tours from seoul airport

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  Incheon airport guide Moving between terminals

Incheon airport guide

Moving between terminals Method

You can use the free shuttle bus to get to the terminal quickly.

※ You may utilize the Airport Railroad to transfer between Terminals. (Time: 6 min, Fee: 900 KRW)

Transit Tour

Transit tour information.

If you satisfy any of the following conditions, you can join the transit tour without a visa. Passengers from visa exempt countries are still need to obtain K-ETA except the countries/regions which got temporary exemption. (https://k-eta.go.kr)

• 1) Visa Free Entry by designation ※ For more specific visa information, Please check this website : https://www.visa.go.kr/
• 2) Transit Tourists Travelling to a Third Country Persons who hold a visa (or permanent residency) to the United States(including Guam and Saipan), Canada, Australia, New Zealand or one of the 32 European countries who transit through Korea to enter the abovementioned countries or persons who stayed in and departed from one of the abovementioned countries and transit through Korea bound for the country of origin or a third country.
• 3) Visa Free Entry for foreign transfer passengers

※ To join the Transit tour, you need under 24hours of layover time. Passengers who have over 24hours of layover cannot join the tour.

※ To register the Transit tour, passport and both arrival&departure boarding passes will be required.

• The passenger arrive at concourse must reach registration desk at terminal 1 & 2 for yourself by using the shuttle train at the basement.
• Tour program may be modified without pre-notification.
• The Space will be shared by the on-line reservations and new registrations by the rule of first come first served upon arrival.
• Korea immigration does not allow multi entry during one single trip to Korea.

Transit Tour Information Desk Location

• 1F Registration desk : <After immigration clearance> Between Exit 1 and 2, Desk number 19, 20
• 2F Information desk : Near immigration(East side)
• 3F Information desk : Near gate 25 and 29

• 1F Registration desk : <After immigration clearance> Near Exit 3, Next to Tourist information desk
• 2F Information desk : In the transfer gate, Near security check
• 3F Information desk : Near gate 231 and gate 268
• 4F Information desk : At the Free Transfer lounge

Q. How to sign up the tour?

All passengers including passenger booked by on-line must show up to main registration desk on the 1st floor with travel documents at latest 30 min before tour starts.

Q. In order to show up right time, what are important tips?

Please avoid transferring to the departure on the 3rd floor but rush to registration desk on the 1st floor. (after the immigration process)

Q. Does the wait-listed passenger still have good chance to join the tour?

The no-show seats pre-occupied by on-line reservation will be released 30 min before tour starts.

Q. How do I return to airport if I lost the group at last meeting place?

If passenger got lost because of the late show up to last meeting point, rush back to the airport not to miss the flight. And entire liability goes to the passenger.

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Seoul Layover Tour from Incheon airport

From: US$ 82

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• Reviews (10)

Tour Description

Seoul layover tour.

• Private Seoul Layover
• Pick-up & drop-off from Incheon airport included
• Enjoy Seoul’s best highlights and discover the most famous Modern and traditional landmarks
• Try unique Korean dishes or street food made in Korea

Minimum travelers 1      Duration  1 Day

* The tour duration will be adjusted depending on your flight time.

You’re having a layover in Incheon and would you like to visit Seoul? Then this is the perfect layover to discover or rediscover the amazing capital of South Korea. This one-day Seoul layover tour is one of our most popular tours! The itinerary can be changed depending on the flight time, so please contact us first. We will customize the best itinerary for you!

Description

Our tour guide will meet you at Incheon airport first. After a 1 hour drive, we will arrive in Seoul, a city with modern and traditional culture. We will see the  Royal Guard Changing Ceremony in front of the palace .  During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guards performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place and its record has been consulted for the present reenactment ceremony.  The reenactment of the original ceremony began in 1996 and it catches the eyes of passersby, especially foreign tourists, when guardsmen perform the changing of guards in traditional costumes at the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in downtown Seoul, so you can experience this traditional event in Seoul every day except Tuesday. After the 20mins ceremony, we go ahead to see the beautiful palace. Built in  1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because its location is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the largest of all five palaces, with beautiful buildings such as Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong Pavilions which are both on top of ponds.

*Royal Guard Changing Ceremony & Gyeongbokgung Palace are closed on Tuesday. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace instead.

Walk along the  Bukchon Hanok Village , which   sits between the two palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung, and Changdeokgung, as well as the Jongmyo Shrine. Unlike other Hanok villages, Bukchon was not created for tourists but is actually a living village inhabited by Seoulites. The village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called ‘Hanok’ that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Today, many of these Hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, or tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture.

You can choose to have lunch in a restaurant or local market after a half-day tour, or just skip the lunch and visit Insa-dong . Insa-dong is located in the heart of the city is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, traditional tea houses, and cafes.

Have a relaxing and peaceful time at Jogyesa Temple , which is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is also famous for being located in the city. The first thing you will see at the temple are the trees since these locust trees and Baeksong trees are about 500 years old. It’s stated that the main temple was built in 1938, and it is particularly beautiful with all the different colors painted on it, and inside the building is the statue of Seokgamoni.

This is a 7-8 hour private tour that includes a 2 hours round-trip transfer between Seoul city & Incheon airport. The tour itinerary and attractions can be changed depending on your flight time. You can contact us before you make the reservation if you need a custom private tour.

Seoul Layover Tour – Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

Seoul Layover Tour – Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul Layover Tour – Bukchon Hanok Village

Read our ”Seoul Layover Tour” Blog:

Seoul Layover Tour | Info Sheet,Tour Offers and Reviews!

• English speaking driver-guide
• Private transport with Incheon airport Pick-up & Drop-off
• Car parking fee, toll fee
• Admission fees as itinerary
• Meals, drinks
• Observatory tickets of N Seoul Tower (Optional)
• Cable car tickets of N Seoul Tower (Optional)
• Gratuities (optional)
• The tour duration and itinerary can be changed depending on your flight time.
• It takes around one hour for one way transfer between Incheon airport and Seoul city.
• This is a private tour with private transport, you will not be joined by other travelers.
• Incheon Airport Pick up
• The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony & Gyeongbokgung Palace (Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesday)
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Jogyesa Temple
• Drop off at Incheon Airport

10 reviews for Seoul Layover Tour from Incheon airport

Lauren – November 13, 2022

This tour was great! My mom and I got in at 5am and when we arrived, I already had a message from our tour guide, Eric, telling us he was here and was waiting whenever we were ready. After a quick change of clothes, we met Eric. Since the currency exchange wasn’t open until 6:30am, Eric waited until we were set and then took off for Seoul. On the way, Eric was amazing telling us all about the history and cultural aspects of Korea. We arrived at the palace and Eric took care of everything, walking us through the palace and giving us our own personal tour. After the palace, we went exploring. I love how I was able to tailor the tour to what we wanted to do. Eric was also available to translate for us at the market, but also asked if we wanted to explore on our own and we met at a certain time. We were able to do everything we wanted in an eight hour tour. I highly recommend this tour!

Leelee152 – July 21, 2019

The airport layover tour is fabulous! Our tour guide Jay was waiting for us when we arrived and worked hard to make sure we had a wonderful time. He was attentive to the slightest detail and we had a great time! The tour is flexible so that you can see what you want to and gives you a great experience in Seoul. Highly recommended!

gil b – June 8, 2019

We took a late afternoon-evening tour with Andrew from Onedaykorea tout tumkr. We had a wonderfull time. Espacially recommended the Didi Hadid building.

Kumpet4 – May 30, 2019

We ( My daughter, sister and I) had 8 Hr layover tour in Seoul on 5/10/2019. I contacted Yan Wong ( One Day Korea agent) and told her what I wanted to do in Seoul and she presented me with a wonderful itenerary. Yan Wong is a wonderful agent, very helpful, friendly, she responded very quickly and she gave me confidence that I made the right choice by choosing One Day Korea. We did Gyeongbokgung Palace, Buckchon Hanok Village , Seoul Tower, Pass by the Presidential Blue House and Gwangjang Market. We LOVE everything we did and we had A WONDERFUL time! Our guide Justin Is AWESOME! We LOVE Justin cause he made us feel save ( so protective ) comfortable, has so much knowledge, friendly, helpful and a good photographer. I would recommend One Day Korea to everybody. This Travel agent is so reliable, trustworthy and the most important they make you feel “ Save”.

Kim E – April 7, 2019

I have used this company 2 times in the past 2 years for a tour day during a layover in Seoul with both my daughter and husband. We had the best experiences both days, and saw so much in a day on both trips. The guides are kind, courteous and very knowledgeable about the history and culture of Korea, including the Korean War, and made the day so worthwhile and memorable. They will also tailor a trip to your group’s interests, age and timeframes. Thank you for 2 great trips and the lovely photos!

jairomed – April 8, 2018

This was a great tour to get to know the best of Seoul in one day. We had 12 hours layover and we chose to take this tour given the flexibility with the time and the fact they can customize the tour to your interests. We ended up taking the 6 hour tour to account for transportation from the aiport and back. Our tour guide was Jay, very knowledgeable and very nice all around person. He was very flexible with the schedule; and was very realistic with what we could accomplish during the tour. We ended up very happy with what we did and were able to have a taste of Korean culture for a day. The choice for restaurant was spot on, with great food, fast service and traditional, very tasty Korean food.

derm_traveller – February 20, 2017

We had 24 hours in Seoul because of airport connections, and wanted to maximize our time. We had Jonathan take us around the city. Saw the high spots (literally the Seoul Tower) as well as markets, temples and old neighborhoods. Other than being 20 degrees F (it was winter) and windy, it was a great day.

Eitan P – November 1, 2016

My friend and I had a one day layover in Seoul. Our One Day Korea guide, Smith, provided us with a great tour of the city and was extremely knowledgeable about the city sites and history. It would not have been possible to pack in so many sites without the tour service. I would recommend One Day Korea to others traveling in Korea.

Ed N – June 30, 2016

Our guide, Bryan, who spoke very good English, worked very hard to meet our needs and requests. Our driving was filled with cultural exchange conversation . . . nice! He got us to and from the Incheon cruise port on time into Seoul which is critical to cruise touring . . . can’t miss that ship. He also accommodated our request to recommend a very good local food for lunch which was excellent. We sadly got rained out for the Palace and Changing of the Guard (obviously not his fault), but we visited National Museum as backup which was a stellar facility. I do not want to leave out the office folks (Yan) who worked out the advance touring details with great experience and expertise well before our actual visit. Yan made this easy for us too! I do not say this often, but would give this company a 6 over a 5 if that was an option.

Tara – December 2, 2015

We only had about 8 hours in Seoul and one day Korea helped us to make the most of it. Terry was picked up right on time by the van and we had a good range of cultural visits in Seoul, we will never forget this trip. Highly recommended.

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• Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays, we will visit Changdeokgung Palace instead.
• The Royal guard changing ceremony may be canceled due to bad weather.
• You can take the cable car to the N Seoul Tower, but it depends on you. We usually take our car to the top of the tower instead of using the cable car or walking.
• Adults & children pay the same price. Infants under age 3 are free of charge without a seat.
• This is a private tour and private transport, other travelers will not join together.
• Please let us know if you will carry the luggage during the tour before booking.
• The tour duration and itinerary can be changed depends on your flight time.
• We will send you a voucher and meeting point information once your booking confirmed.
• All payment will not be refunded for any cancellation or adjustment related to personal reasons, circumstances of tourist attractions, traffic or weather past 24 hours before the tour start.
• Tour can be automatically canceled and get no refund if you are late for more than 1 hour without any notices.
• The itinerary can be adjusted and the facilities and attractions can be suspended depending on the circumstances of the tourist attractions, such as weather or traffic without any prior notices.
• If you arrive late for the designated tour time or appear at the wrong place, the lost time is not supplemented to the total tour time.
• Please note that there may be traffic jams during weekends, holidays or travel high seasons. In these cases, there will be no additional charge.
• Itinerary can be changed upon driver/guide agreement to the guest’s proposal, in this case, additional car parking fees will be added.
• If you request to extend your tour time (Not related to traffic), we will charge an additional cost.
• OnedayKorea will not be responsible for any injury, illness, damage, loss accident, or expense including their consequential loss or economic loss which are caused by whatever sports or activities.

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• Seoul Travel Guide

How to Spend 12 Hours in Seoul on Long Layover

Posted By: theweekendjetsetter January 17, 2020

When I went to the Philippines , my ultra-cheap flight came with a 15-hour layover in Seoul, South Korea. At first I thought, no big deal. I can entertain myself for one day anywhere, right? But then I found out that Seoul is literally the best place one could ever schedule a long layover. Here’s why a 12 hours layover in Seoul went above and beyond my expectations.

Why Plan a Layover in Seoul: Because Incheon Airport is Amazing

Incheon Airport is one of the nicest airports I’ve ever been to. Not only do they have tons of great shops and restaurants (hello Taco Bell… Kidding. Kind of… true story, I ate Taco Bell in Korea), but they offer tons of other amenities as well, including…

• A “Rest & Relax” area complete with comfy lounge chairs and couches for napping
• A hotel that can be rented for as short as 6 hours if you really need to crash
• Golf course
• Ice skating rink (yes, seriously)
• Indoor gardens
• Museum of Korean culture

You could spend an entire 15-hour layover at Incheon Airport. However, I only decided to spend about 3 hours of my layover there, leaving 12 hours in Seoul. First things first? The Rest & Relax area. I had flown overnight from Manila and wasn’t quite ready to wake up yet!

