Airport Codes For Seoul: A Quick Guide

what is airport code for seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is served by several airports, including Incheon International Airport (IATA: ICN), Gimpo International Airport (IATA: GMP), Seoul Air Base (IATA: SSN), Seoul Station City Airport Terminal, and Yeouido Airport, which closed in 1971. Incheon International Airport is the largest and primary airport serving Seoul, located 30 miles (48 km) west of the city. Seoul Airport (IATA: ICN) is a hub for cargo traffic and international civilian air transportation in East Asia.

Characteristics Values
Official Name Incheon International Airport
Airport Code ICN
ICAO Code RKSI
Location 30 miles (48 km) west of Seoul
Terminals 2
Airlines Air Busan, Air Incheon, Air Seoul, Asiana Airlines, Eastar Jet, FedEx Express, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Korean Air, Polar Air Cargo, T’way Air, Thai Airways, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines
Facilities Restaurants, bars, shops, duty-free, currency exchange, ATMs, tax refund, internet zone, information desks, hotel reservations, tour information centre
Transport Options Bus, taxi
Passenger Numbers (2019) 71,169,516
Passenger Numbers (2020) 12,094,851

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Seoul's main airport is Incheon International Airport (IATA: ICN)

Incheon International Airport is a significant hub for cargo traffic and international civilian air transportation in East Asia. It is also known for its modern design and eco-friendly features. The airport registered 71,169,516 passengers in 2019, but that number dropped to 12,094,851 in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis.

In addition to Incheon International Airport, there are other airports that serve Seoul, including Gimpo International Airport (IATA: GMP) and Seoul Air Base (IATA: SSN). Gimpo International Airport handles domestic flights and some short-haul international routes, while Seoul Air Base is a military airbase.

Seoul also offers unique cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Emperor Palace, the main royal palace built in 1395 by the Joseon dynasty. The city boasts five palaces in total, including Gyeongbokgung, the largest and most important. Other notable sites include Gwanghwamun Gate, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace, known for its secret gardens and exotic flora and fauna.

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Gimpo International Airport (IATA: GMP) serves domestic and some short-haul international routes

Seoul, South Korea, has two international airports: Incheon International Airport (IATA: ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (IATA: GMP). While Incheon International Airport is the larger of the two and serves as the primary airport for Seoul, Gimpo International Airport serves domestic routes and some short-haul international routes.

Gimpo International Airport, with the IATA code GMP and ICAO code RKSS, is a significant aviation hub in South Korea. The airport is located 33.39 km (20.75 miles) from Incheon International Airport, which is situated west of Incheon city and approximately 48 km (30 miles) west of Seoul. While Incheon International Airport is known for handling long-haul international flights and serving as a hub for several major airlines, Gimpo International Airport primarily caters to domestic travel within South Korea and some short-haul international destinations.

The specific allocation of routes between the two airports is part of a strategy to manage the high demand for air travel in the region. By designating Gimpo International Airport as the primary hub for domestic and short-haul international flights, the busier Incheon International Airport can focus on long-haul international operations. This distribution of air traffic helps optimize the efficiency of both airports and ensures a more seamless travel experience for passengers travelling to and from Seoul.

Gimpo International Airport has a rich history in South Korean aviation. Before the construction and development of Incheon International Airport, Gimpo served as Seoul's primary international airport. Over time, as air travel demands increased and Seoul's role as a major transportation hub grew, the need for a larger and more modern airport became evident, leading to the establishment of Incheon International Airport. Today, Gimpo International Airport continues to play a vital role in South Korea's aviation industry, providing essential connectivity for domestic and select short-haul international routes.

The airport is well-equipped to handle a variety of aircraft and offers a range of facilities for passengers and crews alike. It has a comprehensive ground transportation network, ensuring easy access to and from the airport. This includes bus services connecting the airport to various destinations within the city and vicinities. Additionally, car rental services are available for those who prefer to drive.

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Seoul Air Base (IATA: SSN) is a military airbase

Seoul, South Korea, has several airports and relevant facilities. When referring to Seoul Airport, people are usually talking about Incheon International Airport (IATA: ICN), the largest airport in South Korea and one of the busiest and largest in the world. It is Seoul's primary airport and is located 30 miles (48 km) west of the city.

However, Seoul also has a military airbase, Seoul Air Base (IATA: SSN). This is one of four other airports or airport-related facilities in Seoul. The others are:

  • Gimpo International Airport (IATA: GMP), which is a domestic hub with some short-haul international routes.
  • Seoul Station City Airport Terminal, an in-town check-in service at Seoul Station.
  • Yeouido Airport, which served the city from 1916 to 1971 and is no longer in operation.

Incheon International Airport is a hub for several airlines, including Air Busan, Air Incheon, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, and Polar Air Cargo. It has two terminals and is known for its eco-friendly and modern design.

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Seoul Station City Airport Terminal offers in-town check-in services

Seoul, South Korea, is served by several airports, including Incheon International Airport (IATA: ICN). The Seoul Station City Airport Terminal (SCAT) is a convenient in-town early check-in service for passengers travelling to Incheon International Airport. It is located in Downtown Seoul and has been operating since 29 December 2010.

The Seoul Station City Airport Terminal is the only place in Seoul offering an in-town check-in service after the closure of the CALT's operation at Gangnam in 2023. This service allows passengers to check in early for their flight, register their luggage, and enter a designated departure passageway upon arrival at Incheon International Airport. This can save time and hassle for travellers, especially those with lots of baggage or a long journey to the airport.

Several airlines offer the in-town check-in service at the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal, including Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, T'way Air, Air Seoul, Air Busan, Jin Air, Lufthansa, and Eastar Jet. Passengers can receive assigned seats, check in their baggage, and obtain their boarding pass at the terminal. However, it is important to note that this service may not be available for certain types of flights, such as charter or non-scheduled flights, domestic flights, or for passengers requiring special assistance.

The Seoul Station City Airport Terminal provides a convenient and efficient way for passengers to check in for their flights and handle their luggage before arriving at the airport. This can help streamline the travel experience and reduce potential delays at the airport. By offering early check-in services, the terminal enhances the overall travel experience for passengers departing from Seoul.

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Yeouido Airport closed in 1971

The airport code for Seoul is ICN for Incheon International Airport, which is the long-haul international hub. Gimpo International Airport (IATA: GMP) is the domestic hub, which also serves some short-haul international routes.

In Seoul, there used to be another airport called Yeouido Airport, which was Korea's first airport, serving international, domestic, and military flights. It was constructed in 1916, according to one source, and in April 1924, according to another. The airport was prone to flooding, which made it unusable during the summer rainy season. In 1958, Gimpo International Airport took over Yeouido's commercial flights, and in 1971, Seoul Air Base took over its military functions. Yeouido Airport closed in 1971, and its former site was replaced by commercial and residential construction, including the National Assembly Building, which was completed in 1975.

Yeouido Island, where the airport was located, has since become the center of politics in South Korea, with most major political parties maintaining their headquarters there. It has also emerged as a leading international financial district, with the highest concentration of financial institutions and excellent infrastructure for business in Korea. Yeouido is now home to some of Seoul and South Korea's tallest skyscrapers, including the iconic 63 Building.

Frequently asked questions

The airport code for Seoul's primary airport, Incheon International Airport, is ICN.

Gimpo International Airport, the domestic hub airport in Seoul, has the airport code GMP.

Seoul Air Base, the military airbase, has the airport code SSN.

Seoul Station City Airport Terminal is an in-town check-in service and does not have an airport code. Yeouido Airport was a former airport in Seoul that operated from 1916 to 1971.

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