was SO helpful. Thank you! We have a 15 hour layover in Seoul in March. Reading this has made me so excited for it!

Glad you found it helpful Jessica!

Hi! your blog is so helpful! You mentioned that the tour ends at 15:00.What time does it start? Do you have the site where i can make reservation for the city tour from the airport?

Hi Lisa, there are multiple start and end times. I signed up when I arrived at the airport!

I’m planning to go back to the Philippines and have a layover at SoKor just ’cause I didn’t do it last time when I was going here in the US. Now I’m planning a little trip to Seoul and so I am planning a 15hr layover this summer! I’m happy I found your blog! I have always wanted to go to Seoul because of kpop, the palaces, the food, and their stationary! Thank you!

How many hours layover Chicago?your blog helpful.thank you

I have a Philippine passport travelling to the US with 12 hours Lay over in south Korea… Can I also join the free tour? Are there limitations? In case a friend would like tohave free lunch or will serve as my tour guide, is that possible also?

Thank you for the enlightenment…

Hi Ester – I’d recommend checking with South Korea immigration to see what’s required for you to entry the country. You have to go through immigration, same as getting off anywhere, before the tour! The tour is pretty structured with a guide, so unless you’re planning to leave the group and travel back to the airport on your own (which we did) there isn’t much flexibility.

this is perfect. looks like ill be there for 14 hours and I got tired of reading the ‘we went to neaby temple” reports. You did exactly what Ill do – take the guide then walk off on my own. Thanks a lot for the write up

It looks like you had a great time in Seoul. Your food photos look delicious! In such a big city it would be hard to see everything, but you’ve picked some great highlights to see. Great article.

Great blog post, thanks for sharing. I’m actually a little scared of cats so that may be one place for me to avoid but the rest of your quick stopped looked fab-u-lous.

The place looks beautiful, thanks for sharing your journey with us 🙂

Though I never get a achnace to visit Seoul myself, but when ever I do I believe this would come really handy:)

Comments are closed.

15 Things to do on a Layover in Seoul: Incheon Transit Tour

Home > South Korea

Flying can be a draining experience, especially when faced with long layovers. However, an often overlooked gem during a layover in Seoul Airport in South Korea is the opportunity to explore and enjoy Seoul for a few hours without even having to worry about the cost. The Incheon Transit Tour offers free and paid Seoul layover tours of the city for passengers with extended layovers, making it a fantastic chance to break up the monotony of air travel and immerse oneself in the vibrant Korean culture.

During my time in Seoul, I was amazed at how easily accessible these tours were. The Incheon Transit Tour makes for perfect opportunity to get a taste of Korean history, culture, and daily life, all without breaking the bank. And who knows, it just might inspire you to book your next trip to South Korea ! From breathtaking ancient palaces to bustling city streets, the tour allows you to see the highlights of Seoul, making your layover in Seoul much more enjoyable than simply waiting in the airport.

Incheon Transit Tour Overview

Tour options.

Incheon Airport offers free transit tours for visitors on a layover in Seoul. These tours provide a great opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings without having to worry about planning your own itinerary or sitting at the airport not having much to do. There are several options available, ranging from short 1-hour tours to longer 5-hour experiences. Some of the popular tour options include visiting cultural and historical attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong, or exploring the bustling streets of Myeongdong and Gangnam. I highly value these tours, as they help make the most of my layover in Seoul.

Here is a list of the 15 tours in the Incheon Transit Tour offer:

K-culture zone: hanbok experience, hangeul craft (airport tour) – 30 min, free.

Free Experience Korean culture without leaving the airport at K-Culture Zone. Try on traditional Korean costumes, known as hanbok, and learn about the country’s unique writing system, Hangeul, while crafting your own souvenirs such as bracelets and scrolls.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 (4F East Transfer Lounge) 09:00~16:30

Past and Present: Cheongwadae (Blue House), Tongin Market – 5 hr, Free

Explore the historical landmarks of Cheongwadae and Tongin Market on this 5-hour tour. Cheongwadae served as the official residence and office of the president of the Republic of Korea, and now serves as a museum for art and history exhibitions. Tongin Market is a marketplace for delicious food and fresh ingredients.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 08:00~13:00 (Mon)

Tradition: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insa-dong – 5 hr, $3

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the first palace of the Joseon dynasty, and Insa-dong, a neighborhood filled with old yet invaluable items. Gyeongbokgung Palace was restored in 1867 after it was burnt down during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Insa-dong is a maze of alleyways filled with galleries, traditional crafts shops, ancient art stores, traditional tea houses, cafes, and more.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 08:00~13:00 (Tue~Sun)

Peaceful Korea: Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park, Dokgae Bridge: 5 hr, $4

Visit Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park and Dokgae Bridge, important places in Korean history. Imjingak Park was created in 1972 to comfort those who were not able to return to their homeland following the division of Korea. Dokgae Bridge was the only bridge that connected the north and south prior to the Korean War.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 09:00~14:00 (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)

DMZ: The Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory 5 hr, $4

Explore the Third Tunnel, a cave dug by North Korea to invade South Korea, and the Dora Observatory, situated within the DMZ. The Third Tunnel is often called the Seoul Tunnel due to its proximity to Seoul. Dora Observatory guards the northernmost post of the western front and offers a view of North Korea.

Schedule: Terminal 1, 2 09:00~14:00 (Tue)

Future: Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory 5 hr, $5

Visit Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, the largest automobile theme park in Korea, and Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory, which boasts endless mudflats with skies where planes take-off and land.

History: Jeondeungsa Temple 5 hr, $2

Visit Jeondeungsa Temple, which was established in 382 and gained state protection by the Joseon royal family as it started to store The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty from 1678.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 09:00~14:00 (Thu)

Street: Hongdae Street – 4 hr, Free

Explore Korea’s foremost youth street filled with countless cafes, clubs, graffiti, fashion streets, underground music, and art festivals. This 4-hour tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 14:00~18:00.

Experience: Hanji Experience Workshop, Sinpo Market – 3 hr, $0-20

This 3-hour tour takes you to Sinpo Market, which was created during the late 19th century and is known for its sweet and sour fried chicken with spicy sauce. You can also visit the Hanji Experience Workshop and make your own traditional Korean hanji. The cost of the tour is $0~$20, and it starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 1 15:0018:00 (Tue, Sun).

Shopping: Hyundai Premium Outlet, Triple Street – 3 hr, Free

If you love shopping, this 3-hour tour is perfect for you. Visit Hyundai Premium Outlet, which features a wide array of luxury and trendy brands, and Triple Street, a booming shopping street with many things to see, eat, and enjoy along with cultural facilities. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 1 15:00~18:00 (Mon).

Temple: Yonggungsa Temple – 1 hr, Free

This 1-hour tour takes you to Yonggungsa Temple, which is said to be a temple constructed by the Buddhist priest Wonhyo Daesa during the Silla dynasty. The temple was the temporary residence of Heungseon Daewongun for ten years before King Gojong’s coronation. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 2 08:00~09:00.

Entertainment: Paradise City Art-tainment – 1 hr, free

If you are looking for entertainment, this 1-hour tour is perfect for you. Visit Paradise City, the first resort complex in northeast Asia that provides enjoyment and cultural experiences such as convenient accommodation, casinos, art gallery, clubs, and more. There is also an art gallery that exhibits more than 2,700 works by famous artists from across the globe, such as Yayoi Kusama and Damien Hirst. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport. 

Schedule: Terminal 1 1F 3C every 05, 35 minute, Terminal 1 1F 14C every 10, 40 minute, Terminal 2 1F 2A every 45 minute

Landscape: Yedanpo Trail and Haneul Garden – 2 hr, Free

This 2-hour tour takes you to Yedanpo Trail, located near Incheon Airport, where you can enjoy a comfortable walk in the park and breathe in the fresh air. You can also visit Haneul Garden, a place where you can enjoy the beautiful sky and the vast flower garden. Seasonal flowers will bloom beneath you while airplanes cross the blue skies. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Scheduled to operate in the second half.