12 Hours in Seoul: Free Tours of Seoul for Layover Travelers

The absolute best thing about a layover in Seoul? The free city tours, aka “Transit Tours,” provided by the airport. At absolutely NO COST, you can take a tour that fits into your schedule (from 1 to 6 hours) and see a bit of the area before boarding your next flight. They provide transportation and a guide.

When you arrive, simply find the info desk for Transit Tours and look up the next convenient time. You’ll have to meet the guide there and they’ll help you exit the airport (note: you’ll have to go through customs). You can also email them at [email protected] to make reservations in advance, although we didn’t need one.

The first stop was Gyeongbok Palace or Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace that was built in 1395. It’s known as one of the most beautiful palaces of the Joseon dynasty (there are five) and served as the home for the kings of the dynasty and the government. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a changing of the guards ceremony.

Next, the bus took us to Insadong Street, a famous shopping street in Seoul, for lunch. We ate a typical Korean lunch with fellow tour attendees.

After lunch, the tour was headed back to the airport. But with a few hours still left before our flight, we asked the guide if it was OK if we stayed behind and took public transit for our return. No problem!

12 Hours in Seoul: Refuel at the Cat Cafe

I’ve been intrigued by the idea of cat cafes for a long time. A former kitty owner myself (RIP Misty, my childhood pet), I love cats so of course I couldn’t resist when we stumbled upon one on Insadong Street after lunch.

These cafes ask you to pay for a coffee in exchange for your time with the cats. Caffeine and cats… what more could one want?

The cats were either very friendly and playful, or asleep. Seems like a pretty good gig to me.

The cafe is filled with toys to engage your new furry friends with. All in all it was quite an entertaining way to kill an hour and refuel for more city exploring.

12 Hours in Seoul: Street Eats at Gwangjang Market

One of the most famous sights in Seoul is the Gwangjang Market, a traditional Korean street market is filled with vendors selling everything from textiles and linens to handmade crafts but is most known for its food stands. It’s one of the oldest markets in South Korea and a must-visit for foodies during a layover in Seoul.

If you know me, you’ll know I was there for the food even though I’d just eaten lunch.

I’m not going to pretend that spending 30 minutes here turned me into a Korean food expert, but these dumplings were yummy. If I wasn’t facing an 11-hour flight back to the U.S. shortly, I would have been a little more adventurous. Either way, Gwangjang Market was a fun place to explore for a bit during our 12 hours in Seoul!

12 Hours in Seoul: Walk Along Cheonggyecheon Stream

After eating a double lunch, it was time for some exercise so we decided to walk from Gwangjang Market to the train station where we’d catch a ride back to the airport. It turned out to be quite a hike and took us about an hour. If you’re not up for a long walk, subway and taxi options are also available.

I love seeing how different cities build unique public spaces for people to escape from the hustle and bustle for a moment and  almost (key word: almost) feel like you’re somewhere lovely. In Seoul, it’s the Cheonggyecheon Stream, an 11 km (about 7 miles) walk that’s popular with both locals and tourists. It’s actually located  below much of the city.

It was a nice place to stretch our legs before the long haul back to Chicago.

Oh, and getting back to the airport was quite the adventure. We couldn’t figure out how to add money to our train cards, but luckily a nice man helped us when he saw us struggling. I’d recommend figuring this out right away when you ditch your tour bus back to the airport to avoid our last minute panic 🙂

Suggested Further Reading if You Have a Seoul Layover Planned

• Seoul: A Travel Guide for Your Perfect Seoul Adventure (written by a local – and it’s only $2.99 for the Kindle edition!)
• Seoul City Subway Tour: Complete Guide to Getting Around Seoul’s Top Attractions by Just Taking the Subway (a good idea to read if you don’t plan on returning to the airport with the bus – plus the Kindle edition is just $3.95)
• Top 10 Seoul (A little more expensive at $7.99, but this guide gets straight to the point on Seoul’s top 10 attractions for time-crunched travelers)
• Got another question? Join the Weekend Jetsetters community on Facebook to ask fellow travelers (including me!) and get a quick response.

Disclosure: the above links are affiliate links. 

Subscribe to The Weekend Jetsetter — You’ll Instantly Get a Free 22-Page eBook of My Top Travel Tips!

79 comments on "how to spend 12 hours in seoul on long layover".

This sounds ah-ma-zing!! We are traveling to US via Korea in September. May I ask firstly where you kept your luggage whilst exploring and secondly did you need any type of Visa to leave Seoul airport? Loved your blog, fantastic tips we will definately be doing!! -Nicolle

Hi Nicolle, thanks so much! There was a place to leave your luggage in the airport. I don’t remember the exact location, but there were signs (and an information desk). Hope you have a great trip!

I love your blog!

I have a clarification though, for a 15-hr layover, as it’s with the same airline, i don’t have to worry about my checked-in luggage as i won’t see that until i get to the US, right? (I’m traveling from Manila) .. i plan to just bring a purse as my carry-on bag as i want to roam around Seoul without having to worry about my bags.

Thanks! No, they should keep your luggage checked. If you need to check something, there is also a place to store luggage at the airport.

Thank you for responding! You are amazing. I am a fan. 🙂

I just have one more question. How much Korean Won should i prepare to make sure i will be able to eat and perhaps buy a simple remembrance of my short visit to Seoul? I don’t think i will be going back any time soon so i don’t want to have too much Korean Won. How much did you spend during your 12-hr layover including the commute to the airport? (If you don’t mind me asking) thanks!

This is so helpful! I was hesitant about 14 hour layover in Korea! I am so excited now that I can have this great opportunity to explore this country in such a short time!

Glad to help!

Thank God I stumbled upon this amazing blog! I have a 13-hour layover in Incheon, Seoul Korea this coming March and I’m traveling alone. I am so excited and anxious at the same time. Questions like, is the “Transit Tour” really legit and FREE? Can I do it alone? How much Korean won do I need to have exchanged? What documents do I bring when I leave the airport? hehehe I’m just worried I don’t get back to the airport in time for my flight to the US.

Hi Samantha, Yes, the transit tour is legit! Especially if you have a 13-hour layover – you can safely take the longest tour. When you get off the plane, just look for signs/brochures that detail where and when to meet for the tour at information. You’ll definitely need your passport. It also depends on where you’re traveling from (as Americans we didn’t need a visa or anything). I can’t remember exactly how much money I brought, but all you really *need* is money for lunch. Any extra is for shopping, etc. as the tour is free.

I am glad that I found this blog post! I am having a 13-hour layover this coming May and this just gave me an idea! I was wondering if you paid cash while taking the bus? or should i buy a bus ticket/pass somewhere? I am traveling by myself so I just wanted to be prepared while strolling around the city. Thanks!

Hi Jade! The bus tour of the city was free and you can sign up when you arrive at the airport (Transit Tour). The only money I needed was for lunch. We also ended up taking the train back instead of the bus as we wanted to stay in the city longer, so if you’re planning to do that, I’d bring a little extra. Unfortunately I can’t remember exactly how much money I spent, but it wasn’t anything crazy. Maybe the equivalent of $30 USD on lunch, train, and a cat cafe?

Hello. Great blog. I will be in this airport in a couple of days. From Seoul I head to Vancouver so just an 11 hour lay over. Thinking my luggage will be checked so would like to take in all the great things inside the airport! Where are all these services in relation to my arrival and then departure? Also reading security lines long and slow do would think best to get in line early? Also lots of English going on in this airport? Thanks for your help

Hi Shelley,

Thanks! We didn’t have any trouble finding people who spoke English. We arrived back at the airport two hours before our flight, leaving plenty of time to get back through security. When you land, you should be able to find signs pointing out all the airport’s amenities, or ask at the info desk. Have a great trip!

Thank you for sharing your experience! I wanted to ask, my layover is in on my way to the Philippines and I have about 2 checked-in luggages, do I check them all out? How will I deal with it? Obviously, I only plan to carry one purse with me while on the tour. Please advise! I appreciate your help!

If your bags are checked, you won’t need to remove them from checked during your layover. Have a great trip!!

Thank you! Please keep on posting your amazing trips!

Will do! Thanks for reading!

Thanks for the article, always happy to read you!

Hi! I am thinking about taking the free tour but I will be arriving in Korea at around 7 pm. Do you know if they have night tours? I have a 17 hour layover and wouldn’t mind looking around a little at night.

Hi Michelle, I’m not sure if they have night tours (I don’t think so) but you can also take the train into the city on your own. Just double check schedules to make sure you’ll be able to get back if you planned to sleep at the airport!

Wow thank you for this amazing blog post! I have a 12 hour layover in Seoul tomorrow and this is exactly what I was looking for to help me make the most of the time there. I love the information you gave on booking a transit tour and exploring the city – that is so awesome! Thank you so much I am so excited (versus dreading) this layover now! 🙂

Hope you were able to enjoy the layover, Julia! Thanks for reading!

thank you for this blog! Is the transit tour offered even in late afternoon? My flight has an overnight layover, but might just stay in the “hotel” airport for few hours as my flight leaves at 8am.

Hi Chrissy, I’m not 100% sure, you can check when you get there though! If you’re planning to stay in the hotel, try and reserve in advance. We tried that and it was sold out when we arrived for our layover!

I’m going to take one of the free tours and wanted to know when we get back, do we have to go through customs, immigration, and security? Also, my plane leaves at 5:30 pm and my tour gets back at 3:00. Do I have enough time to get back to my gate? Thanks

Hi Peter, yes you’ll have to go through immigration on the way out (the tour guide will show you how to get there and meet you on the other side). Then, when you get back, you need to go through security again. I would think 2.5 hours would be plenty of time!

what if I plan to buy some skincare while on transit? Will I be able to carry that with me when I go back to the airport? Since I will only have my carry on luggage and usually they do not allow liquids from outside. Is there a way to shop in seoul and bring it to the airport?

Hi Yoongi, I’m not sure if you would be able to check an additional bag on your way back into the airport. You should check with your airline. Have a good trip!

hi! I wanted to ask for your advice. I will be lay overing for my manila to London flight. but I’m worried about my checked luggage. will my checked luggage have to go with me when I go out of the airport? I am booked with Asiana. I just wanted to ask about your experience regarding this as I have never done a layover. Thanks!

Hi Stephanie, I did not have to retrieve my checked luggage during the layover.

Hi! Thanks for sharing your layover experience. I’ll be having our 13 hour layover with my daughter after our vacation in Manila ( How was that experience for you?). I was wondering how much you’ve spent and if we needed some Wons but I’ve seen your replies to the others. We’ve been to Korea before but my daughter has been so young back then and this would be a great opportunity for her to experience Korea again even if its for a short while.

Thank for reading, Ida! I didn’t spend any time in Manila except for the taxi ride between airport terminals. My only memory from that was a LOT of traffic. Hope you enjoy it!

Hi! i’m having a layover in Korea on my way back to manila from San Francisco. But my layover is from 530pm to 8am. Do they have tours at that time?

Unfortunately I don’t think they have tours at night, but you could always take the train into Seoul if you wanted to explore these sites on your own!

HI, DO I NEED ANY TYPE OF VISA OR PERMISSION TO RE-ENTRY THE SEOUL AIRPORT ?

Hi Erika, All normal entry/visa requirements apply. After signing up for the tour, you will go through customs on your own and meet the guide outside. Since I’m from the US, I didn’t need a visa but I recommend you check the requirements before you go.

no visa needed for passengers w/ layover and wishes to tour around outside?

All normal entry/visa requirements apply. After signing up for the tour, you will go through customs on your own and meet the guide outside. Since I’m from the US, I didn’t need a visa but I recommend you check the requirements before you go.

After having such a great time during our long layover in Seoul, I think it d be nearly impossible to convince me to fly through Tokyo or Beijing ever again.

Hi! You’re the coolest for posting this. I never knew about this before and now, the 14-hour layover in ICN doesn’t sound so bad after all. But, question– so I’m trying to get a round trip flight from JFK-MNL in the morning since I figured, it’ll be best to do a free day transit tour in Korea, but is there a place in the airport to shower and get yourself camera ready before the tour? Thanks. I would really appreciate your response!

There is a hotel where you can rent rooms by the day/hour, so if there’s availability when you arrive (or book in advance) that should be good!

Our layover will be from 4 PM until 9 AM the next day. Do you happen to know what the transit tour hours of operations are, or whether it’s 24/7? Thanks! Great info, BTW, very helpful blog!!

I actually emailed the Korea Transit Tour customer service and unfortunately, the tour only lasts until 3p.

This is the response I got from them, “Thank you for your e-mail.

I’m sorry to inform you that our last tour departs at 15:00, and we don’t provide a night tour. If your arrival time is later than 14:00, it would be difficult to join our tour.

We have free shower and transfer lounge on the 4th floor. Please visit information desk if you can not find it.

