Exploring Seoul's Airport: Things To Do And See

Seoul's Incheon International Airport is consistently voted one of the best airport experiences in the world. The airport boasts tranquil gardens, free showers, a digital gym, and plenty of ways to learn about Korean history and culture.

If you're looking for food, the airport has a wide range of options, from traditional Korean food to Western chains like Burger King and KFC. There are also plenty of places to shop, including duty-free shops, bookstores, cosmetic shops, and souvenir stores.

For those looking to relax, the airport offers spa treatments and massage services, as well as sleeping lounges and free massage chairs. If you're feeling lucky, you can try your hand at the Paradise Golden Gate Casino, located just three minutes away from the main terminal.

Incheon International Airport also provides free transit tours of Seoul for those with a layover of at least half a day. These tours include visits to historic locations such as temples, palaces, and the famous Myeongdong market.

With so much to offer, a layover at Seoul's Incheon International Airport is almost like a mini-holiday in itself!

Try Korean food

Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavours, colourful presentations, and generous portions. The Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul offers a variety of options to try Korean food, from food courts to full-service restaurants. Here's a guide to help you navigate the culinary offerings at the airport:

Food Courts:

• Korean Food Street (한식미담길): Located in Terminal 2, Basement 1, this food court is dedicated to serving traditional Korean dishes. It offers a wide range of options, including regional specialties such as seafood noodles from Gyeongju and silken tofu (sunndubu) from Bukchon-dong. The ordering system is convenient, with pictures of combination sets displayed on screens, and the seating area is spacious and clean.
• CJ Food World: Found in Terminal 1, this food court offers a variety of cuisines, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Western options. You can enjoy dishes like pork kimchi stew, beef brisket spicy noodle soup, and beef belly spicy mixed noodles at affordable prices.

Full-Service Restaurants:

• FOOD STOP in Terminal 2, 4th Floor: This restaurant offers panoramic views of the airport while you dine on Korean, Japanese, or Vietnamese dishes. Choose from a variety of rice bowl dishes, pork cutlets, or rice noodles.
• Korean, Japanese, and Chinese Restaurants in Terminal 1, 4th Floor, West Side: These restaurants offer a variety of Korean dishes, including spicy stir-fried pork, side dishes, rice, veggies, and soy sauce steamed chicken. You can also enjoy the view of the whole terminal while you eat.

In addition to these options, there are also several chain restaurants and cafes throughout the airport, such as Starbucks, Paris Baguette, and Angel-in-us, where you can grab a quick bite or a coffee break.

Visit the Incheon Airport Museum

The Incheon Airport Museum is located near Gate 122 (West), in the Duty-free Zone on the third floor of the concourse. The museum is dedicated to Korean art and history and is open from 9 am to 6 pm. The exhibition space showcases a range of Korean artefacts and contemporary artworks. The museum also features a collection of traditional Korean wooden furniture from the late 18th-century Joseon period, as well as modern pieces by Studio Shinyoo. The 'Transition: Korean Furniture' exhibition explores the evolution of Korean furniture design and the gap between traditional and modern aesthetics.

In addition to the museum, Incheon Airport features art installations throughout the property. For those interested in Korean culture, the airport also offers a Korean Culture Street experience, where you can stroll through jeongia (gazebos) and enjoy a panoramic view of the passenger terminal. You can also take photos in traditional Korean clothing (Hanbok) and purchase souvenirs.

The airport is known for its unique attractions, making it a great place for a layover. If you have time, you can also indulge in authentic Korean cuisine, available at the food court near Gate 12 on the third floor.

Take a free transit tour

Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) is one of the most beautiful and largest airports in the world. The airport offers free transit tours for travellers with at least half a day in Incheon. These tours are a great way to explore Korea's history, culture, and daily life, as well as to grab some shopping opportunities.

The free transit tours are government-run and range from short 1-hour tours to longer 5-hour excursions. 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.