Songdo: Songdo Central Park and Tri-bowl – 2 hr, Water Taxi $4

This 2-hour tour takes you to Songdo Central Park, the first-ever park to use seawater. Visitors can not only enjoy a comfortable walk in the park but also experience water taxi rides, canoeing, moonboats, and more. You can also visit Tri-bowl, one of Songdo Central Park’s landmarks, which has a unique flat ceiling and a round floor. The cost of the tour is $4, and it starts from Incheon Airport.

Cave Theme Park: Gwangmyeong Cave – 4 hr, Free

This 4-hour tour takes you to Gwangmyeong Cave, formerly known as Siheung Mine, which was constructed starting in 1912 with the purpose of resource exploitation by the Japanese. It was used as a warehouse for salted shrimp for 40 years since it was closed in 1972. Gwangmyeong Cave became Korea’s greatest cave theme park in 2011 after the city of Gwangmyeong transformed it into a historical and cultural tourist spot attracting 1.4 million annual visitors. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport. Schedule: Scheduled to operate in the second half. (Note: Gwangmyeong Cave is closed every Monday and may be replaced with a different course.)

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for participating in the Incheon Transit Tour may vary slightly depending on the tour option. Generally, passengers with a layover of at least 6 hours at Incheon Airport are eligible. The passengers must be in transit to a third country or their country of nationality, and not just entering South Korea as their final destination. The tour spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to reserve a spot as soon as possible upon arrival at the airport.

Visa Requirements

Incheon Transit Tours are designed to accommodate a wide variety of nationalities. For many travelers, a visa may not be required to participate in these tours, as long as they remain within the designated tour areas. Passengers who are eligible for visa-free entry or transit through South Korea can take advantage of the Incheon Transit Tour without having to obtain an additional visa. Remember that the exact visa requirements will depend on your nationality and the tour you choose, so make sure to double-check the requirements before planning your visit.

Booking and Registration Process

Reservation methods.

To secure a spot on the Incheon International Airport Transit Tour on your layover in Seoul, it’s important to make a reservation in advance. There are a few options available for making reservations:

• Online: The preferred method is to register online through the official website or email.
• Transit Tour Desk: Alternatively, you could book a tour at Incheon International Airport’s Transit Tour Desk located near Gate 8. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bear in mind that most of the tours will be available to people with 6 or more hour long layovers in Seoul. So if you have a 5 hour layover in Seoul or a 3 hour layover in Seoul, the best thing to do is probably just the hanbok experience inside the airport.

Passport Control and Immigration

To take part in the Incheon Transit Tour oj your layover in Seoul, you will be required to pass through passport control and immigration. As a participant of the Transit Tourism Program, passengers from most countries can enjoy visa-free entry to South Korea. However, it is vital to check if your country qualifies for this exemption before booking the tour.

When you arrive at Incheon International Airport and proceed through immigration, you should carry your transit tour reservation confirmation as proof of participation. After going through customs and immigration, you can then proceed to the starting point of the tour, ready to explore Seoul!

I hope you enjoyed this free guide to everything you need to know about the Incheon transit tour and how to best spend your layover in Seoul. For more information visit Incheon Airport’s website.

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Janis Paster

Saturday 4th of November 2023

On Friday, November 17 I arrive in Seoul by plane @ 7:25 am. My flight to LAX the same day @ 2:30 pm Is it possible to have a private car tour of the city for about 2 hrs and arrive back to the airport around 11:30. I’m flying delta Airlines operated by Korean airlines

Monday 13th of November 2023

Seoul is a big city and traveling by car can mean being stuck in traffic a lot. Even coming from the airport can sometimes take 2 hours. So I would probably try and go to Incheon instead, maybe see the Paradise plaza? It's a really cool yellow building often featured in kdramas :)

• December 18, 2021
• Uncategorized

If you’ve got a few hours to spare in Seoul’s busy Incheon Airport, you might want to take advantage of a great feature here. Incheon Airport has free transit tours of Seoul.

Depending on how long you have to spare, you may be able to take a tour (or multiple tours) of popular attractions around Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.

There are plenty of things to do on a layover in Incheon, but if you have the time, I highly recommend a transit tour or Seoul.

From casinos to caves, shopping markets and ancient temples – there’s something for everyone on Incheon Transit tours.

What are the Seoul transit tours from Incheon?

Seeing parts of Seoul on a guided transit tour from Incheon Airport is simple and a great way to see specific sights of Seoul with a knowledgeable guide to fill you in on the history and significance of some great sights.

The short and sweet of a transit tour from Incheon is:

• Once landed and done any immigration or baggage collection processes, you head to the Transit Tour Information Desk , located in both terminals of Incheon International Airport.
• This is where the tour will meet and leave from. If you haven’t booked a tour online, remaining reservations on the transit tours from.incheon are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• You may have a little free time before your tour leaves. You can freshen up, change or exchange money if needed. Otherwise, check out my.guide to Incheon International Airport.
• Your guide will then instruct you to follow and you’ll be lead to a coach-style bus.
• Depending on how long you have, some tours may be too long in duration for your layover. Make sure you double-check with desk information staff.
• Depending on what tour you decide On, you may have a decent amount of transit time until you reach your destination. While the casino is only a 5-minute drive away, getting into Seoul can take about an hour due to traffic.
• That’s all you need to worry about on your transit tour from Incheon. Your coach shuttle bus will take you from the airport in Seoul, to the transit tour sights in Seoul, back to Incheon Airport.
• Many of the tours will give you time for lunch, but you will need to bring some money – also if you want any souvenirs make sure you bring some local currency.

For more information on specific tours, you can read all about the tours offered in Incheon International Airport.

What are the different guided transit tours from Incheon Airport?

Currently, 9 desperate tours are offered from Incheon Airport into various places around Seoul.

Each tour from Incheon into Seoul goes to separate places around Seoul and none of the tours overlap attractions. Meaning if there’s something on offer below that you must-see , you have very limited options of the tours you can take.

Some of the Incheon transit tours are available at multiple times throughout each day to make planning the best transit tour for you a little easier.

Below, I’ll give a quick rundown on each of the 9 tours from Incheon Airport.

Entertainment

Paradise City Art/Entertainment

2 hours long -, leaves at 7am

There’s a whole range of activities and sights in this Korean-style resort. From a casino, to an art museum with over 2700 exhibits on display. There’s a wide range of activities to do in Paradise City in Seoul, from various entertainment to cultural experiences, there’s something for every Incheon Airport layover tour visitor.

Incheon City

Songdo Hanok Village – Triple Shopping Street – Central Park

2 hours long – leaves at 9am, 3pm and 5pm

This tour holds a little bit of everything. Traditional mixes with modern skylines at Songdo Hanok Village, with Songdo Central Park being within close proximity, it’s a uniqe mix of old, new and green. Lush greenery is flanked by skyscraping towers that stretch into the sky. Triple Shopping Street is more than just stores, the culture of Korea is showcased in cultural points of interest.

Gwangmyeong Cave

4 hours long – leaves at 9am

This 4-hour tour visits an old gold mine. Gwangmyeong Cave was closed in 1972, even though gold deposits still exist throughout the cave system. This cave embodies modern industries of Korea established after gaining independence from Japan.

Jeondeungsa Temple – Deokjinjin

4 hours long – leaves at 8am

Built in the late 4 th century, Jeondeungsa is Korea’s oldest temple. Home to a beautiful  Daewoongjeon (Main Buddha Hall), this temple is a beautiful attraction on a Seoul Transit Tour. The second stop on this tour is to Deokjinjin. One of the most important and strategic points in the outer castle wall. This section of the wall was vital in protecting the  Ganghwa Straits during the Goryeo Dynasty.

Cheonggyechon Stream – Jogyesa Temple

4 hours long – leaves at 2pm

Your first stop on this tour, Cheonggyecheon Stream is historically important to Korean history, dating back 600 years. The final stop on this temple transit tour of Seoul from Incheon is Jogyesa Temple. Being the center of the Korean Buddhist movement it’s a great stop on Incheon International Airport’s transit tour itinerary! Make sure to check out the 500 year old white tree that lives here! The temple also holds an annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha’s birthday

Myeong-dong – Namdaemun Market

5 hours long – leaves at 1pm

Myeong-dong Is hone to plenty of shops, including duty-free outlets and street food opportunities, it’s one of  Seouls most popular shopping districts. Your final stop, Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea. If you can think it, chances are you can find it here!