Every tour starts from airport and finish at Incheon Airport.

For the reservation

We have an on-line reservation system. You can make a reservation on the website as below; http://www.cyberairport.kr/pa/en/t/2/3/5/index.jsp ”

Hope this helps!

Hi Mien, Thank you! I don’t think they offer tours at night, but if you’re feeling adventurous you could take the train to the city, or just explore around Incheon on your own (there is an interesting temple, I believe).

Hi, I am traveling to Vancouver in a few moths and I am planning to take a flight layover at Inchon for about 12 hrs.. and have some sight seeing tour around Inchon. What are the requirements needed for me to avail of the free trips and to have a safe pass in and out of the airport?

hi, I am traveling to Vancouver few days from now and I am selecting KAL flight and get a 12 hour layover. What are the requirements needed for me to get a free trip around Inchon and a safe pass in and out of Inchon Airport?

Hi, what airline did you fly with? Also, how did you find a cheap flight with a long layover in Korea? I am going to the Philippines next year and I would love to know!

We flew with Asiana. And found the deal via Orbitz’s email newsletter!

Hi do you need visa for the free tour?

Thanks for the info. Im going to need your expert advise on a 12 hr layover from 10pm-9am in December. We are an adventurous family of 5. Any tips on exploring Seoul at night on our own during the holiday season? Best place to go and how to get there? Is there an uber? Thanks!! Soo excited…

Hi Tin – I spent my night in the airport so unfortunately I’m not sure about things to do. I have heard that there are some night markets and restaurants/bars open late (duh!). There was a train to/from the airport that was pretty quick, and Uber is also available. You might also want to consider checking out the city of Incheon, which is much closer to the airport than Seoul.

I found your info to be very helpful and it somehow eased by worry about travelling to Korea for the first time. I, too, have a 15 hour layover to Incheon but unlike yours, I arrive at 5pm on Oct. 27. I was wondering whether it’s easy to take the train instead of taxi going to Seoul. I plan on going to Namsan Tower and The Coffee Prince Cafe in Hongdae. i just want to know about your experience with their train system.

I took the train back to the airport and it was very efficient! It was a little hard to figure out the machines and signs in Korean, but some nice people helped me out 🙂

Thanks for the information, I have a question! I have a 10 hour layover, do you think this is still doable??

They have some tours that are as little as 2 hours, so if you are there while tours are happening, yes!

Informative and useful input . I just hope travellers read similar questions before posting. Also would help if we get feedback from travellers as it wil surely be helpful. Thank you for your infos. I feel better having to save tons of $$$ from my cheap ticket and no more frowning face due to long layover. Now long lay over will be like having a free tour to another country aside from my destination. GREAT!!!

I could still do the tour even if I only have Philippine passport?

Thank you so much for all of this information. I am shopping for a plane ticket to visit family in Asia, and the cheapest ticket had a 23 hour layover in Seoul. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to see the city or anything during the layover. After reading your travel entries, I feel confident that I can have my cake and eat it too! I am really looking forward to taking a mini-tour in Seoul. The fact that the airport runs it makes me feel comfortable I can get back TO the airport! So I went ahead and booked the ticket. Thanks!

This article is great information. I am traveling and purposely chose a long layover in Korea to explore for a bit. When coming back to the airport, how long does it take with customs and etc. to get back to the gate? Should I stick to my 2 hours before boarding time be enough to go through customs and make it on time?

We completed this exact itinerary last week !!! It was AMAZING! although it is currently freezing in South Korea at this time of year . I will definitely be looking into visiting Korea for a longer time next vacation Iplan .!!

very helpful information. thank you also i have one question when you stay over in korea do you need korean visa? my family are going on vacation we we have 13 hours layover in korea. thank you in advance

I’d recommend checking with your government’s travel website to confirm! I only know that Americans do not need a visa.

Awesome article! My wife and I have a long layover in Seoul in January and we were excited to take one of the free Seoul City Transit Tours offered by the airport. Unfortunately, it looks like all of the tours are already filled to capacity on the airport’s reservation site!

Do you know if you’re still able to sign-up for a tour on the day you arrive? If not, are there any alternative tours you can take from the airport into Seoul for 5-7 hours?

Thank you! I signed up for the tour when I arrived, and it wasn’t a problem. It’s been 1.5 years since my trip, so the reservation system may have changed. However, even if the tour is not available, you can always take a taxi or public transit to Seoul or Incheon to explore on your own (it just won’t be free transportation!).

This was SO helpful. Thank you! We have a 15 hour layover in Seoul in March. Reading this has made me so excited for it!

Glad you found it helpful Jessica!

Hi! your blog is so helpful! You mentioned that the tour ends at 15:00.What time does it start? Do you have the site where i can make reservation for the city tour from the airport?

Hi Lisa, there are multiple start and end times. I signed up when I arrived at the airport!

I’m planning to go back to the Philippines and have a layover at SoKor just ’cause I didn’t do it last time when I was going here in the US. Now I’m planning a little trip to Seoul and so I am planning a 15hr layover this summer! I’m happy I found your blog! I have always wanted to go to Seoul because of kpop, the palaces, the food, and their stationary! Thank you!

How many hours layover Chicago?your blog helpful.thank you

I have a Philippine passport travelling to the US with 12 hours Lay over in south Korea… Can I also join the free tour? Are there limitations? In case a friend would like tohave free lunch or will serve as my tour guide, is that possible also?

Thank you for the enlightenment…

Hi Ester – I’d recommend checking with South Korea immigration to see what’s required for you to entry the country. You have to go through immigration, same as getting off anywhere, before the tour! The tour is pretty structured with a guide, so unless you’re planning to leave the group and travel back to the airport on your own (which we did) there isn’t much flexibility.

this is perfect. looks like ill be there for 14 hours and I got tired of reading the ‘we went to neaby temple” reports. You did exactly what Ill do – take the guide then walk off on my own. Thanks a lot for the write up

It looks like you had a great time in Seoul. Your food photos look delicious! In such a big city it would be hard to see everything, but you’ve picked some great highlights to see. Great article.

Great blog post, thanks for sharing. I’m actually a little scared of cats so that may be one place for me to avoid but the rest of your quick stopped looked fab-u-lous.

The place looks beautiful, thanks for sharing your journey with us 🙂

Though I never get a achnace to visit Seoul myself, but when ever I do I believe this would come really handy:)

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Seoul Layover Tours

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The best private layover tours & experiences with locals

If you have a long layover at Incheon International Airport in South Korea’s capital city, don’t sit around and wait for your next flight! Seoul – the heartland of Korean pop culture, skyscrapers and spicy cuisine – is right on your doorstep, and missing the opportunity to explore it would be a major regret. Book Seoul layover tours with City Unscripted to see the best of the city in whatever time you have. On Seoul airport layover tours, a local host will meet you right at the airport and take you into the center of Seoul, where 24/7 entertainment and countless attractions await. Get out and see Seoul on your layover – doesn’t that beat sitting around at the airport?

Meet some of our local hosts in Seoul

Like the people who travel with us, they have different backgrounds and interests – but they’re all so passionate about the place they call home, they choose to spend their free time sharing it with the like-minded travelers matched to them.

If you have a lengthy layover in Seoul, you have two choices. You could either browse sad airport shops and wait what feels like an eternity for the next leg of your journey. Or, you could book Seoul airport layover tours led by a local insider and discover the city’s highlights and hidden gems. The second option will see you being whizzed into the heart of Seoul, where tradition and heritage effortlessly merge with contemporary pop culture currently taking the world by storm. Get the full picture of this spectacular capital on Seoul layover tours with City Unscripted.

Struggling to decipher tangled transport lines and getting to grips with a map can be stressful. Even more daunting? Knowing you have limited time before your next flight takes off. That’s why we make Seoul airport layover tours as seamless as possible. With a local guide by your side, you won’t have to lift a finger. Your host not only picks you up at the airport and takes care of all transport for you but also ensures you’re back at the airport with time to spare. Plus, with a local to be your GPS and guidebook on Seoul layover tours, getting around the bustling city is a breeze.

It’s no secret that Seoul is packed with tourist attractions, from the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza to the crowded Myeong-dong shopping area, where competing K-pop songs ring out from storefronts. But on Seoul layover tours, you’ll get to explore more than things listed in your guidebook. That’s because your guide will lead you to the local haunts and holes-in-the-wall that only a local would know about. Our Seoul airport layover tours also let you see the city through a local lens for an experience that you won’t soon forget. Plus, every tour is expertly tailored to you!

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Find the best things to do, places to eat, must eat foods and lots of travel tips in Seoul recommended by our local hosts

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Had a fantastic first ever visit to Seoul thanks to our guide, Ruth, who was very informative, conscientious, flexible with our interests and itinerary and fun. Went to some great spots we would not have discovered on our own and was very helpful with some great suggestions for future points of interest after our tour was over.

Great way for someone new to seoul and the Korean language (such as myself) to see some of the city, thank you!

We had a great tour with Arnaud! He met us at our hotel and helped us get an understanding of the metro so that we could use it on our own afterward. First we took the rail to Gyeongbokgung palace and had a nice walk around with information and took photos. Then he showed us several other highlights and areas we were interested in, and the specific kinds of shops we were looking for. Arnaud gave us a lot of useful and interesting information and recommendations for the rest of our trip and was really friendly and helpful! He also took some great photos for us which is nice to get photos together that aren't selfies.

Sangwhan Kim is an excellent tour guide. He has lived in Seoul for many years. We went on a personalized tour of Seoul and he showed an impressive knowledge of Korean history and how current landmarks of developed over the years. We visited historic and modern sights including Bukchon Hanok Village, the Blue House Park and Gyeongbokgung Palace. We also visited a modern tea house and an underground museum. Kim has a lot of energy and he is an enthusiastic tour guide.

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15 Things to do on a Layover in Seoul: Incheon Transit Tour

Home > South Korea

Flying can be a draining experience, especially when faced with long layovers. However, an often overlooked gem during a layover in Seoul Airport in South Korea is the opportunity to explore and enjoy Seoul for a few hours without even having to worry about the cost. The Incheon Transit Tour offers free and paid Seoul layover tours of the city for passengers with extended layovers, making it a fantastic chance to break up the monotony of air travel and immerse oneself in the vibrant Korean culture.

During my time in Seoul, I was amazed at how easily accessible these tours were. The Incheon Transit Tour makes for perfect opportunity to get a taste of Korean history, culture, and daily life, all without breaking the bank. And who knows, it just might inspire you to book your next trip to South Korea ! From breathtaking ancient palaces to bustling city streets, the tour allows you to see the highlights of Seoul, making your layover in Seoul much more enjoyable than simply waiting in the airport.

Incheon Transit Tour Overview

Tour options.

Incheon Airport offers free transit tours for visitors on a layover in Seoul. These tours provide a great opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings without having to worry about planning your own itinerary or sitting at the airport not having much to do. There are several options available, ranging from short 1-hour tours to longer 5-hour experiences. Some of the popular tour options include visiting cultural and historical attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong, or exploring the bustling streets of Myeongdong and Gangnam. I highly value these tours, as they help make the most of my layover in Seoul.

Here is a list of the 15 tours in the Incheon Transit Tour offer:

K-culture zone: hanbok experience, hangeul craft (airport tour) – 30 min, free.

Free Experience Korean culture without leaving the airport at K-Culture Zone. Try on traditional Korean costumes, known as hanbok, and learn about the country’s unique writing system, Hangeul, while crafting your own souvenirs such as bracelets and scrolls.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 (4F East Transfer Lounge) 09:00~16:30

Past and Present: Cheongwadae (Blue House), Tongin Market – 5 hr, Free

Explore the historical landmarks of Cheongwadae and Tongin Market on this 5-hour tour. Cheongwadae served as the official residence and office of the president of the Republic of Korea, and now serves as a museum for art and history exhibitions. Tongin Market is a marketplace for delicious food and fresh ingredients.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 08:00~13:00 (Mon)

Tradition: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insa-dong – 5 hr, $3

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the first palace of the Joseon dynasty, and Insa-dong, a neighborhood filled with old yet invaluable items. Gyeongbokgung Palace was restored in 1867 after it was burnt down during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Insa-dong is a maze of alleyways filled with galleries, traditional crafts shops, ancient art stores, traditional tea houses, cafes, and more.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 08:00~13:00 (Tue~Sun)

Peaceful Korea: Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park, Dokgae Bridge: 5 hr, $4

Visit Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park and Dokgae Bridge, important places in Korean history. Imjingak Park was created in 1972 to comfort those who were not able to return to their homeland following the division of Korea. Dokgae Bridge was the only bridge that connected the north and south prior to the Korean War.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 09:00~14:00 (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)

DMZ: The Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory 5 hr, $4

Explore the Third Tunnel, a cave dug by North Korea to invade South Korea, and the Dora Observatory, situated within the DMZ. The Third Tunnel is often called the Seoul Tunnel due to its proximity to Seoul. Dora Observatory guards the northernmost post of the western front and offers a view of North Korea.

Schedule: Terminal 1, 2 09:00~14:00 (Tue)

Future: Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory 5 hr, $5

Visit Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, the largest automobile theme park in Korea, and Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory, which boasts endless mudflats with skies where planes take-off and land.