Gyeongbokgung & Insadong

Immerse yourself in Korean history by visiting the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace grounds in the country. Witness the changing of the guards ceremony and admire the traditional architecture. After that, take a stroll through the vibrant cultural district of Insadong, which offers an authentic Korean experience with its 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 this workshop, you can create your own souvenirs. Then, head to Sinpo Market, known for its delicious Korean street food, including tteokbokki and fish cakes.

Yonggungsa Temple or Jeondeungsa Temple

Discover the picturesque Yonggungsa Temple, nestled amongst lush greenery and tranquil mountains. The temple grounds feature a remarkable stone pagoda and large Buddha statues. Alternatively, visit the ancient Buddhist temple of Jeondeungsa, with over 1000 years of history and equally beautiful grounds.

Hyundai Motor Studio & Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory

Learn about Hyundai's car manufacturing process and the country's economic growth at the Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang. Then, take in the panoramic city views from the Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory, especially impressive around sunset.

Nuri Park & Dokgae Bridge (DMZ)

This tour takes you to the symbolic Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park, adorned with colourful flags and sculptures, and the Dokgae Bridge, representing the hope for peace and reunification between North and South Korea. On sunny days, you can even catch a glimpse of North Korea from the bridge.

Third Tunnel & Dora Observatory (DMZ)

Explore the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea with a visit to the Third Tunnel and the Dora Observatory. Learn about the strategies and realities faced by soldiers on both sides of the war. You can also catch a glimpse of North Korea through binoculars.

To join a free transit tour, you must have a valid visa or an approved K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). You can reserve a spot on the official transit tour website or register on-site at the Free Transit Tour Information Desk in either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

Relax in the gardens

Seoul Incheon Airport is located on an artificially created piece of land between Yeongjong and Yongyu Islands. The airport has seven gardens located inside the terminal, and an outdoor garden called the Wildflower Garden. The gardens are as follows:

• Pine Tree Garden: Located in the Millennium Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal.
• Flowering Tree Garden: Found in the Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal.
• Rock Garden: Also in the Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal.
• Flower Garden: In the Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal.
• Cactus Garden: Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal.
• Water Garden: Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal.
• Four Gracious Plants Garden: East Wing & West Wing, B1, Passenger Terminal.

The Wildflower Garden, meanwhile, features native wildflowers grown on artificial ground. It is located in the Transportation Center, 1F, on the east and west sides of the airport. It is easily accessible from the airport train station and parking lot.

Go sightseeing in Seoul

If you have a long layover in Seoul, you may want to head into the city to explore. Seoul is about an hour away from the airport, so you'll need at least a 6-hour layover to make the trip worthwhile.

First-time visitors to Seoul often head to the iconic Gyeongbok Palace, which serves as a museum and gardens for traditional Korean folk culture. From here, you can stroll to the president's home at the Blue House or visit the National Folk Museum. Explore the city's huge arts scene at Insadong Arts District, known for its galleries, tea houses, and traditional house restaurants. Pick up local goods or sample traditional and modern food at the huge Namdaemun Market.

If you're short on time and want to see one of the famous palaces, head to Gyeongbukgung Palace. Nearby is Cheongdukgung Palace, which will be a less crowded experience. This is a popular tourist attraction in Seoul and can be experienced during the free airport transit tour.

You'll need at least 4-5 hours to experience the palace, including travel time. Travel time is about an hour by vehicle if there is traffic and longer by subway unless you take the Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station and then transfer by subway to Gyeongbukgung station.

If you're looking for a popular location to grab street food and go shopping, head to Myeongdong. Here, you can experience some of the shopping cultures in Korea and wander around trying out some of Korea's popular street food.

If you have time, you can also visit Hongdae, which is fairly close to the airport and can be accessed by subway. Exit at Hongik University Station, Exit 9. There are lots of things to do here, from eating and shopping to visiting some of Seoul's popular cafes.

Frequently asked questions