Traditional Sites

Gyeongbokgung Palace – Insa-dong

5 hours long – leaves at 8am and 10am

Gyeongbokgung Palace was restored in 1867, and was originally built in 1395. It was burned down in 1592 during an invasion by the Japanese. To end this Incheon Airport layover tour, you’ll head to Insa-dong. Filled with antique stores and folk art, this popular neighborhood is a great place to visit from Incheon Airport.

Incheon Airport Maglev Train – Eurwangi Beach – Lottemart

2 hours long – leaves at 1pm

Incheon Airport’s Maglev Train is your first stop on this tour, linking the Transportation Center of the airport and Younyu Island. Eurwangi Beach is second, with beautiful white sands and plenty of water sports, it’s a popular attraction in Seoul. Finally, Lottemart is one of Seoul’s largest supermarket discount stores. Plenty of Baggins to be found here!

Eurwangi OR Masirang Beach

1 hour-long – leaves at 8am or 11am

A short beach visit to either Eurwangi Beach, with water sport and white sand, OR to Masirang Beach, pine trees and wetlands as well beautiful sand are all mixed together.

How do I book a transit tour from Incheon Airport?

It’s super easy to book a transit tour from Incheon Airport. All spots are divided up between online bookings and first come first served in person bookings.

To book your Incheon International Airport transit tour, you need to make your way to the basement floor, or B1, on either the 1 st or 2 nd terminal. Look for the Transit Tour Reservation Desk, this is where transit tours in Incheon  Airport are booked from.

Who is allowed to take a transit tour from Incheon Airport?

Anyone that is allowed to enter Korea is allowed to take a free tour from Incheon Airport.

You must have a connecting flight from anywhere outside of Korea, and a flight exiting Korea within the next 24 hours to be eligible for a transit tour of Seoul. This is the typical definition of a layover.

How much does the transit tours into Seoul from Incheon Airport cost?

The tours from Incheon International Airport are free for the most part. The guide and transport are all complimentary. However, any lunch or souvenirs you want to buy will have to be paid for by you.

There are ATMs in Incheon Airport you can withdraw money From, or exchange currency as well. You should allow a little bit of time to get access to Korean Won to Make sure you’re ready to leave when the tour is ready to begin.

What to expect from a transit tour from Incheon into Seoul

During my layover in Seoul I was lucky enough to take a transit tour from Incheon Airport.

I didn’t need a visa to enter Korea, so I didn’t need a visa to take Incheon International Airport transit tour. After arriving in Seoul, and customs were cleared, my partner and I rushed to the basement of terminal 1, to the transit tour desk in Incheon. (Remember, these tours operate on a first come first served basis, and they are popular!).

We were able to get aboard a 5 hour tour of Seoul. Before the tour left from Incheon Airport we had a few minutes to freshen up and exchange some U.S. Dollar to Korean Won. We set off at 9am sharp, so don’t be late back to the meet up point to depart for your transit tour.

Led out onto a modern coach and set off towards our first destination on this tour of Seoul. It takes around an hour to get into the city due to traffic. So sit back and relax and take in the sights of outer Seoul.

First stop on this city transit tour of Seoul

Almost an hour later, the coach rolled to a stop at Bukchon Hanok Village. This 600-year-old network of alleyways and residential areas is a beautiful insight into ancient Korea and what the country would have looked like.

This narrow streets weave around giving a great view of surrounding suburbs. Please be respectful as this area is just That, people live here, and a group of 25-30 tourists can be quite loud. There are plenty of signs dotting the doors and alleys where your voice will echo through the narrow alleys.

As you look over the rooftops of the ancient Bukchon Hanok Village, there are a few notable things to keep an eye out for:

• There is a man selling traditional-style pansies made from pumpkin. He even gave out small samples and photos to anyone for free.
• The roofs of many ancient Korean houses have small little round discs attached to the edges of the ruling. These little decorated discs are known as Wadangs, and if you would like to paint your own, visit a culture center inside Incheon International Airport.
• It is a common sight for the traditional style dresses, Hanbok’s, are common around these ancient streets as tourists pose in photos.

The second stop on Seoul’s city transit tour – Gwangjang Market

The trip to Gwangjang Market doesn’t take long at all, and you’re there before you know it.

This busy market is a great place to shop for a souvenir of your short trip to South Korea, and also to try some local food. There’s plenty of stalls selling a variety of food, clothing and snacks.

Bibimbap is similar to a salad and one of the most well-known dishes in Korea. It’s served with rice and super filling. There are plenty of stalls selling this popular meal for around 5,000₩. There’s also wonton soup and dumplings if you’re looking for some more tasty things to eat.

All up, you get around an hour to explore the narrow paths of Gwangjang Market. Be careful, scooters/motorbikes are allowed to ride through the congested alleys.

If you’re looking for something else and all shopped out, one of the exits of Gwangjang Market leads to a peaceful river for a quiet walk.

The bus left a little late as it we needed a replacement shuttle bus, there was some issue with the brakes of our original bus. It was a little stressful in making sure we had time to make our connecting flight. The replacement bus was well organized and only set us back around half an hour – in the end, I’d rather be safe, so I was glad to wait around.

In the end, the tour was supposed to finish at 2pm, and my partner and I made our connecting flight at 430pm easily. Even had time for a FREE hot shower at Incheon Airport!

Can I take more than one tour from Incheon Airport?

Yes, you can take as many transit tours as you want from Incheon International Airport. As long as you have enough time in your layover and the tours have spots on then, you can jump on to as many guided tour as you want!

So, is visiting Seoul on a transit tour worth it?

Yes. If you only have a limited amount of time in Seoul, taking a transit tour from the Incheon International Airport is a great way to get a feel for this vibrant city.

Depending on what time you arrive and how long your layover is, your transit tour options from Incheon may be limited, but there are plenty of fun and interesting options to choose from.

If you have the time in Seoul on a layover, and want to go visit a few parts of the city, take a transit tour from Incheon Airport is super easy and worthwhile!

Have you visited any parts of Seoul on a guided transit tour from Incheon Airport? I’d love to hear what you thought of the experience below! Any questions or comments? Drop a comment below as well!

Enjoyed this article? Well here’s what you should do next:

• Share this post to social media to help others enjoy the tours from Incheon Airport
• Sign up to Horizon Unknowns Newsletter for tips and tricks on how to travel better! You’ll also get a free 8-page travel checklist to help you travel better.
• Read more travel-related articles below!

Keep reading about travel:

• How to enjoy a culture shock
• Why you need travel insurance
• Here are plenty of travel tips!

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown

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The Layover Guide to Seoul

Megan Eaves

November 30, 2023

South Korea’s glimmering capital city is a fantastic place for a layover, as the city is easy to reach from the airport and has a zippy public transport system that makes getting around hassle-free.

In many ways, Seoul packs the best of Asia into one city, with quirky shops on bright neon-lit streets, lofty historical palaces, futuristic architecture, and a unique dining scene best sampled in its sizzling food markets and ultra-hip microbreweries. To stretch your legs and oxygenate during those precious hours between flights, you can ascend Seoul’s urban mountaintop or wander through the quiet, wooden laneways of a traditional hanok neighborhood. ‍

• VISA REQUIRED: No
• MINIMUM CONNECTION TIME, INTERNATIONAL TO DOMESTIC: 90 mins
• MINIMUM CONNECTION TIME, INTERNATIONAL TO INTERNATIONAL: 45 mins
• MINIMUM TIME TO LEAVE THE AIRPORT: 7 hrs

Visa info for South Korea

Americans can stay for 90 days visa-free.

Minimum layover times in Seoul

To make an international to domestic connection: 90 mins - 3 hours.

All long-haul international flights arrive at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, while most domestic flights and a handful of short-haul international routes depart from Gimpo (GMP) which is about 45 minutes away via the Airport Railroad Express. 