History: Jeondeungsa Temple 5 hr, $2

Visit Jeondeungsa Temple, which was established in 382 and gained state protection by the Joseon royal family as it started to store The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty from 1678.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 09:00~14:00 (Thu)

Street: Hongdae Street – 4 hr, Free

Explore Korea’s foremost youth street filled with countless cafes, clubs, graffiti, fashion streets, underground music, and art festivals. This 4-hour tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 1,2 14:00~18:00.

Experience: Hanji Experience Workshop, Sinpo Market – 3 hr, $0-20

This 3-hour tour takes you to Sinpo Market, which was created during the late 19th century and is known for its sweet and sour fried chicken with spicy sauce. You can also visit the Hanji Experience Workshop and make your own traditional Korean hanji. The cost of the tour is $0~$20, and it starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 1 15:0018:00 (Tue, Sun).

Shopping: Hyundai Premium Outlet, Triple Street – 3 hr, Free

If you love shopping, this 3-hour tour is perfect for you. Visit Hyundai Premium Outlet, which features a wide array of luxury and trendy brands, and Triple Street, a booming shopping street with many things to see, eat, and enjoy along with cultural facilities. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 1 15:00~18:00 (Mon).

Temple: Yonggungsa Temple – 1 hr, Free

This 1-hour tour takes you to Yonggungsa Temple, which is said to be a temple constructed by the Buddhist priest Wonhyo Daesa during the Silla dynasty. The temple was the temporary residence of Heungseon Daewongun for ten years before King Gojong’s coronation. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Terminal 2 08:00~09:00.

Entertainment: Paradise City Art-tainment – 1 hr, free

If you are looking for entertainment, this 1-hour tour is perfect for you. Visit Paradise City, the first resort complex in northeast Asia that provides enjoyment and cultural experiences such as convenient accommodation, casinos, art gallery, clubs, and more. There is also an art gallery that exhibits more than 2,700 works by famous artists from across the globe, such as Yayoi Kusama and Damien Hirst. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport. 

Schedule: Terminal 1 1F 3C every 05, 35 minute, Terminal 1 1F 14C every 10, 40 minute, Terminal 2 1F 2A every 45 minute

Landscape: Yedanpo Trail and Haneul Garden – 2 hr, Free

This 2-hour tour takes you to Yedanpo Trail, located near Incheon Airport, where you can enjoy a comfortable walk in the park and breathe in the fresh air. You can also visit Haneul Garden, a place where you can enjoy the beautiful sky and the vast flower garden. Seasonal flowers will bloom beneath you while airplanes cross the blue skies. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport.

Schedule: Scheduled to operate in the second half.

Songdo: Songdo Central Park and Tri-bowl – 2 hr, Water Taxi $4

This 2-hour tour takes you to Songdo Central Park, the first-ever park to use seawater. Visitors can not only enjoy a comfortable walk in the park but also experience water taxi rides, canoeing, moonboats, and more. You can also visit Tri-bowl, one of Songdo Central Park’s landmarks, which has a unique flat ceiling and a round floor. The cost of the tour is $4, and it starts from Incheon Airport.

Cave Theme Park: Gwangmyeong Cave – 4 hr, Free

This 4-hour tour takes you to Gwangmyeong Cave, formerly known as Siheung Mine, which was constructed starting in 1912 with the purpose of resource exploitation by the Japanese. It was used as a warehouse for salted shrimp for 40 years since it was closed in 1972. Gwangmyeong Cave became Korea’s greatest cave theme park in 2011 after the city of Gwangmyeong transformed it into a historical and cultural tourist spot attracting 1.4 million annual visitors. The tour is free of cost and starts from Incheon Airport. Schedule: Scheduled to operate in the second half. (Note: Gwangmyeong Cave is closed every Monday and may be replaced with a different course.)

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for participating in the Incheon Transit Tour may vary slightly depending on the tour option. Generally, passengers with a layover of at least 6 hours at Incheon Airport are eligible. The passengers must be in transit to a third country or their country of nationality, and not just entering South Korea as their final destination. The tour spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to reserve a spot as soon as possible upon arrival at the airport.

Visa Requirements

Incheon Transit Tours are designed to accommodate a wide variety of nationalities. For many travelers, a visa may not be required to participate in these tours, as long as they remain within the designated tour areas. Passengers who are eligible for visa-free entry or transit through South Korea can take advantage of the Incheon Transit Tour without having to obtain an additional visa. Remember that the exact visa requirements will depend on your nationality and the tour you choose, so make sure to double-check the requirements before planning your visit.

Booking and Registration Process

Reservation methods.

To secure a spot on the Incheon International Airport Transit Tour on your layover in Seoul, it’s important to make a reservation in advance. There are a few options available for making reservations:

• Online: The preferred method is to register online through the official website or email.
• Transit Tour Desk: Alternatively, you could book a tour at Incheon International Airport’s Transit Tour Desk located near Gate 8. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bear in mind that most of the tours will be available to people with 6 or more hour long layovers in Seoul. So if you have a 5 hour layover in Seoul or a 3 hour layover in Seoul, the best thing to do is probably just the hanbok experience inside the airport.

Passport Control and Immigration

To take part in the Incheon Transit Tour oj your layover in Seoul, you will be required to pass through passport control and immigration. As a participant of the Transit Tourism Program, passengers from most countries can enjoy visa-free entry to South Korea. However, it is vital to check if your country qualifies for this exemption before booking the tour.

When you arrive at Incheon International Airport and proceed through immigration, you should carry your transit tour reservation confirmation as proof of participation. After going through customs and immigration, you can then proceed to the starting point of the tour, ready to explore Seoul!

I hope you enjoyed this free guide to everything you need to know about the Incheon transit tour and how to best spend your layover in Seoul. For more information visit Incheon Airport’s website.

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South Korea

Janis Paster

Saturday 4th of November 2023

On Friday, November 17 I arrive in Seoul by plane @ 7:25 am. My flight to LAX the same day @ 2:30 pm Is it possible to have a private car tour of the city for about 2 hrs and arrive back to the airport around 11:30. I’m flying delta Airlines operated by Korean airlines

Monday 13th of November 2023

Seoul is a big city and traveling by car can mean being stuck in traffic a lot. Even coming from the airport can sometimes take 2 hours. So I would probably try and go to Incheon instead, maybe see the Paradise plaza? It's a really cool yellow building often featured in kdramas :)

Seoul layover tour from Incheon or Gimpo airport

Meet your guide.

Jay J.     Seoul, South Korea

I am not only a local culture expert but also a knowledgeable tour specialist who has been worked,... more

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$600 USD  PER TOUR For up to 5 people  (duration: 8 hours)  deposit ?

Tour Number

Activity level.

Youth and Family, Museums / Culture, First Time Visitor, City

Kid Friendly: Yes. Friendly: Yes. Only one folding wheelchair up to 3 people Maximum travelers: 5

Language(s)

explanation

English (fluent), Korean (fluent)

Incheon stopover tour, Seoul layover tour

This is a special tour for clients who stay at Incheon Airport for over 7 hours. You can design your own itinerary or you can choose the highlights of Seoul tour. Early or late pickup available from the airport! Will you lay down at the airport for a long time with an i-pad? Instead, why not explore Seoul? Get to know one of the most dynamic cities in the world! With a fully experienced local, you will feel the essence of Seoul and the vicinity. * Some of the countries need to apply K-ETA to enter Korea at least 72h ahead of arrival time except U. S. , Canada, Singapore, U. K. , Australia, Germany. (https://www. k-eta. go. kr/portal/apply/index. do)

- Pick up at the Incheon airport or Gimpo airport or hotel in Incheon. (If you arrive at Incheon airport, I will meet you at the gate you come out with your name board) - Drive to Seoul for about an hour. - Seoul and the vicinity tour: For example, Gyeongbok palace, Bukchon Hanok village, Insadong antique street, Gwangjang local market, etc. - Back to the airport or your hotel. Contact me to discuss the details and adjust the tour to your needs!

Meeting Point + Tour Duration

Meeting Point Options: Airport

Duration: 8 hours

Transportation

What’s included.

• Guiding Services
• Private Transportation

Other: Toll fee, gas and parking fees

Estimated Local Cash Needed

No cash is needed for this tour

What’s Extra

• Personal Expenses
• Food, Drinks, Snacks

Other: All meal, entrance fees

Restrictions

A recent review of this tour.

JAY! He truly made our 12 hour experience in Seoul MAGICAL. From the first second till the last, Jay was nothing but perfection. Kind, incredibly knowledgeable, flexible, smart, funny, easy going and the list goes on and on. He picked all the perfect places for us to explore that fit our wants and needs and made every moment enjoyable. We will never forget Jay and the beautiful day he created for us. Monica Hakman

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Questions about the tour? Not seeing exactly what you’re looking for? Contact this guide with questions, or to create a custom itinerary for you and your travel companions.

Seoul layover tour from Incheon or Gimpo,...

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Enjoy the night view and illumination in the city

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19+ Best Day Tours in Seoul from Incheon Airport

Last Updated: Apr 18, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

South Korea’s capital, Seoul, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landmarks, and super-fast transportation system. But whether you’re on a quick trip or planning your layover tour from Incheon Airport, there’s a wealth of attractions you can visit for free .

You can even arrange tours to Seoul from Incheon Airport. Some will come with free tour guides and transportation, and others with private arrangements made ahead of time. To make the most of your time, most tour operators arrange pick-ups and drop-offs at Incheon Airport , providing seamless transportation options. 

During your trip, you can experience the rich history and colorful culture of Seoul with guides sharing their insights and expertise. Depending on the kind of activities you’re interested in, both free and paid Incheon Airport transit tours are available . 

• 🛬 Getting to Seoul from Incheon Airport
• 🏞️ Top Seoul Day Tours
• 🎊 Cultural Experiences 
• 🍜 Food and Drink Tours
• 🥾 Outdoor Activities
• ☕ Themed Cafes
• 📝 Important Tips

🛬 Getting to Seoul from Incheon Airport

Airport shuttle.

The airport shuttle bus is a free service connecting both terminals of the Incheon Airport . This will help you save time walking around, especially if you're unfamiliar with the place and the language. The airport's official site even provides an airport shuttle route that you can reference while you're there. 

There are also airport limousine buses that takes you directly to major hotels and tourist areas in Seoul; a great option if you want to have a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Third-party sites like Klook and kkday are also quick ways to secure a spot as well as enjoy private package services . 

Train to Seoul

Another way to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport is by train. The AREX Line, also known as the Airport Railroad Express, offers 2 types of services: the Express Train and the All-Stop Train.

The Express Train takes 45 minutes and goes directly to Seoul Station, while the All-Stop Train stops at various cities connected to Lines 2, 5, 6, 9, and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line .

To ride the Express Train, you need to buy an Express Train pass from the service stations located in both Terminals 1 and 2. As for the All-Stop Train service, you can buy a T-Money card from any convenience store found within and outside the airport.  

You can also enjoy the free Wi-Fi and assigned seating, just like riding the KTX (Korean Train eXpress). Also, if you have flight tickets from Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines, T'way Air, or Eastar Jet with a departure date within 7 days, you can get an Express Train Pass discount .

Taxi to Seoul

Taxis are good if you want to have a private and direct mode of transportation. Taxis in Korea can get expensive, but I recommend using them between 12am to 5am when the trains and shuttles have stopped operating. Moreover, taxis offer a door-to-door service and you can easily find them outside the airport.

Fares vary depending on the type of Korean taxi you're taking. White, silver, and orange taxis are ₩2,000 (~$1.50USD) cheaper compared to the black Deluxe Taxis. A taxi ride from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul will cost you around ₩80,000 (~$60USD) at minimum.

Take an orange taxi if you have trouble communicating in Korean . Most orange taxi drivers are fluent in languages like Chinese, Japanese, and English. Third-party services like My Korea Cab and Viator can make it easier for your to book taxi services from Incheon Airport to your destination. 

🏞️ Top Seoul Day Tours

Seoul is a safe destination and tourists from all over the world can enjoy city day tours without worry. Joining a Seoul day tour will offer you first-hand experience in exploring the city’s rich culture, history, and entertainment - below are some of the best day tours from Incheon Airport.

DMZ and JSA Tours

Any of the several companies running DMZ and JSA tours will take you the closest you can get to North Korea. The quick bus ride north will generally be with fellow tourists who wish to understand the divide and maybe get a glimpse into one of the most sheltered countries in the world. 

During the tour you’ll get to know more about the history of the Korean War (known domestically as ‘The Great War’), enter the Third Infiltration Tunnel , and physically be inside the famous Joint Security Area.

You can also see a bit of North Korea from the Dora Observatory . Just make sure to be on your best behavior while on this trip, as this is technically an active war zone.

Seoul is the birthplace of K-Pop, and fans from all over the world flock to Seoul with the hopes of diving into the world of K-Pop idols like BTS .

This K-Pop tour takes you to a variety of entertainment agencies and stores; if you're lucky, you may even see some celebrities. Other tours have you join a K-Pop dance class and record a song , if you have extra time or a particularly long layover.

