Exploring Incheon Airport: Things To Do And See

Consistently voted one of the world's top airport experiences, Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea, offers a wide range of attractions and amenities for travellers on layovers or those looking for something to do before their flight. The airport boasts an impressive array of food options, gardens, a golf course, movie theatres, art installations, and cultural experiences, making it a unique and enjoyable place to spend time. Whether you're looking to indulge in authentic Korean cuisine, explore the local culture, or simply relax and freshen up before your flight, Incheon Airport has something for everyone.

Eat Korean food

Korean food is synonymous with flavour, so eating Korean food should be on your agenda when at Incheon Airport. Sample traditional Korean food at quick food court stalls or sit-down restaurants that tout kimchi, noodles, mackerel, and the comforting rice dish bibimbap.

One such place is the Korean Food Court at Incheon Airport Terminal 2, which is a food court dedicated to serving Korean food. Here, you can order from a central system with pictures of the menu and combination sets clearly displayed on the screens. The food is restaurant-quality and well-presented. You can order a clear noodle soup, boiled pork set, kimchi noodles, or a pork patty to share.

If you're looking for a sit-down restaurant, try Matina Restaurant, which is ranked as the best restaurant in Incheon Airport in 2004. It is managed by Walkerhill Hotel and has been featured in newspapers several times. You can order Kimchi fried rice and Bulgogi stew, which are some of the cheaper options on the menu. The restaurant also serves Korean BBQ.

Korean food is widely available at Incheon Airport, so you won't have to walk far to find something delicious to eat!

Visit the Incheon Airport Museum

If you're looking to immerse yourself in Korean culture during your time at Incheon Airport, a visit to the Museum of Korean Culture is a must. Located in Concourse 4F, the museum showcases a rich array of artefacts and art that hold significant cultural value to the country.

The exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into Korea's royal culture, traditional arts, music, and religious beliefs. Admire the intricate garments from the Joseon Dynasty and imagine the daily lives of Koreans through the displayed items and clothing. For a deeper insight into the country's literary heritage, you can view replicas of ancient publications, including "Jikji", the world's oldest existing book created with movable metal type, dating back to the 14th century during the Goryeo Dynasty.

The museum also boasts several UNESCO World Heritage-recognised artefacts. Among these is the oldest known wooden slab print in the world, "The Great Dharani Sutra of Immaculate and Pure Light", which was discovered in 1966 and dates back to the eighth century. You can also explore two of the earliest works printed in Hangul (the Korean alphabet): "Yongbieocheonga" and "Worin Cheongangjigok".

Through a media arts system, the museum brings traditional Korean musical instruments to life, allowing visitors to hear and see the Janggu (a double-headed drum), the Daegeum (a large transverse bamboo flute), and the Buk (a drum).

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a cultural experience, a visit to the Incheon Airport Museum promises a captivating journey through Korea's rich cultural heritage.

Try your luck at the Paradise City Casino

If you're looking for something to do at Incheon Airport, why not try your luck at the Paradise City Casino? Located at the Hyatt Regency, just a 3-minute shuttle ride from the main terminal, it is Korea's largest casino catering exclusively to foreigners.

The casino boasts the latest gaming facilities, with premium services, professional game management, and state-of-the-art systems. It offers a unique and fun experience to its guests, including exclusive benefits for its members. The casino also has a VIP-exclusive lounge, restaurant, and gaming spaces, providing differentiated services to their top customers.

For those looking to relax, the Hotel Paradise, located within Paradise City, offers a world of gourmet discoveries with its Michelin-star restaurant and trendy bar. The communal areas of the hotel are fantastic, providing a comfortable and convenient stay for guests.

With its proximity to the airport, the Paradise City Casino is a convenient and entertaining option for travellers looking to fill their time at Incheon Airport.

Take a free transit tour

If you're in transit at Incheon Airport, you can join one of the many free transit tours that the airport arranges, available in Korean and English. These tours last between 2 and 8 hours and visit sights such as the Yongungsa Temple, the Dora Observatory, and the Sinpo Market. The cost of these tours varies, ranging from $10 to $100.

If you want to check out Seoul but would prefer not to join a guided tour, you can explore the city independently. However, it's important to note that the airport is about an hour away from downtown Seoul, so this option is only recommended if you have a layover of at least 6 hours. You can store any baggage that you don't want to carry around in the main terminal lockers. To get into the city, you can take the AREX Railroad Express, which connects to the city centre's metro lines, or you can opt for one of the several buses that go to various points in Seoul. Taxis and fixed-rate shuttles are also available, but they may have to deal with heavy traffic, depending on the time of day.

For first-time visitors to Seoul, a must-see is the iconic Gyeongbok Palace, which now serves as a museum and garden for traditional Korean folk culture. From there, you can walk to the president's residence at the Blue House or explore the National Folk Museum. Discover Seoul's thriving arts scene at the Insadong Arts District, which is known for its galleries, tea houses, and traditional house restaurants. You can also find local goods and sample traditional and modern Korean cuisine at the vast Namdaemun Market.

Relax in the spa

If you're looking to unwind during a layover at Incheon Airport, Spa on Air is a great option. This small airport spa is located in the basement level of Terminal 1 and offers a range of facilities to help you relax and rejuvenate. For a reasonable price, you can access the toilet, shower, hot tub, sauna, and sleeping facilities. The spa is landside, so you don't need to worry about going through security to get there.

When you arrive, you'll be asked how many hours you need, and the price will be determined accordingly. Credit cards are accepted, and you won't need to show any identification or boarding pass. You can check your large luggage at reception and will be provided with towels, pyjamas, a locker key, and an access card. You can keep your hand luggage with you, but make sure to have a change of clothes and toiletries.

The spa's hot tubs and showers are communal and nude, so be prepared for that. Once you're done, you can change into the provided pyjamas and head to the sleeping area, which is mixed-gender and offers mats, sleeping couches, and cushions. If you prefer more privacy, you can reserve a private room ahead of time for an additional cost.

The spa also offers free amenities, including combs, hair dryers, beauty products, and water. There are vending machines for any forgotten toiletries, but they only accept cash in Korean Won. Overall, Spa on Air is a great value option to relax and refresh during a long layover or before a flight.

Frequently asked questions