Some Korean Air flights connect within Incheon (ICN) Terminal 2 for domestic routes to Busan (PUS) and Daegu (TAE) only. The minimum connection for domestic transfer within Incheon (ICN) is 90 minutes, but you'll need three hours if you're transferring to Gimpo (GMP) from Incheon or vice versa.

To make an international to international connection: 45 minutes

Incheon (ICN) is notoriously efficient for international connections—you should only need 45 minutes. You do not pass through customs or passport control, unless you are entering South Korea. There is one additional security check for international transfers, and the process is extremely efficient. 

Your baggage should be checked through by your airline if your journey was booked as one itinerary. However, if you are changing airlines or are booked onto two separate itineraries, you may need to exit the terminal, collect and recheck your luggage and re-enter security. Allow 3-4 hours for transfer time in this case.

To leave the Seoul airport and explore for part of the day: 7 hrs+

To explore the city independently, account for potential delays, and allow plenty of time to get back to the airport for your next flight, you need at least seven hours. Even that only allows around three hours for exploring though, so a layover of 8-10 hours is even better. 

• 30-45 mins to deplane and go through immigration and customs
• 45-60 mins to transit to downtown
• 3 hours to explore
• 45-60 mins to return to airport
• 2 hours to go back through security, get to your gate, and board the plane 

Getting from the Seoul Incheon airport to the city center 

• TRAIN: 45-55 mins
• BUS: 60 mins
• TAXI: 70 mins

Airport Railroad Express (AREX) trains run from Terminals 1 and 2 to Gimpo (GMP) and Seoul Station downtown, approximately twice an hour. It costs ₩9000 ($7.50) and takes 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and 51 minutes from Terminal 2 to reach the city. All-stop trains also run from both terminals. From Terminal 1, it’s ₩4150 ($3.50) and takes 55 minutes; from Terminal 2, it’s ₩4950 ($4.15) and takes one hour.

Buses run from Incheon to hotels in the city center. They cost ₩9000 ($7.50) and take one hour.  A taxi costs around ₩65,000 ($54) and can take 70 minutes. Detailed transportation information is available on Incheon airport’s website .

How to spend a short layover at the Seoul airport

Incheon Airport (ICN) is consistently rated among the world’s top airports, particularly for its connection and transit efficiency. There’s plenty to do inside to keep you occupied on a layover. The airport has several performance stages and “Korea Traditional Culture Experience Centers” in both terminals, which host craft and arts experiences where you can learn folk painting, try on traditional Korean clothing, and see music and dance performances. Terminal 1 also has a “Korean Cultural Street” styled like a traditional house. 

There are displays of art, from the ancient to high-tech LED installations, throughout the airport. An observatory on the fifth floor in Terminal 2 has windows for plane-spotting, as well as a bunch of high-tech displays with aircraft technology and virtual reality experiences. A gym, several gardens, including an outdoor wildflower garden, and a golf club with an 18-hole putting course offer the chance to get moving. 

There’s a huge range of dining options, both fast and sit-down, including a number of places to sample traditional Korean dishes, as well as treats from across Asia. Beyond the standard range of duty-free and international shopping, there’s a wide array of “K-beauty” products (Korean cosmetics) on offer, which are unique to South Korea. You can take that one step further by heading in for a traditional Korean massage or a beauty treatment at several spas in the airport.

For a bit of downtime, there are “Rest & Relaxation” lounge areas in both terminals that offer dimmed lighting, and short-stay and capsule hotels within easy reach.

How to spend a short Seoul layover outside the airport

Seoul’s sights are a fantastic mix of ancient and hypermodern. You’ll want to take in a historical palace or neighborhood to get a sense of the city’s long history. Pick one of the “Five Grand Palaces” from the Joseon Dynasty—Changdeok Palace is a Unesco World Heritage Site built in 1395, and tends to be less crowded than some of the others. You could opt instead to wander around Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood of old wooden houses built in the traditional style. Many of these are now filled with shops and tea houses that offer some serenity for tired flyers. Namsan, a mountain right in the middle of the city, has walking paths and hiking trails. At the peak is the N Seoul Tower, where there’s a viewing platform at the top with views across the city.  

You should also try to get a glimpse of some of Seoul’s hypermodern architecture. The best place for that is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a bizarrely shaped, steel building that looks like an alien ship, designed by star architect Zaha Hadid. Seoul also has two amazing examples of urban redevelopment: Cheong-gye-cheon, an old highway turned into a landscaped stream with walking paths, and Seoullo 7017, a former overpass reimagined into an elevated park.

Seoul is also a huge foodie city, so make sure to sample some local dishes at busy Gwangjang Market, or hop into a hip restaurant in the trendy Hongdae district to try out chimaek , a beloved tradition of fried chicken and beer.

How to spend an overnight layover in Seoul

Seoul has one of the most buzzing nightlife scenes in the world, and staying overnight is really worthwhile. Walk the streets of Myeongdong, a shopping district that’s absolutely covered in blazing neon, with stores and street-food stalls blaring loud K-pop music. There are also tons of great craft breweries and interesting local bars, most of which are located around Itaewon, a neighborhood that gets really busy with partiers and American servicemen and women having a night off from nearby Yongsan Garrison. Venture south of the Han River to Gangnam, a neighborhood full of trendy bars and upscale malls. It inspired South Korea’s most famous pop export: Psy’s “Gangnam Style”.

Great hotels are scattered all over Seoul, and there are several beautiful luxury hotels with amazing views and heritage architecture. The Shilla , which has views of Seoul’s city wall, is the place for a one-night-only, splash-the-cash stay. There are lots of mid-range business hotels near Seoul Station, while cheaper options and hostels are dotted around Itaewon, as well as on the west side of Seoul in Hongdae near Hongik University (there are also lots of cool speakeasies and cheaper bars here).

Free layover tours in Seoul

Incheon (ICN) offers free layover tours ranging between one and five hours, great if you have a long layover in Seoul. Tours leave and drop-off at registration desks in the terminal and are designed specifically for passengers, so you won’t miss your connection. Tours are themed and based on length, and visit some of Seoul’s most popular sights, such as temples, entertainment or shopping areas, historical palaces and markets. You have to book in advance online and may need to pay for entry to some of the ticketed palaces or sights yourself.

Need to Know 

• CURRENCY: South Korean Won
• LANGUAGE: Korean
• COST: $$$ (out of $$$$$)
• BEST TIME TO GO: Spring and Fall

Currency in South Korea

The official currency is South Korean won (₩). There are exchange counters in the airport or you can get cash from any ATM. International credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted.

Cost in Seoul

Seoul is not a bargain destination, but you don’t need to break the bank here, either. A mid-range hotel runs around ₩150,000 ($125) per night, and a mid-range Korean barbecue dinner costs around ₩40,000 ($30) per person. A ticket to a show or traditional performance is about the same as dinner. Public transportation is reasonable, with a single ride on Seoul Subway costing ₩1350 ($1.15).

Weather & Best Time to Go to Seoul

Summers can be hot and humid (averaging 71–78°F), with monsoons bringing heavy rain from late June to mid-September. In the winter, Seoul tends to be frigid, dry and sometimes snowy, with temps ranging from 14–34°F. Spring (40–65°F) and fall (40–65°F) are the best time for comfortable weather, and flower and foliage viewing.

Safety in Seoul

Seoul is an extremely safe city with much lower crime rates than most American cities. The city is efficient and clean and presents very low risk for travelers across the board. Visitors might note that the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and border with North Korea are very close to Seoul, where tensions have occasionally flared in the past. However, in practice this presents little risk for day-to-day visitors to Seoul, and many travelers opt to take one of the regular DMZ tours to see the border area first-hand.

Transport in Seoul

Public transport is fast, clean and efficient. The Seoul Metropolitan Subway includes metro trains, light rail and commuter rail services that run every few minutes and together form one of the largest and best subway systems on earth. There are also numerous city buses, as well as a public bike-share scheme. Many of Seoul’s most interesting neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Food & Drink in Seoul

Seoul has an amazing food scene that pulls in South Korea’s unique traditional cuisine, with a hefty dose of contemporary dining. If you only have time for one place, make it Gwangjang Market, where every color and kind of Korean fare is on offer from lively market chefs. 