Namsan Tower and Han River Cruise

Seoul is known for its breathtaking panoramic sky view, so I highly recommend visiting places that let you appreciate it better. Ride a cable car to Namsan Tower and visit the observation deck.

You can even grab a flavorful coffee before trekking to the very top while enjoying the city's stunning view. Don’t forget to swing by the Han River Cruise at night for another breath-taking view of the cityscape.

Shopping Tours

Retail therapy is incredibly fun, especially if you join Seoul market tours in areas like Dongdaemun , Insadong , and Myeongdong . These places are the best locations for getting discounts on clothing, cosmetics, and souvenirs . Some market tours take you to street food hubs with Korean dishes like soondae, hotteok, and tteokbokki .

Seoul Theme Park

Everland is an amusement park in Seoul that offers endless fun for visitors of all ages. With thrilling rides like heart-pounding roller coasters and exciting water slides, there's something for everyone at Everland . 

If you need a break from the excitement, the park offers various shows, parades, and performances to keep you entertained. From dazzling fireworks displays to captivating live entertainment, there's always something for both adults and kids. 

Seoul Aquarium Experience

Joining the COEX Aquarium tour offers a chance to observe and explore the fascinating world underwater. Located in Seoul, this aquarium provides a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. 

As you wander through the exhibits, you'll encounter a diverse range of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and graceful stingrays. Once you’re done exploring, hit up the mall food court for both Korean and international dishes.

🎊 Cultural Experiences 

If exploring different cultures interests you, Seoul offers various cultural activities that you can join during your layover at Incheon Airport or weekend drip to the city.

Traditional Seoul City Tour

If you’ve never been to Korea, one of the fantastic ways to get to know the capital is by joining the Traditional Seoul Tour . This tour lets you see the classics like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palace, and then shop in the lively markets of Insadong and Namdaemun.

It's is a nice option for those without much time, but still want to get a taste of what the country has to offer.

Traditional Korean Village

A good way for you to get a glimpse into the past is to visit a living traditional Korean village. The Bukchon Hanok Village is a neighborhood that has maintained its traditional architecture and culture.

Here you can wander through well-preserved hanok houses, join free activities hosted by locals (such as crafts, games, and food tastings), and view performances showcasing classical Korean music, dance, and theater.

Temple Stay Program

Temple stay programs have become much more popular across Asia in recent years. They’re basically day tours that let you appreciate the slow and steady culture of Buddhist monks and develop a greater appreciation of how they approach life and wisdom.

These tours aim to provide a meaningful experience as you join their daily meditation and prayer activities, as well as develop the headspace to recover and recharge.

Palace Tours

Seoul boasts of 5 historical palaces, each with its own unique story and architectural style. Aside from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace , visitors can also visit the lesser known Deoksugung , Changgyeonggung , and Gyeonghuigung palaces. 

The royal palaces in Seoul offer the opportunity to explore halls that host royal ceremonies, appreciate the beauty of traditional Korean architecture and its intricate details, and delve into the rich history of Korea’s royal heritage during the Joseon Dynasty.

Museum Visits

Seoul has numerous museums that showcase the nation’s history, art, and culture. If you only have a short visit, I highly recommend the National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial of Korea . 

Aside from being free, these museums provide a captivating journey in an of themselves where visitors can explore collections of ancient artifacts and artworks and read more about the history and significance of the Korean War within the two Koreas.

Museums also allow you to understand why Korea has a vibrant and rather progressive culture. Other fun museums in Seoul include the Kimchi Museum , The Liquor Museum , and the Beautiful Tea Museum .

🍜 Food and Drink Tours

Korean street food tour.

One of the best ways to get to know a new culture is to eat their food. This Seoul Food Tour takes you to the best gastronomic spots in town to give you a richer knowledge of Korean food and how it’s made, experienced, and loved by locals.

The best part is, you get to try things other than kimchi , and tease your taste buds with some things unique to Korean cuisine .

Korean BBQ Tour

Having a long layover gives you enough time to discover the delightful world of Korean BBQ. Treat your taste buds to the amazing flavors of marinated and grilled meats, perfectly complemented by famous Korean side-dishes .

The KBBQ Dinner Experience tour takes you to try the incredible delights of authentic Korean cuisine, perfect for food enthusiasts who want to make the most of their time in Seoul. For halal food tours in Seoul, you may need to arrange stops ahead of time.

Korean Seafood Tour

Noryangjin Market is the ultimate seafood lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of fresh and intriguing seafood options (like the delicacies of penis fish and live octopus - seriously).

This bustling fish market in Seoul is known for its skilled vendors who know how to clean and cook seafood to perfection, whether you prefer it grilled, steamed, or raw.

The best part is that as you eat, you get to observe the local food culture and see lively interactions between foreigner-friendly vendors (just don’t be disruptive of their business interactions). 

Secret Korean Cuisine Tour

This Korean food tour is all about immersing yourself in the authentic, off-the-beaten-path dining experiences that are otherwise hidden from Google and even Naver.

Get ready to explore neighborhoods renowned for their mouthwatering cuisine. They're commonly found in tiny alleys that even most locals haven’t discovered.

Together with your guide, unravel the best-kept secrets of the city’s culinary scene - if you're open to strange foods, this Seoul food tour is perfect for you.

🥾 Outdoor Activities

Hiking in bukhansan national park.

Hiking in Seoul is deeply ingrained in the local culture and is regarded as a cherished pastime by many. It serves as a means for the older generations to maintain their strength and vitality, and foreigners are often amazed at how effortlessly the elderly trek through Bukhansan National Park . 

If you're seeking respite from the fast-paced urban life, grab your hiking shoes and embark on a trail that suits your experience level. Witnessing the enthusiasm of seasoned hikers and the awe-inspiring landscapes will leave you in awe.

Additionally, joining a hiking tour in Bukhansan offers the perfect opportunity to capture breathtaking photos with the majestic mountains as a stunning backdrop.

Biking Along the Han River

While exploring Seoul during your day tour, don’t miss the opportunity to bike along the Han River . All you have to do is rent a bike from the rental station by the entrance, and as you pedal along, enjoy the view of tall trees and colorful flowers.

If you want to rest, there are plenty of food stalls and picnic areas. To add to the ambiance, local buskers often provide lively entertainment, enhancing your experience along the way.

☕ Themed Cafes

Korea takes the café experience to the next level by serving eye-catching desserts and drinks. These pairings tend to go well with the fascinating ambiance provided by each theme, whether it’s sipping a cup of coffee in a café full of animals, or making pretty artwork while waiting for your snacks.

Visiting any of the cafes below is your chance to step into the world of creativity and imagination that ensures you and your friends make lasting memories in Korea.

Hello Kitty Cafe

Fans of Hello Kitty may like this day tour, which immerses you in the fun world of this beloved character. This cute café is heavily adorned with Hello Kitty merchandise, sweet pink motifs and pretty furniture.

Real fans can also brag about their experience by sharing pictures of the Hello Kitty-themed food alongside trinkets of their favorite Sanrio crew.

Dog cafés are awesome locations for tourists to cuddle and interact with friendly dogs. If you want to enjoy quality playtime with a furry friend, be sure to visit popular establishments like Puppy Spoon and Bauhaus .

These cafes have a range of small to large breeds housed in a safe and enjoyable setting for socialization and fun, and they really care for the welfare of each animal. 

If you’re a cat lover, joining a Seoul Cat Café tour is a must. Imagine sipping a warm cup of coffee while being surrounded by cats of all shapes and sizes.

These feline friends can tolerate humans, are well-groomed, and can be playful. Book an experience in Goyangi Noriteo and Godabang for a purr-fect time (I had to do it!).  

Sheep aren’t usually animals found in an animal café, but one cozy space in Seoul lets you get to see gentle and fluffy sheep peacefully grazing or wandering around the premises. You are allowed to pet and feed them, and even take selfies with them.

Consider stopping by Thanks Nature café in Korea for a chance to connect with these adorable wooly friends, who’ve been happily bounding around since well before I moved to Korea in 2016.

📝 Important Tips

When planning your day tours in Seoul from Incheon Airport or elsewhere in the city, it's crucial to keep a few important tips in mind to make the most of your trip:

Time Management

Manage your time effectively by researching beforehand how long it takes you to go from one place to another. Apps like Kakao Map and Naver Map provide time estimations that help you calculate how long it will take you to move from Incheon Airport to your desired destination for your day tour.

Transportation

You can choose from various methods to travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul, such as taking the 45-minute Express AREX line or the comfy airport limousine bus . Both of these options are the fastest and cheapest methods to get you to your destination.

Selecting Tours

To ensure that your experience is worth it, make sure to pick a fun day trip from Seoul that best aligns with your needs and interests. If you're a fan of hiking, go to Bukhansan National Park.

BUT If you love shopping, check out the traditional markets or go for the luxury shops in Dongdaemun and Gangnam. Though If food is more of your thing, try visiting Noryangjin Fish Market or Gwangjang Market.

Free Sightseeing Tours

Incheon Airport offers free sightseeing tour options to transiting passengers - take advantage of these cultural, culinary, historical, and commercial excursions for an enriching experience.

Dress Appropriately

The weather in Seoul can be unpredictable, so bring suitable clothing for various climate conditions and locations. For example, if visiting a temple, make sure that you're dressed appropriately, with sleeves and no visible cleavage. If you are planning to go hiking, gear up according to the weather. 

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Layover in Seoul: Free Incheon Airport Transit Tours

Have a long layover in Seoul? Definitely take advantage of the free Incheon Airport Transit Tours !

Transit tours are a great opportunity to easily get out and see an area near the airport without having to arrange your own transport, navigate the local language and currency, and figure out where to go. It’s a particularly great option for Seoul, South Korea where taxis can run $100+ and take an hour each way from the airport to downtown. Scroll down for my tour experience.

Incheon Airport Transit Tour Options

They offer a few options to accommodate various layover times, the shortest being an hour in length, the longest taking 5 hours. If you have a  really long layover it is possible to do multiple tours on the same day.

• Yonggungsa Temple (1 hour)
• Heungryunsa Temple, Incheon Grand Bridge, Memorial Hall (2 hours)
• Incheon City (3 hours)
• Songdo City (4 hours)
• Seoul City Tour 1 — Gyeongbok Palace & Insadong Street (5 hours)
• Seoul City Tour 2 — Bukchon Hanok Village & Kwangjang Market (5 hours)
• Seoul City Tour 3 — Changdeok Palace & Samcheong dong (5 hours)
• Seoul City Tour 4 — Myeongdong & NSeoul Tower (5 hours)

Making Tour Reservations

The free Korea Transit Tour desk definitely takes walk ups, but if like me, you plan the length of your layover specifically to take advantage of the tours, you’ll want to make your reservations in advance via the website . Two of the Seoul City Tours require a $10 fee for lunch, but fortunately no advance payment is required.

My Experience: Seoul City Tour 1, 8AM

Our flight landed at 6:30, which I thought was plenty of time for an 8AM tour. They had provided a map to get to the tour desk and requested you get there 30 minutes in advance. With an hour to kill I assumed we’d have time to stop by a lounge and grab some breakfast and hopefully a shower. First mistake.

We cleared transit security and headed towards our terminal, stopping at the transit tour desk at the head of the escalator to confirm that’s where we’d meet for the tour at 7:30. Wrong!

Our guide was very nice and earnest, but the accent made it a little hard to understand her on the microphone. She was very clear at the very beginning of the drive we had to be on time at the meeting points — that late arrivals would be left behind. She even provided details on how to get a cab back to the airport and what it was likely to cost. It takes a full hour to get into Seoul, so after she finished a brief overview of the area most people slept.

As soon as we could extricate ourselves we headed out to Insadong Street known for its antique shops and folk art. We had about an hour to wander the fairly modern street, enough time if you want to shop, too much time if you don’t. I was wishing I’d done more research about what else was in walking distance.

Our guide did not stick to her policy of leaving people behind, one guy got away with holding us up about 15 minutes, but we made good time on the way back to the airport and arrived before the scheduled 1PM drop off.

Was it the most amazing tour experience? No. Was it a great alternative to sitting in an airport lounge for 5 hours killing time? Absolutely, I would definitely go again.

Tips for a Better Incheon Airport Transit Tour Experience

• Make a free reservation in advance .
• Fill out the immigration and customs forms on the plane. Transit passengers don’t need the documents, but transit tour participants do. Use “TRANSIT TOUR” as your accommodation in South Korea on the immigration form.
• The transit tour desk is outside immigration which can take awhile. Unless you have 2+ hours before your tour, go through passport control immediately after deplaning, do not go to the lounge or get food first.
• Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the bus if you choose a Seoul tour. It’s a solid hour each way to downtown Seoul which only leaves you time to see 1-2 sites.
• Remove all valuables from your carry on suitcases and keep them with you.
• If you’re not crazy about shopping, research the sites around the market streets so you know in advance where to go.

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Living for the little (and big things) that make life so fun, especially mistake deals and crazy last minute weekend mileage runs across the world. www.twitter.com/klatravel

Such a helpful post, thank you!

I did this same tour a couple years ago. A brilliant PR scheme for Seoul, and I’ll be coming back to play. Appreciated the jackets loaned to us, as it was winter and we came from Thailand. Nicely done. Thanks for the memories.

