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Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea, is served by two major airports: Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. Incheon International Airport is the primary and largest airport in Seoul, located 48 kilometres west of the city. It is a hub for over 80 local and international airlines and is one of the busiest and largest airports in the world. Gimpo International Airport, on the other hand, is located in the western part of Seoul and serves as a domestic hub with some short-haul international routes. In addition to these two main airports, Seoul also has a military airbase called Seoul Air Base and a former airport, Yeouido Airport, which operated from 1916 to 1971.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Incheon International Airport, Seoul Incheon Airport |
| IATA | ICN |
| ICAO | RKSI |
| Location | 48 km west of Seoul |
| Year opened | 2001 |
| Year of latest expansion | 2018 |
| No. of terminals | 2 |
| No. of boarding gates | 111 (44 in Terminal 1, 30 in Concourse A, and 37 in Terminal 2) |
| No. of passengers in 2019 | 71,169,516 |
| No. of passengers in 2020 | 12,094,851 |
| Transport to Seoul | Airport Railroad Express (AREX), airport limousine buses, taxis, train |
| Airlines | Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Polar Air Cargo, British Airways, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways |
| Amenities | Skating rink, spa, restaurants, bars, shops, duty-free, currency exchange, ATMs, information desks, hotel reservations, tour information centre, ice rink, movie theatre, gardens, airport tour |
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What You'll Learn
Seoul's main airport: Incheon International Airport
Seoul's main airport, Incheon International Airport, is located 48 kilometres (30 miles) west of the city. It is the largest airport in South Korea and one of the busiest and largest airports in the world. The airport has two passenger terminals and one cargo terminal, with 111 boarding gates in total. Incheon International Airport is a hub for over 80 local and international airlines, including Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, and Polar Air Cargo.
The airport opened in 2001, replacing the older Gimpo International Airport, which now primarily serves domestic destinations. Incheon International Airport was constructed to meet the increasing demand for air transport in South Korea and to serve as a hub airport in Northeast Asia. The airport is known for its world-class amenities and services, including duty-free shopping malls, diverse dining options, cultural performances, and classical concerts. It also offers convenient transportation options to and from the city, such as the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), airport limousine buses, and taxis.
Incheon International Airport is easily accessible by train, with the AREX providing direct connections to Seoul Station in approximately 45 minutes. The express train offers a faster alternative to the All-Stop Train, which makes multiple stops at subway stations between the airport and the city. Passengers can also opt for bus services, with both deluxe and standard buses available. Additionally, taxi services are available for travellers who prefer a private option, although they can be more expensive.
The airport also offers a range of facilities and attractions to keep travellers entertained. These include an ice rink, spa services, gardens, an airport tour, and the CGV Movie Theatre. For those interested in Korean culture, the Korea Traditional Culture Experience Center offers crafts, traditional clothing, and music. There are also observatories where visitors can enjoy views of the airport runway. Incheon International Airport truly exemplifies the blend of functionality and entertainment, ensuring travellers have a memorable experience even before they explore the vibrant city of Seoul.
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How to get to Seoul from the airport
Seoul has two international airports: Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. Incheon International Airport is Seoul's primary and largest airport, located about 48 kilometres (30 miles) west of Seoul. Gimpo International Airport, on the other hand, is located closer to the city centre and mainly serves domestic destinations.
By Train
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is the fastest way to get to Seoul Station from Incheon International Airport, taking around 45 minutes. The AREX has two stations located in the Transport Centre adjacent to Terminal 1 and in the basement of Terminal 2. The All-Stop train on the AREX line costs around 5000 KRW and takes about an hour to reach Seoul Station, stopping at Gimpo Airport and several other stations along the way. Once you arrive at Seoul Station, you can transfer to the local subway to reach your final destination.
By Bus
The K Limousine Seoul Bus offers a comfortable ride into the city, with tickets ranging from 9,000 to 15,000 won for a deluxe bus. The bus also services certain hotels in Seoul, making it a convenient option. Additionally, airport limousine buses are available from Gimpo International Airport, with tickets starting from 2,500 won.
By Taxi
Taxis provide a convenient door-to-door service from the airport to your accommodation in Seoul. A standard taxi from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul can cost anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 won, plus an extra 8,000 won for the Incheon Bridge tollgate fee. Taxi services are also available from Gimpo International Airport, ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 won.
Private Transfers
For a luxurious and convenient option, you can book a private airport transfer. This option offers a door-to-door service, with your private car and chauffeur waiting for you at the airport. This is an ideal choice if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a large group.
By Subway
Using the subway is a cost-effective way to get to Seoul from the airport. You can use the T-Money card, a stored-value card that allows you to pay for the subway and bus. The card can be purchased at convenience stores or vending machines in the airport terminals.
By utilising these various transportation options, you can easily travel from Incheon International Airport or Gimpo International Airport to your desired location in Seoul.
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Airport history
Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea, is served by several airports. The primary and largest airport is Incheon International Airport, which is located 48 kilometres (30 miles) west of the city. The airport acts as a hub for over 80 local and international airlines, including Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, and Polar Air Cargo.