Some traditional dishes to look out for include bulgogi (marinated beef strips cooked in a hot griddle), bibimbap (vegetables and sauce over warm rice), kimchi (spicy pickled vegetables, usually cabbage, served as an appetizer or side), budae jjigae (a soup made with a mix of Korean and American ingredients), and Korean fried chicken. There’s also an amazing craft beer scene, and some traditional local drinks to look out for are makgeolli (lightly sparkling, milky rice wine) and soju (a clear, distilled spirit similar to vodka or sake).

The official language is Korean, though English is widely spoken around Seoul’s more touristy areas. If you stumble into a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, English might not be a given, but friendly hospitality (and probably a picture menu) will be.

Deoksugung is one of Seoul’s five grand palaces, dating to 1593, and the only one that you can visit at night, when the exteriors and intriguing architectural elements are illuminated. You can also see the changing of the guard ceremony at Deoksugung’s main gate at regular intervals during the day.

Don’t bother

If you’re short on time, give Gyeongbok Palace a pass. It’s Seoul’s most popular historical attraction, but Changdeok Palace is less crowded and similarly beautiful.

Read our tips for booking a flight with a long layover , see Going's deals on flights to Seoul , and join today to get cheap flights from all over the world delivered right to your inbox.

Freelance Writer

Published November 30, 2023

Last updated December 21, 2023

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How To Book Your Free Korea Transit Tour

Incheon Airport near Seoul in South Korea continues to impress on an international level and win awards year after year for being among the best airports in the world. This is largely due to the convenient and tasteful design, impeccable service and plentiful facilities. For example, there is a Korean culture center, a museum showcasing Korean artifacts; plus: if you have a long layover in Seoul , you can even book a free Korea transit tour – and here’s how!  

If you have a long layover and want to leave the airport and explore Seoul on your own accord, check out these helpful articles:

25 Free Things To Do In Seoul

Seoul Travel Essentials You Can Pick Up From Incheon International Airport

8 Views of Bukchon 북촌 8경 – The Best Photo Spots in Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

Things To Know Beforehand

Free korea transit tours at a glance.

There are a total of 9 different transit tours available leaving from Incheon Airport and taking passengers back to the airport after the tour has ended, ranging from 1 to 5 hours in tour length. Check out all tour options below.

Tradition Tour – 5 hours

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung was the first royal palace built in the Joseon Dynasty and is considered one of the greatest tourist attractions in South Korea today.

This is a very popular part of Seoul and also one of the oldest districts in the city. There is a lot to do in Insadong : You will find dozens of antique shops, folk art galleries and small shops selling traditional items in this neighborhood.

Shopping Tour – 5 hours

If you are a shopping lover, Myeongdong is a must-go-to destination, filled with shopping centers, boutiques and duty-free stores. This is also a great place to stock up on Korean skincare and make-up products!

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun is one of the largest traditional markets in South Korea. This is the perfect place to try Korean snacks, drinks and purchase some traditional items, such as handcrafted paper art or small souvenirs.

Temple 1 Tour – 4 hours

Jeondeungsa Temple

Considered to be the oldest temple in Korea, Jeondeungsa Temple was built in the ate 4th century when Buddhism was first introduced to Korea. The main buddha hall of the temple is a national treasure and a must-see when visiting.

Deokjinjin Fortress

This fortress was a strategic defense point for the outer castle wall during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Deokjinjin Fortress was also an important site for several battles, such as the French Invasion (1866) and the American Invasion (1871).

Temple 2 Tour – 4 hours

Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa is the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and considered the center of Korea’s modern Buddhist movement. Various important Buddhist festivals take place at Jogyesa Temple during the year.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Once a small watercourse hidden by an overpass, Cheonggyecheon Stream is an important part of downtown Seoul today. With a 600-year-old history, the Seoul government decided in recent year to undertake a massive urban renewal project.

Industry Tour – 4 hours

Gwangmyeong Cave

This cave used to be a gold mine from 1955 to 1972. Today, it’s considered a historic place preserving the modernization of Korea after its independence from Japanese colonialization. 

Entertainment Tour – 2 hours

Paradise City Art-Tainment

As the first Korean-style resort complex in Northeast Asia, Paradise City has a lot to offer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and culture experiences, including casino games, a club, an art gallery and retail facilities. The art gallery showcases over 2,700 artworks from world-renowned artists, including Yayoi Kusama and Damien Hirst.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Paradise City (@paradisecity_seoul) on Jul 16, 2019 at 7:23pm PDT

Incheon City Tour – 2 hours

Songdo Hanok Village

The term hanok refers to traditional Korean houses made of wood. The Hanok Village in Songdo features several stores, restaurants and a hotel.

Songdo Central Park

A green oases in the middle of futuristic skyscrapers in Songdo, this park is a great place to experience Korea’s mix of old and new.

Triple Shopping Street

This splendid shopping walkway offers a lot of things to see, things to eat and things to enjoy. Do some shopping and try local Korean food.

Sea & Shopping Tour – 2 hours

Incheon Airport Maglev Train

Fancy a ride on the world’s first urban maglev train? You can try it out right at Incheon Airport. An experience you don’t want to miss!

Eurwangni Beach

Because of its beautiful white sand and gentle slant, this beach is a popular place to hang out throughout the whole year and famous for camping and shellfish.

This discount store and hypermarket is a great place to shop for local food, groceries, household supplies, appliances and much more with a global refund scheme for tourists.

Seaside Tour – 1 hour

Eurwangni Beach or Masian Beach

This tour either stops at Eurwangni or Masian Beach near the airport. Both beaches are popular among locals to hang out throughout the whole year and famous for camping and shellfish BBQ.

Take Advantage of Free Korea Transit Tours

Whether you have a short or a long layover, it’s definitely worth checking out one of the free Korea transit tours at Incheon airport. This gives you a chance to see a little bit of South Korea during your long-haul flight. 

Travel Insurance for South Korea

I’m always surprised how many people travel without travel insurance . For me , it’s as essential to travel as buying a plane ticket, backpack or accommodation, and I never go without it.

Although Korea is very safe, unexpected disasters, accidents or other kinds of damage can always happen.

Adequate insurance not only provides you with medical coverage (if you get sick or break your leg), but also covers things like your camera full of epic shots getting damaged or stolen, your flights getting cancelled, or you getting caught up in a natural disaster.

In short, it’s an insurance against potential issues that arise when you’re traveling and can save your life (or at the very least, a lifetime of debt).

You can also select more than one country, if you’re going on a multi-country trip.

BOOK | I recommend booking World Nomads travel insurance

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• Seoul Incheon Airport Layover Sightseeing

This article includes links to our travel partners at Tripadvisor, where you can read traveller reviews, book tours and plan your visit to Seoul.

In recent years, Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) has rivalled and surpassed some of the leading Asian airports in terms of centrality, comfort and extravagance. Layovers within ICN are impressive – however, if you find yourself with a layover in Seoul that is over five hours, you might as well explore the real deal. Plenty of historical, cultural, commercial and entertainment destinations will keep you occupied as you explore this fascinating and rapidly developing Asian city. Conveniently, Seoul Incheon Airport cleverly packages all the city’s best sights in a series of free tours geared toward transit passengers. You might as well put your feet up and enjoy the views between flights!

Airport Overview

Seoul Incheon International Airport has almost become a microcosm of all that is South Korea. Layovers of five hours or less quickly fly by in this epic airport. You may board your connecting flight wishing for a few more moments sampling food and browsing handicrafts on the Korean Cultural Street. Indoor gardens, spas, museums, galleries and shopping only further add to the Incheon experience. No wonder this is one of the world’s leading airports! Check out our Seoul Incheon Airport Guide for more information on the airport.

Seoul Sightseeing Attractions

Below are a few of the top things to do in Seoul:

Transit Tours

Seoul Incheon Airport offers a series of free daily sightseeing tours to transiting passengers. Different tours focus on the city’s cultural, culinary, historical and commercial facets. The airport recommends a minimum of a 2-hour layover for the tour. Interested passengers can sign up at the main transit tour desk outside immigration.