Very helpful post. Thank you! I followed your “Make a free reservation in advance” link but it seems I cannot change the date of the tour. As I am writing this, it is 3/11/2018 and the only date available for tours that I can sign up is 3/14/18. The calendar allowed me to select the date I want but it won’t actually change. If I click on a tour and try to make a reservation, the date is 3/14/18 and I cannot change it at all! Did you or anyone had this problem when trying to sign up? Thank you in advance for your help!

Update: I emailed them and they’ve done something to fix the system so now I can select the date I want on the form itself when I reserve. Just FYI in case anyone else has the same problem.

Hi, I would like to confirm if they also have tour in the evening? will arrive in Incheon at 5:30 pm. Thanks for the help!

You made a note that transit passengers don’t need immigration or customs forms. What about people who are just connecting to another flight (with a different airline) but have to recheck luggage with the new airline. Is there a streamline process to get this done?

Very Helpful Info Keri. Very much appreciated

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• Seoul Incheon Airport Layover Sightseeing

This article includes links to our travel partners at Tripadvisor, where you can read traveller reviews, book tours and plan your visit to Seoul.

In recent years, Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) has rivalled and surpassed some of the leading Asian airports in terms of centrality, comfort and extravagance. Layovers within ICN are impressive – however, if you find yourself with a layover in Seoul that is over five hours, you might as well explore the real deal. Plenty of historical, cultural, commercial and entertainment destinations will keep you occupied as you explore this fascinating and rapidly developing Asian city. Conveniently, Seoul Incheon Airport cleverly packages all the city’s best sights in a series of free tours geared toward transit passengers. You might as well put your feet up and enjoy the views between flights!

Airport Overview

Seoul Incheon International Airport has almost become a microcosm of all that is South Korea. Layovers of five hours or less quickly fly by in this epic airport. You may board your connecting flight wishing for a few more moments sampling food and browsing handicrafts on the Korean Cultural Street. Indoor gardens, spas, museums, galleries and shopping only further add to the Incheon experience. No wonder this is one of the world’s leading airports! Check out our Seoul Incheon Airport Guide for more information on the airport.

Seoul Sightseeing Attractions

Below are a few of the top things to do in Seoul:

Transit Tours

Seoul Incheon Airport offers a series of free daily sightseeing tours to transiting passengers. Different tours focus on the city’s cultural, culinary, historical and commercial facets. The airport recommends a minimum of a 2-hour layover for the tour. Interested passengers can sign up at the main transit tour desk outside immigration.

Gyeongbok Palace

Constructed in 1395, the Gyeongbok (or Gyeongbokgung) Palace was, for many years, the most powerful place in South Korea. Today, it is used for entirely tourist purposes – and has been voted to be one of the most stunning locations in the city. Within it, you can visit the National Palace Museum of Korea and a series of traditional folk Korean gardens. Wander through the classic architecture, checking out ancient artifacts, cultural depictions and educational information. The president’s Blue House , the National Folk Museum , and the impressive US Embassy are also within walking distance from here.

• Time Required: The Palace can take 1 to 5 hours to explore, depending on the time you wish to spend in the various exhibits. Note that this does not include travel time to and from the airport.
• How to Get There: Check out this Google Map for details on public and private transit options and the required time.
• Plan Your Visit: Visit Tripadvisor for more information about visiting Gyeongbok, book a tour or read traveller reviews.

If your primary goal for your mini-vacation is art and culture, you’d be wise to head over to Insadong , Seoul’s current art district. Visitors will likely find several traditional arts and crafts, including ink drawings, antiques, and celadon pottery. The main traditional street is the most famous and popular area; however, it encompasses nearly 13 hectares. Galleries are plentiful along these streets, as are tea houses and hanoks – traditional-style house restaurants. Tapgol Park is also within walking distance for those wishing to explore a hugely historically saturated pagoda.

• Time Required: Spend as long or as little time as you wish exploring the shops and galleries that stipple Insadong. We recommend budgeting at least an hour here – though more if you are more serious about shopping and art. Note that this does not include travel time to and from the airport.
• Plan Your Visit: Visit Tripadvisor for more information about visiting Insadong, book a tour or read traveller reviews.

If you’re visiting Seoul to immerse yourself fully in the city’s intensity, you will certainly want to head to Myeongdong – the city’s busiest area. Here, you will find a wide variety of local and international shops and many restaurants and cafes. Street vendors galore will give you a taste of local fare for a modest price, while Lotte Department Store will provide you with some of your best people-watching opportunities. That said, do be warned that the shopping here is hardly cheap. Myeongdong was ranked in the world’s top 10 most expensive shopping districts in 2018!

• Time Required: As with other shopping destinations, the time you wish to explore here depends entirely on your preferences and availability. We would recommend no less than 1.5 hours. Note that this does not include travel time to and from the airport.

Airport Transportation

Incheon Airport is located on a small island roughly 30 miles from the city center of Seoul. This makes accessing the city center somewhat more difficult and time-consuming.

Public transit options include:

• Railroad Express (AREX): A new train connecting downtown Seoul with the airport and nine other stops, leading to further metro access. For rates and schedules: Airport Express Train .
• Public Bus: Departs from multiple locations outside the departures lounge for areas throughout Seoul.

Private transit options include:

• Taxi (1F outside Arrivals Hall): Multiple stands between platforms 4D and 7C.
• Call Van (Exits12 and 13 in Arrivals Hall): Fixed fare van shuttle service

Before You Go: Layover Tips

Now that you are motivated and excited about your mini layover vacation, check a few final logistical concerns off your list before you fully commit.

• Do you need to organize a visa to leave the airport? Requirements change frequently and for each nationality, so be sure to seek out current details on the availability, cost, and procedures of obtaining a transit visa.
• When is your next flight’s check-in time? Double-check with your airline exactly when you need to be at the airport – and plan your layover accordingly.
• What are security wait times like at the airport? Some airports are notorious for extended security wait times, so research in advance and factor that into your overall time budget.
• What’s happening with your luggage? When you check in to your first flight, confirm whether your luggage is checked through or needs to be picked up between your connecting flights. Visit our Seoul Incheon Airport Guide for information about Luggage Storage.

Other Useful Resources

Finally, here are a few handy resources to help you plan your layover even more thoroughly:

• Free Seoul Transit Tours
• Tripadvisor – Need more sightseeing ideas? Visit Things to Do in Seoul to schedule a tour or the Seoul Travel Forum to check out past threads to see what other travellers have shared about sightseeing during long layovers at Incheon Airport and post your questions.
• Seoul Incheon Airport Guide
• Seoul Incheon Airport Lounges
• Seoul Incheon Airport Reviews
• Seoul Incheon Airport Sleep Guide
• Things to do at Seoul Incheon Airport
• Seoul Incheon Airport Photos
• Airport Guides
• Airport Hotels
• Airport Reviews
• Things to do on a Layover
• Airport Layover Sightseeing
• Airport Lounges
• Buy a Lounge Pass
• Airport Lounge Pass FAQ
• Write an Airport Review
• Sleeping in Airports FAQ
• About Sleeping in Airports
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Options For Free Incheon Airport Transit Tours (2024)

Updated: Feb 14, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When planning a trip that includes a layover at Incheon International Airport , you were probably excited to learn about the free transit tours offered by the government. These tours offer a chance to explore Korea's history, culture, daily life, and even go shopping opportunities without too much time or effort on your part.

Right now the nearly dozen government-run transit tours range from short 1-hour jaunts to longer 5-hour excursions, giving you plenty of options to choose from, depending on your layover duration. 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.

As you prepare for your trip, also keep in mind that you can only join one tour per layover, and you'll need a valid visa or an approved K-ETA to join a transit tour, regardless of your reservation status.

Korea Visa Information

About incheon airport transit tours, free cultural transit tours in seoul, free dmz transit tours from incheon, free tours for shopping in korea, paid layover tours from incheon airport, transportation and access, apply for a k-eta.

Before joining an Incheon Airport transit tour , you must have a valid visa or an approved K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), even if you make a reservation online. The good news is that there's a temporary exemption of K-ETA for travelers coming from 22 countries/regions between April 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, making a layover tour even easier for many visitors.

To apply for a K-ETA , follow these simple steps:

• Visit the K-ETA official website and create an account.
• Fill out the required personal information and travel details.
• Pay the processing fee (if applicable) and submit your application.
• Check your email for the K-ETA approval notification within 48 hours.

Remember that transit tours are subject to seasonal availability and run on set schedules, so make sure to check the eligibility criteria and any restrictions for your chosen tour. When planning for a shorter layover (under 4 hours), keep in mind the duration of the tour and the time it takes to get through customs at the airport.

Korea Transit Tour Overview

During your layover at Incheon Airport, tour offerings both within and away from the airport can give you a taste of Korean history, culture, and daily life. Available options include a short 4-hour Glimpse into North Korea Tour, as well as various full-day tours from Incheon Airport to Seoul.

To reserve a spot on a transit tour, you can visit the official transit tour website and pick out one that works for your schedule and sign up right then. Keep in mind that you will still have to complete the K-ETA process to enter Korea for these transit tours, so this does not take the place of a visa or K-ETA.

Also note that even if the booking system says that a tour is sold out, you can always just join the exact same tour when you arrive, as they allot less than half the available spaces to the online booking system. Each tour is covered in more detail below, as well as on the official site linked above.

Free Shuttle Bus

As part of the transit tour offering, Incheon Airport also provides a complimentary shuttle bus service for passengers. To board the free shuttle bus, simply show your tour reservation and ticket to the driver.

Remember to double-check the shuttle bus schedule and plan your tour accordingly to ensure you have enough time to enjoy your layover tour before returning to the airport. During your time outside the airport, please also make sure to explore responsibly and always follow local rules and regulations.

Gyeongbokgung & Insadong

Immerse yourself in Korea's rich history by visiting the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and the vibrant cultural district of Insadong. At Gyeongbokgung ( gung means palace, so the full name is technically just 'Gyeongbokgung'), marvel at the traditional architecture and witness the changing of the guards ceremony.

Surrounding the palace grounds, which are the largets in the country, the neighborhood of Insadong offers an authentic Korean experience filled with 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 a workshop where you can create your own souvenirs. Later, experience local flavors at Sinpo Market, known for its delicious Korean street food ; this option tends to be rather popular with kids.

Yonggungsa Temple

Especially beautiful in the spring and fall, discover the picturesque Yonggungsa Temple, nestled amongst the lush greenery and tranquil mountains surrounding the city. The temple grounds house a remarkable stone pagoda and large Buddha statues that are a must-see for any visitor, and certainly inspire return trips for many.

Jeondeungsa Temple

Alternately, visit Jeondeungsa Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple with over 1,000 years of history and arguably just as beautiful grounds to wander. This tour leaves time for visitors to appreciate the serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and discover the fascinating stories behind the temple's artifacts.

Hyundai Motor Studio & Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory

It may seem a bit random, but Korea's manufacturing sector is what pulled the country up out of poverty in the latter half of the twentieth century, so companies like Hyundai have been integral to Korea's economic growth.

Car enthusiasts in particular will enjoy a visit to Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, where you can learn about Hyundai's car manufacturing process and immerse yourself in the automotive industry's rapid advances. Finish the tour by taking in the city's panoramic views from Yeongjongdaegyo Observatory, particularly impressive around sunset.

Nuri Park & Dokgae Bridge (DMZ)

This DMZ tour takes you to the symbolic Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park and the colorful Dokgae Bridge, both representing the hope for peace and reunification between North and South Korea. The park is adorned with colorful flags and captivating sculptures, while the bridge is covered in ribbons inscribed with wishes for peace, and on sunny days you can even see into North Korea.

Third Tunnel & Dora Observatory (DMZ)

This is a different, more historical and battle-focused experience at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. This particular tour covers some of the strategy and realities faced by soldiers on both sides of the war.

It includes a visit to the Third Tunnel and the Dora Observatory, from where you can catch a glimpse of North Korea through binoculars, and a remarkable drive through the countryside to arrive at the DMZ.

Paradise City Art-tainment

Art and fashion lovers will enjoy visiting Paradise City Art-tainment, a complex that combines art and entertainment. It's not a venue as frequented by Seoulites, but you could easily pass an afternoon there exploring the various exhibitions, installations, and performances that blur the lines between reality and imagination.

Hongdae Street

This pick takes you to stroll through the bustling streets of the Hongdae neighborhood, named for the local arts university and known for its youthful energy, street art, and vibrant music scene. When you need a break from shopping, you can stop to savor delicious Korean food on the cheap and experience the dynamic culture in one of Seoul's most popular neighborhoods.

Hyundai Premium Outlet & Triple Street

This is the most straightforward shopping tour of all of the options. It allows you to indulge in some retail therapy at Hyundai Premium Outlet, with both luxury and affordable brands, and Triple Street, a trendy shopping complex with a unique mix of stores and cafes.

If none of the free transit tours from Incheon Airport interest you or fit your schedule, there are a number of paid tours you can reserve ahead of time. These are also better for larger groups (6 people or more), as some of them can be customized or even just chosen to fit everyone's tastes.

