If you must have a layover, Incheon International Airport in Seoul is one of the best airports in the world. In fact, it’s been rated the top airport multiple times and currently sits at number 2 in the world.

So what things are there to do in Incheon Airport? It’s one of those airports that is actually fun to explore.

On top of that, Incheon Airport has been rated multiple times as the best international airport for multiple years by the Airports International Council. This main international airport serving Seoul is often one of the busiest airports in the world.

 

Incheon Airport Layover in Seoul

There are probably more things to do in an Incheon Airport layover in Seoul than you have time for. Apart from free showers, a digital gym, tranquil gardens and plenty of ways to learn about the history and culture of Korea – there’s even a free transit tour from Incheon Airport if you have the time to spare.

It’s no wonder Incheon International Airport is rated so highly, spending time here doesn’t feel like a chore. A layover in Incheon International Airport is almost like a mini holiday in itself.

You’ll probably enjoy your layover to be honest, and even if you have a bad time, read about the worst layover I’ve ever had here.

No matter how long you have to spend here, there’s plenty of great things to do in Incheon Airport – let’s get into it.

 

Incheon Airport Layover Transit Tour

Click here for a more in-depth guide to Transit tours from Incheon International Airport. Depending on the length of your layover in Seoul’s Incheon Airport you might be able to jump on a transit tour of Seoul.

There are currently 9 transit tours of Seoul being offered from Incheon Airport. The tours from Incheon Airport range from 1-5 hours long.

Each transit tour visits popular attractions in Seoul that are nearby the airport. Each transit tour from Incheon leaves at different times throughout the day from both Terminal 1 and 2 of Incheon. From beaches to a casino, a temple to shopping markets – there’s an Incheon Transit Tour for every traveler.

Most tours, especially the longer ones, stop for lunch, so it’s a great way to try some local Korean foods. Make your way to the reservation desk in either Terminal 1 or 2.

It’s advised to go straight to the booking desk as soon as you can as tours are on a first come first served basis unless you book online. Some of the tours require Korean Won, and there’s a currency exchange in Incheon Airport. I exchanged U.S. Dollars and got a decent rate.  

 

Traditional Culture Experience Zones in Incheon International Airport

You don’t need to leave Incheon International Airport in Seoul to learn about Korean culture, history, and art.

Not only are there performances and exhibits, but you can also have hands-on experiences. “Wadangs “ are a piece of Korean architectural history.

These little clay circles are placed on roofs of houses, and the act of decorating them is known as ‘Dancheong’. It takes around an hour to finish these intricate paintings and opens you up to use a little creativity in matching colors together.

There is also a traditional form of calligraphy available and sometimes building your own handheld fan is on offer.

If you’re lucky enough, a dance and music performance will be taking place at the Korean Cultural Zones in Incheon International Airport. It’s pretty obvious when they are going on as the crowds gather and beautiful music echoes throughout the airport.

You can also try on a traditional Hanbok, a style of Korean outfit, or browse ancient arts and relics inside the Korean Cultural Museum. There are culture zones in Terminals 1 and 2 of Incheon.  

 

What to do with kids in Incheon International Airport

Airport layovers are rarely fun, especially if you’re a child with boundless amounts of energy. Luckily, Incheon International Airport has plenty of activities with kids in mind. Most of these activities are in terminal 1, but the play centers are scattered throughout.

• Kids zone play areas – Incheon has a number of areas for kids to run and burn off all that excess energy. These play zones are scattered throughout Incheon Airport and consist of various styles of play equipment.
• Ice skating is even available in terminal 1, B1. You don’t need to bring anything as everything is available for hire for 5000 Won. Open from 10am to 8pm.
• A movie theatre is also in Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport.
• Stroller rental is available in both terminals and baby care nurseries are in Incheon International Airport, in both terminals, for children and expecting mothers.

 

Other things to do in Incheon International Airport

Apart from taking a transit tour into Seoul or learning about the history and culture of Korea inside Incheon International Airport, there’s plenty of other options to pass the time. Some of the best things to do in IncheonInternational Airport on a layover include:

• One of the best things about Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is free showers! You don’t even need to bring anything as you’re provided a FREE towel and toothbrush. Having a shower in Incheon Airport is a great way to refresh yourself.
• A free shuttle bus from Incheon International Airport to the Hyatt Regency Hotel gives access to a casino. Open 24/7, all year round, a place to pass the time if you’re feeling lucky. The shuttle bus leaves from arrivals exit #3.
• 5 minutes walk from the casino is a golf club. Where you can play a full 18 holes of golf, any day of the week. Depending on how many holes and if it’s a weekend or not, you’re looking anywhere from 30,000 to 96000 Won.
• Whiskey tastings are available in some duty-free shops if you’re looking for a cheap drink in Incheon.
• There are gyms in Incheon Airport. They are digital gyms that are interactive games for passengers to get their muscles working after a long flight.
• Relaxation spas are available in terminal 1 of the airport in Seoul. A massage is another way to both unwind and relax during an Incheon Airport layover.
• Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport also has an observation deck that allows passengers to watch planes take off and land. It’s a pretty cool thing to do in Incheon watching these planes do their thing.
• There are plenty of gardens scattered throughout Incheon Airport. These are quiet places to relax in peace and quiet. A great place to de-stress after a hectic travel day.