Gyeongbok Palace

Constructed in 1395, the Gyeongbok (or Gyeongbokgung) Palace was, for many years, the most powerful place in South Korea. Today, it is used for entirely tourist purposes – and has been voted to be one of the most stunning locations in the city. Within it, you can visit the National Palace Museum of Korea and a series of traditional folk Korean gardens. Wander through the classic architecture, checking out ancient artifacts, cultural depictions and educational information. The president’s Blue House , the National Folk Museum , and the impressive US Embassy are also within walking distance from here.

• Time Required: The Palace can take 1 to 5 hours to explore, depending on the time you wish to spend in the various exhibits. Note that this does not include travel time to and from the airport.
• How to Get There: Check out this Google Map for details on public and private transit options and the required time.
• Plan Your Visit: Visit Tripadvisor for more information about visiting Gyeongbok, book a tour or read traveller reviews.

If your primary goal for your mini-vacation is art and culture, you’d be wise to head over to Insadong , Seoul’s current art district. Visitors will likely find several traditional arts and crafts, including ink drawings, antiques, and celadon pottery. The main traditional street is the most famous and popular area; however, it encompasses nearly 13 hectares. Galleries are plentiful along these streets, as are tea houses and hanoks – traditional-style house restaurants. Tapgol Park is also within walking distance for those wishing to explore a hugely historically saturated pagoda.

• Time Required: Spend as long or as little time as you wish exploring the shops and galleries that stipple Insadong. We recommend budgeting at least an hour here – though more if you are more serious about shopping and art. Note that this does not include travel time to and from the airport.
• Plan Your Visit: Visit Tripadvisor for more information about visiting Insadong, book a tour or read traveller reviews.

If you’re visiting Seoul to immerse yourself fully in the city’s intensity, you will certainly want to head to Myeongdong – the city’s busiest area. Here, you will find a wide variety of local and international shops and many restaurants and cafes. Street vendors galore will give you a taste of local fare for a modest price, while Lotte Department Store will provide you with some of your best people-watching opportunities. That said, do be warned that the shopping here is hardly cheap. Myeongdong was ranked in the world’s top 10 most expensive shopping districts in 2018!

• Time Required: As with other shopping destinations, the time you wish to explore here depends entirely on your preferences and availability. We would recommend no less than 1.5 hours. Note that this does not include travel time to and from the airport.

Airport Transportation

Incheon Airport is located on a small island roughly 30 miles from the city center of Seoul. This makes accessing the city center somewhat more difficult and time-consuming.

Public transit options include:

• Railroad Express (AREX): A new train connecting downtown Seoul with the airport and nine other stops, leading to further metro access. For rates and schedules: Airport Express Train .
• Public Bus: Departs from multiple locations outside the departures lounge for areas throughout Seoul.

Private transit options include:

• Taxi (1F outside Arrivals Hall): Multiple stands between platforms 4D and 7C.
• Call Van (Exits12 and 13 in Arrivals Hall): Fixed fare van shuttle service

Before You Go: Layover Tips

Now that you are motivated and excited about your mini layover vacation, check a few final logistical concerns off your list before you fully commit.

• Do you need to organize a visa to leave the airport? Requirements change frequently and for each nationality, so be sure to seek out current details on the availability, cost, and procedures of obtaining a transit visa.
• When is your next flight’s check-in time? Double-check with your airline exactly when you need to be at the airport – and plan your layover accordingly.
• What are security wait times like at the airport? Some airports are notorious for extended security wait times, so research in advance and factor that into your overall time budget.
• What’s happening with your luggage? When you check in to your first flight, confirm whether your luggage is checked through or needs to be picked up between your connecting flights. Visit our Seoul Incheon Airport Guide for information about Luggage Storage.

Other Useful Resources

Finally, here are a few handy resources to help you plan your layover even more thoroughly:

• Free Seoul Transit Tours
• Tripadvisor – Need more sightseeing ideas? Visit Things to Do in Seoul to schedule a tour or the Seoul Travel Forum to check out past threads to see what other travellers have shared about sightseeing during long layovers at Incheon Airport and post your questions.
• Seoul Incheon Airport Guide
• Seoul Incheon Airport Lounges
• Seoul Incheon Airport Reviews
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• Things to do at Seoul Incheon Airport
• Seoul Incheon Airport Photos
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Excellent Transit Program

Korean Air turns waiting into a wonderful experience. At Incheon International Airport, take full advantage of our Excellent Transit Program, a grouping of services and opportunities designed to turn "boring" into a wonderful experience.

Transit Tours

Free tour programs to get a taste of Korean history, culture, and daily life

Grand Hyatt Incheon

Luxuries and services to help transfer passengers refresh and relax

Rail & City

Non-stop train service between the airport and inner-city Seoul

• Passengers staying at Incheon International Airport for four hours or longer
• Entrance fees and meal expenses to be paid by participating passengers (tour guide and bus fees included)
• Same-day registration processed (reservation recommended as registration is closed on first-come first-served basis)
• Implementation Period: April 1, 2023 ~ December 31, 2024
• Check K-ETA temporary exemption Countries/Regions : Access to K-ETA Homepage → Click ‘Apply for K-ETA’ on the upper menu → Choose your passport Country/Region → If your country is eligible for K-ETA exemption, notice pop-up will be displayed.
• For more details, refer to the K-ETA homepage.
• Transfer Desk, 2nd floor of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport
• Tel. +82-32-741-0060
• Email: [email protected]              [email protected]
• facebook : LINK
• Instagram : LINK
• Transit tours observe the regulations of the Korean immigration authority.
• Passengers who are denied entry cannot participate in transit tours. For visa- and immigration-related inquiries, please contact the Ministry of Justice. Visit Korea Immigration Service under Ministry of Justice  Open in a new window
• Partner firms and passengers hold all liability for any problems arising form or related to the services/products provided.

• Eligibility : Passengers boarding Korean Air for the entire itinerary and transferring at Incheon Airport
• Benefit : 20% discount + free sauna access for 1 hour                (Please bring your boarding pass or e-ticket itinerary with you for benefits)
• Board at Gate 2A, 1st floor of Terminal 2 (arrival area), Incheon International Airport
• Business Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (SPA open hours)
• Tel.  +82-32-745-2321

Airport Railroad

• Fare discount from KRW 9,500 → KRW 8,000
• Incheon International Airport (Terminal 1/Terminal 2) ↔  Round trip  Seoul Station (express train)
• Reserve in advance through the Airport Railroad reservation page below
• All fare of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is same
• Tel. +82-1599-7788

Joy Tour Korea

Private and small group tour

Layover Tour from Incheon Airport to Seoul

from US$130 per person & up

(Private tour, per person price varies by group size)

Entry Korea policy (updated , April 1, 2023)

Tourists holding passports from visa-free countries as listed below, No need any extra application for entry.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)

• Hassle-free, private group, no need sharing seats with other tourists.
• No hidden charge except your own expenses.
• Flexible duration, can start and finish according to your layover schedule.
• One day tour (7 hours) to cover the best in Korea, both cultural and traditional.

What to expect

Our driver guide will meet you up with your nameplate at designated exit of customs in Incheon airport, after a short introduction of tour itinerary , you will move to Seoul where is 60km away from airport. 

1.You will watch royal guard changing ceremony (upon availability) and visit Gyeongbokgung palace to learn Korea history (on every Tuesday will shift to Changdeokgung palace).  

2.Visit Korean traditional culture street – Insadong street where with plenty of handy crafts shop, gift shop, tea house, Hanbok store(traditional Korean dress) etc. 

3.Visit Bukchon Hanok Village to see typical noble class houses from Joseon Dynasty

4.Visit Namdaemun Market which is the largest traditional market in Korea. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also functioning as wholesale markets. 

5.After tour, you will be dropped off at Incheon airport .

• Entrance fees
• Bottled water
• Driver/guide
• Round-trip private transfer
• Transport by air-conditioned mini van
• Private tour
• Gratuities (optional)

Cancelation policy:

• Cancellation fee of 0% is charged if cancelled 3 days or more before the tour date.
• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 2 days or less before the tour date.