Viator Private Seoul Layover Tour

For those with DIY tastes, Viator offers a private layover tour to Seoul which includes a guide, transportation fpr the duration of your tour, and visits to top attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Namsangol Hanok Village.

Admission fees are included in the price of the tour, but if you want to go to any other stops nearby, you must coordinate it in advance. 

DMZ and Observatory Tour

Viator also offers a more intense but even more short DMZ tour with a trip to the famous tunnels dug by North Korea. It takes you to explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone more hands-on, though Viator also offers a version of the DMZ tour with a North Korean defector .

This particular DMZ tour takes you to several of the most important sites during the war, including the Third Tunnel and the Dora Observatory, though it does not take you to the JSA. Note that stops are also carefully regulated, so no schedule changes are permitted. 

Gondola DMZ Tour

Viator also offers a more family-friendly DMZ tour with a Gondola ride and a trip to the DMZ Museum rather than crawling around in the actual tunnels.

This particular tour of the DMZ also takes you an observatory in Paju, the town along the border, where you cna buy North Korean-made products and look at the DPRK through a telescope, though more bespoke DMZ tours are also available .

Private Seoul Tour w/ Meal

Somewhat comparable to the tour from Viator, GetYourGuide also offers a private layover tour from Incheon Airport that generally includes a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and a few nearby attractions. However this option includes a traditional Korean meal, and is generally more customizable than other options, meaning it can be tailored to your or the group's interests. 

Korean Folk Village Tour

Another option through GetYourGuide is the Korean Folk Village tour, which takes you to a living museum where you can experience traditional Korean life. This tour includes a visit to the museum's various exhibits and performances, and shows you a stark contrast to the many skyscrapers dotting the city. 

Seoul Metro (Slower)

If you're planning to strike out on your own for your layover, taking the Seoul Metro to the city center is your best bet. This is both because it's cheaper and because it won't be as affected by traffic as the other options, with the exception of the Airport Railroad (caught from the same place).

Both Terminal 1 (제1여객터미널) and Terminal 2 (제2여객터미널) at Incheon Airport have access to the metro lines, with Terminal one ever-so-slightly closer to the city. The travel time from the airport to Seoul is approximately an hour to an hour and a half, depending on where you're headed, and the time between trains is around 10-12 minutes.

Airport Railroad (Faster)

The Airport Railroad (AREX) is another convenient way to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport, though it's slightly more expensive than the regular metro. It has two types of trains: the express train and the all-stop train, both of which are still faster than the regular trains.

The express train directly connects the airport to Seoul Station, with a travel time of approximately 43 minutes, while the all-stop train stops at sevral stations and takes just under an hour to reach Seoul Station. Both types of trains can be boarded at boarding gates in Terminals 1 and 2, so buy your train or metro ticket carefully.

Airport Limousine (Slower)

You can also choose to take an Airport Limousine bus to reach your destination in Seoul, which is actually how I first went into the city when I moved to Korea. It sounds bougie, but they're not actually limos; they're nice buses which offer a comfortable ride to designated stops throughout the city.

The tickets are affordable and the stops include several popular tourist areas and major hotels. While the distance and travel time may vary depending on your destination, you can expect a journey of approximately 60 to 80 minutes unless there's traffic (I'd recommend taking the metro if you'll be leaving the airport between 4pm-6pm).

Taxi into Seoul (Expensive)

If you prefer a more direct and private mode of transportation, you can always take a taxi into Seoul. There are taxi stands located outside both terminals, and depending on the distance and traffic conditions, a taxi ride into the city can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

Keep in mind that this option is generally the most expensive among all methods of transportation from the airport, and many locals now exclusively use the Kakao Taxi app to call for rides, so some of the taxis may be claimed quickly. Just look for the red sign in the taxi window.

In addition to these transportation options, if you need to get between the terminals, there's a shuttle train service that operates from 4:45am to 11:30pm, with roughly 6 to 8 minutes between trains.

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• December 18, 2021
• Uncategorized

If you’ve got a few hours to spare in Seoul’s busy Incheon Airport, you might want to take advantage of a great feature here. Incheon Airport has free transit tours of Seoul.

Depending on how long you have to spare, you may be able to take a tour (or multiple tours) of popular attractions around Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.

There are plenty of things to do on a layover in Incheon, but if you have the time, I highly recommend a transit tour or Seoul.

From casinos to caves, shopping markets and ancient temples – there’s something for everyone on Incheon Transit tours.

What are the Seoul transit tours from Incheon?

Seeing parts of Seoul on a guided transit tour from Incheon Airport is simple and a great way to see specific sights of Seoul with a knowledgeable guide to fill you in on the history and significance of some great sights.

The short and sweet of a transit tour from Incheon is:

• Once landed and done any immigration or baggage collection processes, you head to the Transit Tour Information Desk , located in both terminals of Incheon International Airport.
• This is where the tour will meet and leave from. If you haven’t booked a tour online, remaining reservations on the transit tours from.incheon are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• You may have a little free time before your tour leaves. You can freshen up, change or exchange money if needed. Otherwise, check out my.guide to Incheon International Airport.
• Your guide will then instruct you to follow and you’ll be lead to a coach-style bus.
• Depending on how long you have, some tours may be too long in duration for your layover. Make sure you double-check with desk information staff.
• Depending on what tour you decide On, you may have a decent amount of transit time until you reach your destination. While the casino is only a 5-minute drive away, getting into Seoul can take about an hour due to traffic.
• That’s all you need to worry about on your transit tour from Incheon. Your coach shuttle bus will take you from the airport in Seoul, to the transit tour sights in Seoul, back to Incheon Airport.
• Many of the tours will give you time for lunch, but you will need to bring some money – also if you want any souvenirs make sure you bring some local currency.

For more information on specific tours, you can read all about the tours offered in Incheon International Airport.

What are the different guided transit tours from Incheon Airport?

Currently, 9 desperate tours are offered from Incheon Airport into various places around Seoul.

Each tour from Incheon into Seoul goes to separate places around Seoul and none of the tours overlap attractions. Meaning if there’s something on offer below that you must-see , you have very limited options of the tours you can take.

Some of the Incheon transit tours are available at multiple times throughout each day to make planning the best transit tour for you a little easier.

Below, I’ll give a quick rundown on each of the 9 tours from Incheon Airport.

Entertainment

Paradise City Art/Entertainment

2 hours long -, leaves at 7am

There’s a whole range of activities and sights in this Korean-style resort. From a casino, to an art museum with over 2700 exhibits on display. There’s a wide range of activities to do in Paradise City in Seoul, from various entertainment to cultural experiences, there’s something for every Incheon Airport layover tour visitor.

Incheon City

Songdo Hanok Village – Triple Shopping Street – Central Park

2 hours long – leaves at 9am, 3pm and 5pm

This tour holds a little bit of everything. Traditional mixes with modern skylines at Songdo Hanok Village, with Songdo Central Park being within close proximity, it’s a uniqe mix of old, new and green. Lush greenery is flanked by skyscraping towers that stretch into the sky. Triple Shopping Street is more than just stores, the culture of Korea is showcased in cultural points of interest.

Gwangmyeong Cave

4 hours long – leaves at 9am

This 4-hour tour visits an old gold mine. Gwangmyeong Cave was closed in 1972, even though gold deposits still exist throughout the cave system. This cave embodies modern industries of Korea established after gaining independence from Japan.

Jeondeungsa Temple – Deokjinjin

4 hours long – leaves at 8am

Built in the late 4 th century, Jeondeungsa is Korea’s oldest temple. Home to a beautiful  Daewoongjeon (Main Buddha Hall), this temple is a beautiful attraction on a Seoul Transit Tour. The second stop on this tour is to Deokjinjin. One of the most important and strategic points in the outer castle wall. This section of the wall was vital in protecting the  Ganghwa Straits during the Goryeo Dynasty.

Cheonggyechon Stream – Jogyesa Temple

4 hours long – leaves at 2pm

Your first stop on this tour, Cheonggyecheon Stream is historically important to Korean history, dating back 600 years. The final stop on this temple transit tour of Seoul from Incheon is Jogyesa Temple. Being the center of the Korean Buddhist movement it’s a great stop on Incheon International Airport’s transit tour itinerary! Make sure to check out the 500 year old white tree that lives here! The temple also holds an annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha’s birthday

Myeong-dong – Namdaemun Market

5 hours long – leaves at 1pm

Myeong-dong Is hone to plenty of shops, including duty-free outlets and street food opportunities, it’s one of  Seouls most popular shopping districts. Your final stop, Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea. If you can think it, chances are you can find it here!

Traditional Sites

Gyeongbokgung Palace – Insa-dong

5 hours long – leaves at 8am and 10am

Gyeongbokgung Palace was restored in 1867, and was originally built in 1395. It was burned down in 1592 during an invasion by the Japanese. To end this Incheon Airport layover tour, you’ll head to Insa-dong. Filled with antique stores and folk art, this popular neighborhood is a great place to visit from Incheon Airport.

Incheon Airport Maglev Train – Eurwangi Beach – Lottemart

2 hours long – leaves at 1pm

Incheon Airport’s Maglev Train is your first stop on this tour, linking the Transportation Center of the airport and Younyu Island. Eurwangi Beach is second, with beautiful white sands and plenty of water sports, it’s a popular attraction in Seoul. Finally, Lottemart is one of Seoul’s largest supermarket discount stores. Plenty of Baggins to be found here!

Eurwangi OR Masirang Beach

1 hour-long – leaves at 8am or 11am

A short beach visit to either Eurwangi Beach, with water sport and white sand, OR to Masirang Beach, pine trees and wetlands as well beautiful sand are all mixed together.

How do I book a transit tour from Incheon Airport?

It’s super easy to book a transit tour from Incheon Airport. All spots are divided up between online bookings and first come first served in person bookings.

To book your Incheon International Airport transit tour, you need to make your way to the basement floor, or B1, on either the 1 st or 2 nd terminal. Look for the Transit Tour Reservation Desk, this is where transit tours in Incheon  Airport are booked from.

Who is allowed to take a transit tour from Incheon Airport?

Anyone that is allowed to enter Korea is allowed to take a free tour from Incheon Airport.

You must have a connecting flight from anywhere outside of Korea, and a flight exiting Korea within the next 24 hours to be eligible for a transit tour of Seoul. This is the typical definition of a layover.

How much does the transit tours into Seoul from Incheon Airport cost?

The tours from Incheon International Airport are free for the most part. The guide and transport are all complimentary. However, any lunch or souvenirs you want to buy will have to be paid for by you.

There are ATMs in Incheon Airport you can withdraw money From, or exchange currency as well. You should allow a little bit of time to get access to Korean Won to Make sure you’re ready to leave when the tour is ready to begin.

What to expect from a transit tour from Incheon into Seoul

During my layover in Seoul I was lucky enough to take a transit tour from Incheon Airport.

I didn’t need a visa to enter Korea, so I didn’t need a visa to take Incheon International Airport transit tour. After arriving in Seoul, and customs were cleared, my partner and I rushed to the basement of terminal 1, to the transit tour desk in Incheon. (Remember, these tours operate on a first come first served basis, and they are popular!).

We were able to get aboard a 5 hour tour of Seoul. Before the tour left from Incheon Airport we had a few minutes to freshen up and exchange some U.S. Dollar to Korean Won. We set off at 9am sharp, so don’t be late back to the meet up point to depart for your transit tour.

Led out onto a modern coach and set off towards our first destination on this tour of Seoul. It takes around an hour to get into the city due to traffic. So sit back and relax and take in the sights of outer Seoul.

First stop on this city transit tour of Seoul

Almost an hour later, the coach rolled to a stop at Bukchon Hanok Village. This 600-year-old network of alleyways and residential areas is a beautiful insight into ancient Korea and what the country would have looked like.

This narrow streets weave around giving a great view of surrounding suburbs. Please be respectful as this area is just That, people live here, and a group of 25-30 tourists can be quite loud. There are plenty of signs dotting the doors and alleys where your voice will echo through the narrow alleys.

As you look over the rooftops of the ancient Bukchon Hanok Village, there are a few notable things to keep an eye out for:

• There is a man selling traditional-style pansies made from pumpkin. He even gave out small samples and photos to anyone for free.
• The roofs of many ancient Korean houses have small little round discs attached to the edges of the ruling. These little decorated discs are known as Wadangs, and if you would like to paint your own, visit a culture center inside Incheon International Airport.
• It is a common sight for the traditional style dresses, Hanbok’s, are common around these ancient streets as tourists pose in photos.

The second stop on Seoul’s city transit tour – Gwangjang Market

The trip to Gwangjang Market doesn’t take long at all, and you’re there before you know it.

This busy market is a great place to shop for a souvenir of your short trip to South Korea, and also to try some local food. There’s plenty of stalls selling a variety of food, clothing and snacks.

Bibimbap is similar to a salad and one of the most well-known dishes in Korea. It’s served with rice and super filling. There are plenty of stalls selling this popular meal for around 5,000₩. There’s also wonton soup and dumplings if you’re looking for some more tasty things to eat.