 

What else is there to do in Incheon Airport?

If you have more time to spend around this travel hub of South Korea, there are a number of things to do in the area. Explore Seoul by yourself or check in to an airport hotel.

 

How do I get into Seoul from Incheon International Airport by myself?

Getting to and from Seoul from Incheon International Airport is pretty simple. AREX is a train line linking Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul Station, via Gimpo International Airport (GMP).

The train leaves from both Terminal 1 and 2 of Incheon International Airport. At a top speed of 110km/hr, the train to Seoul Station of 63.8km takes around 43 minutes on the express service, or 53 minutes on the non-express.  

There are a number of ways to get into Seoul from Incheon Airport, depending on time and price, you can check out and book your best option below:

• The Airport Rail Express Train (AREX) is fast and cheap. It takes around 50-60minutes and you can buy your ticket online for around $9 USD here.
• Book a private shuttle bus – this option depends greatly on your final destination and traffic conditions, but it is a bit more expensive around $40 USD, per person. 
• You can also take a Limousine Bus, which takes around 70 minutes and can be booked at the airport.

Once you’re in Seoul you can get a pretty massive discount by ordering a Seoul City Pass. Just make sure you’ll have time to visit enough attractions to make it worth your while in buying the Seoul City Pass.

 

Are there hotels in Incheon International Airport?

There are hotels available that provide free airport shuttles to and from Incheon International Airport.

For the most budget-friendly option, K-guesthouse Incheon offers a double with a shared bathroom for $28 USD. Equipped with a kitchen, laundry, games room and terrace, it’s easy to relax before taking off on your connecting flight.

Book a room at K-Guesthouse Incheon International Hotel!

There are many other budget-friendly options, being airport hotels, all will offer airport shuttles included. Booking a hotel near Incheon International Airport for your layover is a perfect way to decompress before your flight! 

Here’s a list of the best hotels around Incheon International Airport.

 

Where to eat Korean food at Incheon International Airport

If you’re looking to try some Korean style food while you kill the time in the airport there are a few great places to try – mostly in terminal 1.

• Bibigo is a great place for the most well known Korean dish of Bibimbap. Fresh and raw ingredients, similar to a salad, on rice. It’s one dish that’s a must-try if you can find the time!
• Gaeop Sikdang is one of the best places to try another popular Korean dish. Beef bone soup is their specialty.
• K-street Food. The title of this restaurant pretty much speaks for itself. Delicious Korean street food is served here.

 

Is there luggage storage at Incheon International Airport (ICN)?

Yes, there are multiple places to store luggage at Incheon International Airport.

You can find the luggage storage service at Incheon Airport in the Transport Center, just looks for a company called “Trazy”.

Located in the B1 section of both Terminal 1 and 2. Depending on the number of items and the number of days storing luggage at Incheon Airport, the cost will be anywhere from $4.40 to $10.60 USD per day.

Dropping your luggage off at Incheon Airport is a great way to have less to worry about during your transit layover in Seoul.    

 

Shopping in Incheon International Airport

If you’re into shopping, Incheon International Airport in Seoul has many shopping outlets, including duty-free centers dotted around all the terminals.

With many shops offering a huge range of gifts and souvenirs, you’ll forget you’re shopping in an Airport! If you’re looking for duty-free outlets in Incheon, keep your eyes open for Lotte or Shilla – two of Korea’s largest duty-free shops.    

 

Where is Incheon International Airport in Seoul

Incheon International Airport is 49km from downtown Seoul and takes around an hour to travel between the two. 

You can see from the map of Incheon Airport, it is located on a small island to the west of Incheon and the capital city of Seoul. 

As mentioned above, there are a few ways to make this 49km journey into Seoul (you can check out them above).

 

 

If you have to have a layover in Seoul, visit Incheon International Airport!

There’s a reason why Incheon International Airport is rated so highly. It’s amazing.

Have fun and interactive workout and take a free shower. It relaxes in a peaceful garden or watches a movie.

There’s even a chance for a round of golf or a quick gamble at the close-by casino. Incheon Airport is almost a sight in itself.

Whether you have a few hours or a day to kill inside Seoul’s busiest Airport, there’s plenty of things to do in Incheon Airport.  

Do is you enjoy this post detailing the facilities at Incheon International Airport? Make sure to give it a share to social media to help others experience this fantastic Airport!  

You can find important and up to date information about the Seoul Airport on the official website.

If you’re after unlimited 4G data in Seoul, you can buy your access easily here.

 

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More articles on travel:

• How to deal with and enjoy a travel culture shock
• Here’s a massive travel tips article
• Why you absolutely need travel insurance!

 

  Thanks for reading! Happy and safe travels, Ben – Horizon Unknown