Departure point:

Incheon airport 

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Joy Tour Korea

private and small group tour

DMZ tour pick-up and drop off at Incheon airport

from US$130 per person & up

(Private tour, per person price varies by group size)

Entry Korea policy (updated , April 1, 2023)

Tourists holding passports from visa-free countries as listed below, No need any extra application for entry.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)

• Enjoy a smooth and flexible DMZ tour while your layover at Incheon airport.
• Match your schedule between your arrival and departure.
• Valuable opportunity to understand 2 Korea’s situation.
• See north Korea and feel tension in military area.
• Guide will take care all of your concerns, even no need exchange money.
• Private transfer without hassles.

What to expect

Our driver guide will pick you up at Incheon airport, arriving Imjingak peace park  to start DMZ tour after 70 minutes’ driving . You and your guide will take a shuttle bus to pass through check point. You will stop at 

（1）Dorasan Observatory for 20 minutes to see North Korean city, guard post etc.. 

（2） move to 3rd tunnel (stay 60 minutes) to walk down to see infiltration tunnel dug by North Korea during cold war and watch video to learn about Korea war. 

（3）visit Unification village for take a break and souvenir shop available, then return to Injingak peace park. Y ou can have lunch and seeing around  at Injingak peace park. 

（4）After tour, return to Incheon airport.

• Admission fees
• Bottled water
• Driver/guide
• Round-trip private transfer
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Private tour
• Gratuities (optional)

Departure point:

Incheon airport 

7:30a.m- 8:00a.m  from Tuesday to Sunday ( Monday & national Holiday  closed)

Cancelation policy:

• Cancellation fee of 0% is charged if cancelled 3 days or more before the tour date.
• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 2 days or less before the tour date.

Please note before booking: 

It will take alternative tour: (In the event the DMZ closed by army due to security issue, or the ticket sold out due to limited availability). 

If regular DMZ tour impossible: (change to visiting Odusan Observatory, Freedom Bridge, Korean War Abductees Memorial, Imjingak Peace Gondola).

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Korea’s public transportation system is well-known for being convenient, inexpensive and clean. The KOREA TOUR CARD is a transit card for international tourists. Use it to pay for different types of public transport and enjoy a wide range of benefits offered by some 160 tourist attractions, performance venues, restaurants, shops, and many others in South Korea!

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Strong Taiwan Quake Kills 9, Injures Hundreds

The earthquake was the most powerful to hit the island in 25 years. Dozens of people remained trapped, and many buildings were damaged, with the worst centered in the city of Hualien.

• Share full article

• Hualien, Taiwan A landslide after the quake. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times
• New Taipei City, Taiwan Books flew off shelves as a home shook. @Abalamindo via Storyful
• Taipei, Taiwan Passengers waiting at a train station as some services were suspended. Chiang Ying-Ying/Associated Press
• Hualien, Taiwan People are rescued from a building that had partially collapsed. TVBS via Associated Press
• Hualien, Taiwan Firefighters rescuing trapped residents from a building. CTI News via Reuters
• Taipei, Taiwan Students evacuated to a school courtyard after the earthquake. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times
• Guishan Island, Taiwan Rocks tumbling down one side of an island popular for hiking. Lavine Lin via Reuters
• Hualien, Taiwan A building leaned to one side after the quake. Randy Yang via Associated Press
• Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan Watching news on a rooftop of a hotel after a tsunami warning. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times
• Hualien, Taiwan Motorbikes damaged in the quake. TVBS via Associated Press
• New Taipei City, Taiwan Damage in an apartment Fabian Hamacher/Reuters
• New Taipei City, Taiwan Water cascading down a building during the quake. Wang via Reuters

Meaghan Tobin and Victoria Kim

Here’s what you need to know about the earthquake.

Taiwan was rocked Wednesday morning by the island’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century, a magnitude 7.4 tremor that killed at least nine people, injured more than 800 others and trapped dozens of people.

The heaviest damage was in Hualien County on the island’s east coast, a sleepy, scenic area prone to earthquakes. Footage from the aftermath showed a 10-story building there partially collapsed and leaning heavily to one side, from which residents emerged through windows and climbed down ladders, assisted by rescuers. Three hikers were killed after being hit by falling rocks on a hiking trail in Taroko National Park, according to the county government.

By late afternoon, officials said rescue efforts were underway to try to rescue 127 people who were trapped, many of them on hiking trails in Hualien.

One building in Changhua County, on the island’s west coast, collapsed entirely. The quake was felt throughout Taiwan and set off at least nine landslides, sending rocks tumbling onto Suhua Highway in Hualien, according to local media reports. Rail services were halted at one point across the island.

The earthquake, with an epicenter off Taiwan’s east coast, struck during the morning commute, shortly before 8 a.m. Taiwanese authorities said by 3 p.m., more than 100 aftershocks, many of them stronger than magnitude 5, had rumbled through the area.

In the capital, Taipei, buildings shook for over a minute from the initial quake. Taiwan is at the intersection of the Philippine Sea tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate, making it vulnerable to seismic activity. Hualien sits on multiple active faults, and 17 people died in a quake there in 2018.

Here is the latest:

The earthquake hit Taiwan as many people there were preparing to travel for Tomb Sweeping Day, a holiday across the Chinese-speaking world when people mourn the dead and make offerings at their graves. Officials warned the public to stay away from visiting tombs in mountain areas as a precaution, especially because rain was forecast in the coming days.

TSMC, the world’s biggest maker of advanced semiconductors, briefly evacuated workers from its factories but said a few hours later that they were returning to work. Chip production is highly precise, and even short shutdowns can cost millions of dollars.

Christopher Buckley

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s vice president, who is also its president-elect, visited the city of Hualien this afternoon to assess the destruction and the rescue efforts, a government announcement said. Mr. Lai, who will become president in May, said the most urgent tasks were rescuing trapped residents and providing medical care. Next, Mr. Lai said, public services must be restored, including transportation, water and power. He said Taiwan Railway’s eastern line could be reopened by Thursday night.

Meaghan Tobin

Taiwan’s fire department has updated its figures, reporting that nine people have died and 934 others have been injured in the quake. Fifty-six people in Hualien County remain trapped.

Shake intensity

Taiwan’s fire department reports that nine people have died and 882 others have been injured in Taiwan. In Hualien County, 131 people remain trapped.

Agnes Chang

Footage shows rocks tumbling down one side of Guishan Island, a popular spot for hiking known as Turtle Island, off the northeast coast of Taiwan. Officials said no fishermen or tourists were injured after the landslide.

The death toll has risen to nine, according to Taiwan government statistics.

Meaghan Tobin, Siyi Zhao

Officials in Taiwan warned residents to not visit their relatives' tombs, especially in the mountains, this weekend during the holiday, known as Ching Ming, meant to honor them. There had already been 100 aftershocks and the forecast called for rain, which could make travel conditions on damaged roads more treacherous.

Crews are working to reach people trapped on blocked roads. As of 1 p.m. local time, roads were impassable due to damage and fallen rock in 19 places, according to the Ministry of Transportation. At least 77 people remain trapped. A bridge before Daqingshui Tunnel appeared to have completely collapsed.

Taiwan’s worst rail disaster in decades — a train derailment in 2021 that killed 49 people — took place on the first day of the Tomb Sweeping holiday period that year, in the same region as the earthquake.

The earthquake hit Taiwan as many people here were preparing to travel for Tomb Sweeping Day, or Ching Ming, a day across the Chinese-speaking world when people mourn their dead, especially by making offerings at their graves. Now those plans will be disrupted for many Taiwanese.

The holiday weekend would typically see a spike in travel as people visit family across Taiwan. Currently, both rail transport and highways are blocked in parts of Hualien, said Transport Minister Wang Guo-cai. Work is underway to restore rail transportation in Hualien, and two-way traffic is expected to be restored at noon on Thursday, he said.

Taiwan’s preparedness has evolved in response to past quakes.

Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness has evolved over the past few decades in response to some of the island’s largest and most destructive quakes .