Incheon International Airport was constructed on reclaimed land between Yeongjong Island and Youngyu Island. The airport's construction began in November 1992 and was completed in 2001, with an official opening date of 21 March 2001. The airport was built to reduce the load on the older Gimpo International Airport, which could no longer cope with the increased air traffic after the 1988 Summer Olympics. Initially, the new airport was planned to be located in Cheongju, 124 kilometres southeast of Seoul, but this was opposed due to its distance from the city.
Gimpo International Airport, located in western Seoul, served as the main international airport for Seoul until 2001. After the opening of Incheon International Airport, Gimpo was converted into a primarily domestic airport, serving destinations within South Korea and some short-haul international routes. The airport can be conveniently accessed from downtown Seoul through the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), with a travel time of about 20 minutes.
Incheon International Airport has undergone expansions to increase its capacity. A second passenger terminal was constructed, along with expansions to the cargo terminal and other infrastructure. The new terminal opened on 18 January 2018, increasing the airport's capacity to handle 62 million passengers and 5.8 million tonnes of cargo annually.
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Airport facilities
Seoul's primary and largest airport, Incheon International Airport, is located 48 kilometres west of the city. It serves as a hub for over 80 local and international airlines and has two main terminal buildings and four concourse areas. The airport has a range of facilities for passengers, including shopping, dining, and relaxation options, as well as essential services such as banking and currency exchange.
Shopping
Incheon International Airport boasts award-winning duty-free shopping malls with over 40 stores offering a wide range of goods, including duty-free items such as cigarettes, alcohol, perfume, cosmetics, jewellery, and clothing. Popular shops include the Shilla Duty-Free Shop, Lotte Duty-Free, and Olive Young.
Dining
The airport offers diverse dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. For those seeking a quick bite, there are fast-food outlets such as Burger King, KFC, and McDonald's. Passengers looking for a more leisurely dining experience can enjoy sit-down dinner at Korean restaurants or the Global Chow food court, which serves Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Western dishes. Cafes such as Starbucks and Coffee Bean are also available for coffee and light snacks.
Relaxation and Entertainment
Incheon International Airport provides various facilities to help passengers relax and unwind before their flights. Terminal 2 features Relax Zones with comfortable chairs and phone chargers, Nap Zones with beds for short rests, Stretching Rooms for exercises, and Shower Rooms. For those with long layovers, the Prana Spas in Terminal 2 and the Capsule Hotel DarakHyu offer massages and other self-care treatments. The airport also hosts cultural performances, classical concerts, and exhibitions showcasing Korean traditional crafts, music, and clothing at the Korea Traditional Culture Experience Centre.
Essential Services
The airport provides essential services such as banking, currency exchange, and a lost property centre. There are also information desks located throughout the airport, offering passenger advice, flight information, and assistance with lost and found items. Banking facilities include KB Bank, Woori Bank, and Hana Bank, which offer currency exchange services. Additionally, the airport has a religious room and designated smoking areas.
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Other airports in Seoul: Gimpo International Airport
Seoul, South Korea's capital and largest city, has two major airports: Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. While Incheon is the primary and largest airport in Seoul, serving as a hub for over 80 local and international airlines, Gimpo also serves as an important gateway to the city.
Gimpo International Airport, located in the western part of Seoul along the Han River, is the city's second-largest airport. It served as Seoul's main international airport until 2001 when Incheon International Airport opened. Today, Gimpo primarily handles domestic flights within South Korea, with most of the country's domestic flight traffic passing through it. However, it also continues to serve some short-haul international routes, including shuttle flights to Beijing–Capital, Osaka–Kansai, Shanghai–Hongqiao, Taipei–Songshan, and Tokyo–Haneda.
Gimpo International Airport has two runways, two passenger terminals, and one cargo terminal. The airport offers various facilities and services for travellers, including currency exchange counters, a pharmacy, a tourist information centre, duty-free shops, restaurants, and taxi counters.
Travellers can easily access downtown Seoul from Gimpo International Airport via the Airport Railroad Express (AREX). The All-Stop Train on this line takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Seoul Station. Alternatively, travellers can opt for airport limousine buses, intercity buses, or taxi services.
Gimpo International Airport is undergoing modernisation to enhance its facilities and services. While it may not have all the modern features of Incheon International Airport, its convenient location in the city makes it a popular choice for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Seoul has two international airports: Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. Incheon International Airport is located about 48 km west of Seoul. Gimpo International Airport is located in the western part of the city, on the Han River.
Seoul's primary and largest airport is Incheon International Airport. It is also one of the busiest and largest airports in the world.
There are several ways to get from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul. The fastest way is to take the express train on the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), which takes about 43-45 minutes. The All Stop Train travels to Seoul as well but makes stops at subway stations and takes about an hour. You can also take a bus or taxi.
Incheon International Airport has plenty of amenities and services for travellers, including award-winning duty-free shopping malls, diverse dining options, gardens, an ice rink, a spa, and a movie theatre. The airport also hosts cultural performances and classical concerts at Terminal 1 and 2.
The easiest way to get to downtown Seoul from Gimpo International Airport is by taking the all-stop train on the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), which takes about 20 minutes. You can also take an airport limousine bus, an intercity bus, or a taxi.