All up, you get around an hour to explore the narrow paths of Gwangjang Market. Be careful, scooters/motorbikes are allowed to ride through the congested alleys.

If you’re looking for something else and all shopped out, one of the exits of Gwangjang Market leads to a peaceful river for a quiet walk.

The bus left a little late as it we needed a replacement shuttle bus, there was some issue with the brakes of our original bus. It was a little stressful in making sure we had time to make our connecting flight. The replacement bus was well organized and only set us back around half an hour – in the end, I’d rather be safe, so I was glad to wait around.

In the end, the tour was supposed to finish at 2pm, and my partner and I made our connecting flight at 430pm easily. Even had time for a FREE hot shower at Incheon Airport!

Can I take more than one tour from Incheon Airport?

Yes, you can take as many transit tours as you want from Incheon International Airport. As long as you have enough time in your layover and the tours have spots on then, you can jump on to as many guided tour as you want!

So, is visiting Seoul on a transit tour worth it?

Yes. If you only have a limited amount of time in Seoul, taking a transit tour from the Incheon International Airport is a great way to get a feel for this vibrant city.

Depending on what time you arrive and how long your layover is, your transit tour options from Incheon may be limited, but there are plenty of fun and interesting options to choose from.

If you have the time in Seoul on a layover, and want to go visit a few parts of the city, take a transit tour from Incheon Airport is super easy and worthwhile!

Have you visited any parts of Seoul on a guided transit tour from Incheon Airport? I’d love to hear what you thought of the experience below! Any questions or comments? Drop a comment below as well!

Enjoyed this article? Well here’s what you should do next:

• Share this post to social media to help others enjoy the tours from Incheon Airport
• Sign up to Horizon Unknowns Newsletter for tips and tricks on how to travel better! You’ll also get a free 8-page travel checklist to help you travel better.
• Read more travel-related articles below!

Keep reading about travel:

• How to enjoy a culture shock
• Why you need travel insurance
• Here are plenty of travel tips!

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown

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Free tours for transit passengers at seoul-incheon airport.

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Are you in transit at Seoul-Incheon airport in South Korea? Do you have a few hours of time between your flights? Why not take advantage of a free service that the airport makes available to its passengers? In fact, you should know that the efficient and ultra-modern Seoul-Incheon airport offers to its passengers in transit a series of free tours of varying duration.

WHAT ARE THE FREE TOURS AVAILABLE?

There are various possibilities based on the time you have available, you can choose between free tours of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours. If you have 5 hours of time there is the possibility to visit the city of Seoul through four different tours. These itineraries will take you to Gyeongbok palace and Insadong street (tour 1). Or at the Bukchon HanokVillage and Gwangjang market (tour 2). Or at Changdeok Palace and Samcheong dong (tour 3). And finally to Myeongdong and Namsan Seoul Tower (tour 4).

If instead you have less time available you can opt for the 4-hour tour, what we did, which will allow you to visit the Songdo Central Park, the Ocean Scope and the Singi Market. The 3-hour tour takes you to Gwangmyeong Cave. While the 2-hour tour takes you to visit Heungryunsa Temple, the Incheon Grand Bridge and the Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation. The shortest tour is the one-hour tour that allows you to visit the Yonggungsa Temple.

Finally if you have just over an hour you can take the cultural tour inside the airport (Incheon Airport Culture Tour) which will allow you to visit the Culture Street, the Security Screening, the Traditional Craft Gallery, the Walk of the Royal Family, the Traditional Korean Culture Center and to finish with a nice Classical Music Concert.

THERE ARE FEW PLACES AVAILABLE, SO BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE

There are not many places available for free tours so we recommend booking well in advance (we booked a few months earlier). To book your free tour, the procedure is simple, you need to visit the official page of the airport transit tours and choose the tour you prefer. After making your reservation you will receive an email which you must print and present at the free transit tour desk of the airport.

Once at the airport you have to go through customs for passport control (2F), then go downstairs 1F exiting gates C or D, and then go to the free tour desk (Transit tour desk) which is located between exits 8 and 9 of terminal 1F. Once you arrive at the counter, wait for your turn and show your reservation (go to the counter at least 30 minutes before the start of the tour). You will be given a pin with written “Free Korean Transit tour” and your guide will be introduced to you. Tours are conducted in English, Chinese and Japanese. You are ready for your free tour !

ACCOMMODATIONS, APARTMENTS, B&B AND HOTELS

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Joy Tour Korea

Private and small group tour

DMZ tour pick-up and drop off at Incheon airport

from US$130 per person & up

(Private tour, per person price varies by group size)

Entry Korea policy (updated , April 1, 2023)

Tourists holding passports from visa-free countries as listed below, No need any extra application for entry.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)

• Enjoy a smooth and flexible DMZ tour while your layover at Incheon airport.
• Match your schedule between your arrival and departure.
• Valuable opportunity to understand 2 Korea’s situation.
• See north Korea and feel tension in military area.
• Guide will take care all of your concerns, even no need exchange money.
• Private transfer without hassles.

What to expect

Our driver guide will pick you up at Incheon airport, arriving Imjingak peace park  to start DMZ tour after 70 minutes’ driving . You and your guide will take a shuttle bus to pass through check point. You will stop at 

（1）Dorasan Observatory for 20 minutes to see North Korean city, guard post etc.. 

（2） move to 3rd tunnel (stay 60 minutes) to walk down to see infiltration tunnel dug by North Korea during cold war and watch video to learn about Korea war. 

（3）visit Unification village for take a break and souvenir shop available, then return to Injingak peace park. Y ou can have lunch and seeing around  at Injingak peace park. 

（4）After tour, return to Incheon airport.

• Admission fees
• Bottled water
• Driver/guide
• Round-trip private transfer
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Private tour
• Gratuities (optional)

Departure point:

Incheon airport 

7:30a.m- 8:00a.m  from Tuesday to Sunday ( Monday & national Holiday  closed)

Cancelation policy:

• Cancellation fee of 0% is charged if cancelled 3 days or more before the tour date.
• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 2 days or less before the tour date.

Please note before booking: 

It will take alternative tour: (In the event the DMZ closed by army due to security issue, or the ticket sold out due to limited availability). 

If regular DMZ tour impossible: (change to visiting Odusan Observatory, Freedom Bridge, Korean War Abductees Memorial, Imjingak Peace Gondola).

Similar tours...

Please tell us if you have any questions:

SEO Thailand

22 Apr 2024 - 4 min read

Discover Free Layover Tours: 6 International Airport You’ll Love

Get to know Free Layover Tours that make booking international flights more fun than ever. Read it here.

Are you tired of spending long layovers stuck in the airport? Make the most of your downtime by embarking on free layover tours offered at select airports around the world. From cultural immersions to iconic landmarks, these tours provide a glimpse into the heart of a city, all while waiting for your next flight .

What are Free Layover Tours?

Free Layover Tours, also known as Layover Tours, are complimentary city tours provided to passengers with extended layovers, offering an opportunity to explore nearby attractions without the hassle of visa requirements or additional fees. Let's dive into the world of free layover tours and discover six airports where you can enjoy these enriching experiences.

1. Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul, South Korea

Dive into the dynamic city of Seoul with free layover tours from Incheon Airport. Experienced guides lead tours to key attractions such as Incheon Grand Park, temples, traditional markets, shopping centers, and cultural landmarks.

2. Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore

To discover the vibrant city-state of Singapore, knowledgeable guides provide commentary in multiple languages; English and Mandarin, covering must-visit attractions like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. You can enjoy City Lights Tour at night and Heritage Tour during daytime as you prefer.

3. Hamad International Airport (DOH), Doha, Qatar

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional charm of Doha with free layover tours from Hamad Airport. The tours are available multiple times daily, led by experienced guides to popular attractions like the Corniche, Bosphorus, and Souq Waqif.

4. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taipei, Taiwan

Have a fun hunt through the lively culture of Taipei with complimentary tours from Taoyuan Airport, offering half-day tours 2 times per day, insights into Taipei's history and landmarks like the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Sanxia, Taipei 101, and Lungshan Temple.

5. Istanbul Airport (IST), Istanbul, Turkey

Experience the magical city of Istanbul with free layover tours from Istanbul Airport, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.

6. Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo, Japan

Let’s get lost in the most fun and chaotic city of Tokyo with free layover tours from Narita Airport that depart multiple times daily, offering glimpses into Tokyo's iconic attractions and neighborhoods such as Museum of Aeronautical Sciences, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Tours may involve walking and require a moderate level of fitness. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Don't waste your layovers sitting in the airport terminal. Take advantage of these free layover tours and transform your travel experience into an unforgettable adventure. Book strategically, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the world with best price tickets and promotions at Traveloka . We believe that one layover brings unforgettable life experiences!

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Excellent Transit Program

Korean Air turns waiting into a wonderful experience. At Incheon International Airport, take full advantage of our Excellent Transit Program, a grouping of services and opportunities designed to turn "boring" into a wonderful experience.

Transit Tours

Free tour programs to get a taste of Korean history, culture, and daily life

Grand Hyatt Incheon

Luxuries and services to help transfer passengers refresh and relax

Rail & City

Non-stop train service between the airport and inner-city Seoul

• Passengers staying at Incheon International Airport for four hours or longer
• Entrance fees and meal expenses to be paid by participating passengers (tour guide and bus fees included)
• Same-day registration processed (reservation recommended as registration is closed on first-come first-served basis)
• Implementation Period: April 1, 2023 ~ December 31, 2024
• Check K-ETA temporary exemption Countries/Regions : Access to K-ETA Homepage → Click ‘Apply for K-ETA’ on the upper menu → Choose your passport Country/Region → If your country is eligible for K-ETA exemption, notice pop-up will be displayed.
• For more details, refer to the K-ETA homepage.
• Transfer Desk, 2nd floor of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport
• Tel. +82-32-741-0060
• Email: [email protected]              [email protected]
• facebook : LINK
• Instagram : LINK
• Transit tours observe the regulations of the Korean immigration authority.
• Passengers who are denied entry cannot participate in transit tours. For visa- and immigration-related inquiries, please contact the Ministry of Justice. Visit Korea Immigration Service under Ministry of Justice  Open in a new window
• Partner firms and passengers hold all liability for any problems arising form or related to the services/products provided.

• Eligibility : Passengers boarding Korean Air for the entire itinerary and transferring at Incheon Airport
• Benefit : 20% discount + free sauna access for 1 hour                (Please bring your boarding pass or e-ticket itinerary with you for benefits)
• Board at Gate 2A, 1st floor of Terminal 2 (arrival area), Incheon International Airport
• Business Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (SPA open hours)
• Tel.  +82-32-745-2321

Airport Railroad

• Fare discount from KRW 9,500 → KRW 8,000
• Incheon International Airport (Terminal 1/Terminal 2) ↔  Round trip  Seoul Station (express train)
• Reserve in advance through the Airport Railroad reservation page below
• All fare of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is same
• Tel. +82-1599-7788

Top 10 Airports in the World 2024

The report by Skytrax World Airport Awards reveals the best airports in the world.

The airports are marked as excellent as per their operational efficiency. Not only this but their excellence depends on the service, amenities, and punctuality as well.

Traveling can be demanding. Yet, top airports worldwide are transforming this experience. They offer advanced facilities, efficient service, and diverse amenities.

The top 10 airports have been stated for their excellence. The report was revealed by Skytrax World Airport Awards.

1. Hamad International Airport (DOH) 

This is located in Doha, Qatar. It stands as the world’s best. It’s the second year at the top. The airport has expanded, boosting capacity. The airport faced a 31% increase in passengers. It successfully served 45 million passengers.

2. Singapore Changi Airport

It is renowned for its infrastructure. It offers a digital adventure at the Changi Experience Studio. There’s also art and a rooftop pool. In December 2023, it neared full pre-pandemic traffic levels.

3. Seoul Incheon International Airport

This airport is a key Asian hub. It’s praised for its spacious terminals and efficient processes. The airport is a leader in punctuality and service.

4. Tokyo Haneda Airport

It is bustling with activity. It is a hub for domestic and international flights. The airport is noted for punctuality. Moreover, its commitment to sustainability is excellent as well.

5. Tokyo Narita International Airport

It is another Japanese travel hub. It’s recognized for its incredible efficiency. The airport offers a variety of eateries. The beautiful shops present a good view.

6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

It is France’s largest. It’s a hub for Air France. The airport is known for its modern facilities and smooth operations.

7. Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport leads in international traffic. Its contemporary design is the talk of the market. The airport is known for its operational efficiency. The airport offers a wealth of shopping. Not only this the scrumptious dining outlets enhance the experience.

8. Munich Airport

This is central to Lufthansa’s operations. It’s a gateway to Europe. The airport is acknowledged for its punctuality and traveler experience.

9. Zurich Airport

Zurich Airport is a Swiss air travel hub. It’s known for its modern facilities and efficient service. The airport provides a range of amenities.

10. Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport is Turkey’s largest. It’s a hub for Turkish Airlines. The airport is recognized for its modern facilities and sustainability efforts.

These airports have set standards for excellence. They provide perfect operations and numerous amenities. These airports make your journey stress-free. Whether you are traveling for a business purpose or leisure they provide state-of-the-art facilities.