In the years after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in 1999, the authorities established an urban search-and-rescue team and opened several emergency medical operation centers, among other measures .

And in 2018, after a quake in the eastern coastal city of Hualien killed 17 people and caused several buildings to partially collapse, the government ordered a wave of building inspections .

Taiwan has also been improving its early warning system for earthquakes since the 1980s. And two years ago, it rolled out new building codes that, among other things, require owners of vulnerable buildings to install ad-hoc structural reinforcements.

So how well prepared was Taiwan when a 7.4 magnitude quake struck near Hualien on Wednesday morning, killing at least seven people and injuring hundreds more?

Across the island, one building collapsed entirely, 15 others were in a state of partial collapse and another 67 were damaged, the island’s fire department said on Wednesday afternoon . Structural engineers could not immediately be reached for comment to assess that damage, or the extent to which building codes and other regulations might have either contributed to it or prevented worse destruction.

As for search-and-rescue preparedness, Taiwan is generally in very good shape, said Steve Glassey, an expert in disaster response who lives in New Zealand.

“ The skill sets, the capabilities, the equipment, the training is second to none,” said Dr. Glassey, who worked with Taipei’s urban search-and-rescue team during the response to a devastating 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. “They’re a very sharp operation.”

But even the best urban search-and-rescue team will be stretched thin if an earthquake causes multiple buildings to collapse, Dr. Glassey said.

Taiwan has options for requesting international help with search-and-rescue efforts. It could directly ask another country, or countries, to send personnel. And if multiple teams were to get involved, it could ask the United Nations to help coordinate them, as it did after the 1999 earthquake.

Pierre Peron, a spokesman for the United Nations, said on Wednesday afternoon that no such request had yet been made as a result of the latest earthquake.

Meaghan Tobin contributed reporting.

At least seven people have died and 736 have been injured as a result of the earthquake, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Another 77 people remained trapped in Hualien County, many of them on hiking trails. Search and rescue operations are underway, said the fire department.

Aftershocks of magnitudes between 6.5 and 7 were likely to occur over the next three or four days, said Wu Chien-fu, director of the Taiwanese Central Weather Administration’s Seismology Center, at a news conference.

As of 2 p.m., 711 people had been injured across Taiwan, the fire department said, and 77 people in Hualien County remained trapped. The four who were known to have died were in Hualien.

Victoria Kim

Hualien County is a quiet and scenic tourist destination.

Hualien County on Taiwan’s east coast is a scenic, sleepy tourist area tucked away from the island’s urban centers, with a famous gorge and aquamarine waters. It also happens to sit on several active faults , making it prone to earthquakes.

The county has a population of about 300,000, according to the 2020 census, about a third of whom live in the coastal city of Hualien, the county seat. It is one of the most sparsely populated parts of Taiwan. About three hours by train from the capital, Taipei, the city describes itself as the first place on the island that’s touched by the sun.

Hualien County is home to Taroko National Park, one of Taiwan’s most popular scenic areas. Visitors come to explore the Taroko Gorge, a striated marble canyon carved by the Liwu River, which cuts through mountains that rise steeply from the coast. The city of Hualien is a popular destination as a gateway to the national park.

According to the state-owned Central News Agency, three hikers were trapped on a trail near the entrance to the gorge on Wednesday, after the quake sent rocks falling. Two of them were found dead, the news agency said. Administrators said many roads within the park had been cut off by the earthquake, potentially trapping hikers, according to the report.

Earthquakes have rattled Hualien with some regularity. In 2018, 17 people were killed and hundreds of others injured when a magnitude 6.5 quake struck just before midnight, its epicenter a short distance northeast of the city of Hualien.

Many of the victims in that quake were in a 12-story building that was severely tilted, the first four floors of which were largely crushed, according to news reports from the time. The next year, the area was shaken by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that injured 17 people.

The area has some of the highest concentrations of Taiwan’s aboriginal population, with several of the island’s Indigenous tribes calling the county home .

The county government in Hualien released a list of people that had been hospitalized with injuries, which stood at 118 people as of midday Wednesday.

Across Taiwan, one building fell down entirely, in Changhua County on the west coast, and 15 buildings partially collapsed, Taiwan’s fire department said. Another 67 buildings were damaged. One of the partially collapsed structures was a warehouse in New Taipei City where four people were rescued, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency. Another 12 were rescued at a separate New Taipei City building where the foundation sank into the ground.

Peggy Jiang, who manages The Good Kid, a children’s bookstore down the street from the partially collapsed Uranus Building in Hualien, said it was a good thing they had yet to open when the quake struck. The area is now blocked off by police and rescue vehicles. “Most people in Hualien are used to earthquakes,” she said. “But this one was particularly scary, many people ran in the street immediately afterward.”

Lin Jung, 36, who manages a shop selling sneakers in Hualien, said he had been at home getting ready to take his 16-month-old baby to a medical appointment when the earthquake struck. He said it felt at first like a series of small shocks, then “suddenly it turned to an intense earthquake shaking up and down.” The glass cover of a ceiling lamp fell and shattered. “All I could do was protect my baby.”

Chris Buckley ,  Paul Mozur ,  Meaghan Tobin and John Yoon

The earthquake damaged buildings and a highway in Hualien.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday damaged many buildings and a major highway in Hualien, a city on the eastern coast, and it knocked out power as it rocked the island.

Across Taiwan, the quake and its aftershocks caused one building to completely collapse and 15 others to partially collapse, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Sixty-seven other buildings sustained damage.

Two tall buildings in Hualien that sustained particularly extensive damage were at the center of the rescue efforts there. Most damage across the city was not life-threatening, said Huang Hsuan-wan, a reporter for a local news site.

Where buildings were reported damaged in Hualien City

“A lot of roads were blocked off. There are a lot of walls toppled over onto cars,” Derik du Plessis, 44, a South African resident of Hualien, said shortly after the earthquake. He described people rushing around the city to check on their houses and pick up their children. One of his friends lost her house, he said.

One of the damaged buildings in Hualien, a 10-story structure called the Uranus Building that housed a mix of homes and shops, was tilted over and appeared to be on the verge of collapse. Many of its residents managed to flee, but some were missing, said Sunny Wang, a journalist based in the city. Rescuers were trying to reach the basement, concerned that people might be trapped there.

Photographs of the initial damage in Hualien showed another building, a five-story structure, leaning to one side, with crushed motorcycles visible at the ground-floor level. Bricks had fallen off another high-rise, leaving cracks and holes in the walls.

The quake also set off at least nine landslides on Suhua Highway in Hualien, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, which said part of the road had collapsed.

Taiwan’s fire department said four people had been killed in the earthquake.

Across Taiwan, 40 flights have been canceled or delayed because of the earthquake, according to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Center.

President Tsai Ing-wen visited Taiwan’s national emergency response center this morning, where she was briefed about the response efforts underway by members of the ministries of defense, transportation, economic affairs and agriculture, as well as the fire department.

A look at Taiwan’s strongest earthquakes.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Taiwan on Wednesday morning was the strongest in 25 years, the island’s Central Weather Administration said.

At least four people died after the quake struck off Taiwan’s east coast, officials said.

Here’s a look back at some of the major earthquakes in modern Taiwanese history:

Taichung, 1935

Taiwan’s deadliest quake registered a magnitude of 7.1 and struck near the island’s west coast in April 1935, killing more than 3,200 people, according to the Central Weather Administration. More than 12,000 others were injured and more than 50,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Tainan, 1941

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in December 1941, which struck southwestern Taiwan, caused several hundred deaths, the United States Geological Survey said.

Chi-Chi, 1999

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in September 1999. The quake, which struck about 90 miles south-southwest of Taipei, was the second-deadliest in the island’s history, according to the U.S.G.S. and the Central Weather Administration. More than 10,000 people were injured and more than 100,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Yujing, 2016

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake in February 2016 caused a 17-story apartment complex in southwestern Taiwan to collapse, killing at least 114 people . The U.S.G.S. later said that 90 earthquakes of that scale or greater had occurred within 250 kilometers, or 155 miles, of that quake’s location over the previous 100 years.

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