Incheon Airport, also known as Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN Airport), is the largest airport in South Korea. It consistently ranks as one of the best in the world, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably facing a layover in Seoul soon (or even right now).
So below are my top tips for surviving an Incheon Airport Layover, after 4 years living in Asia and several transits through Incheon— not to mention 3 years living in South Korea!
Jump To
About Incheon International Airport in 2023
Incheon International Airport is located west of Incheon’s city center, on an artificially created island about an hour and 8 minutes away by rail (AREX) from Seoul City proper. Terminal 1, shaped like a traditional Asian Torii Gate, handles Asiana Airlines and international flights.
The concourse in the middle handles other international flights; and Terminal 2, which is shaped like a claw, handles Korean Air, Delta Airlines, KLM, and Air France flights (see below for more info).
Those of you looking to visit South Korea are probably as confused by all the changes as I was before I visited again in 2022. The Korean government has been as wishy-washy with their pandemic policies as those in most of the other heavily-touristed countries in Asia have been.
But as of September 18th, 2023, masks are still required in medical settings like hospitals but are NO LONGER REQUIRED in all other indoor public places, including on public transport (though some people continue to wear them).
Here are the documents you need to visit Korea as a tourist:
- K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization, applied for at least 72 hours before departure) OR Visa to visit Korea (countries which previously had a visa exemption now need to apply for a K-ETA). From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries will also temporarily NOT need a K-ETA or visa to visit Korea (includes: 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)). If you’re a valid ABTC card holder (APEC card), you are not required to apply for a K-ETA [excluding Americans & Canadians].
- Q-Code (can also be filled out upon arrival): visitors need to fill out information for the Korean quarantine system, known as Q-Code. Note that all travelers are now allowed in regardless of vaccination status, but you do need to have filled out your Q-Code before going through immigration.
If for some reason you need to take a covid test in a South Korea airport, the cost of a covid test in Incheon Airport is currently ₩80,000 ($60USD), with some options within Seoul as inexpensive as ₩65,000 ($50USD). There’s no testing requirement to leave South Korea, but you may be required to take a test in order to move on and enter your next destination or home country.
For those only visiting Incheon on a layover, you only need to present a Q-Code and K-ETA if you have a checked bag that you need to pick up & re-check in Incheon Airport (for example, if you booked those two flights separately).
If you are arriving at the airport for your layover on the same ticket with a checked bag, it will be checked onto your destination for you & you don’t need to show proof of arrival visa.
If you’re a permanent resident of a K-ETA-exempt country trying to figure out how to get a transit visa for Korea, see if your country of citizenship is eligible for a B-2 transit visa here, and if you’ve been through the process already, please leave a comment with your experieince!
What to Do In Incheon Airport
There are tons of things to do in Incheon International Airport. There’s free WIFI access, a variety of eateries, stores to shop in, various recreational facilities, sources of entertainment, and cultural experiences for travelers.
Visitors only in Seoul for a day should make full use of Incheon International Airport’s amenities. There are nursing rooms for mothers to take care of their infants and play areas to preoccupy kids, as well as multiple prayer rooms for private worship.
Multiple pharmacies are on-site, as well as clinics (Inha University Hospital) which assisted in the mandatory COVID-19 testing during the pandemic. If you need to freshen up, free showers are available. Transit passengers are provided free bath kits, but otherwise these can be purchased for a small fee.
For those who want to, the Incheon Airport terminals can be a great place to shop. There are many Duty-Free stores, luxury brand goods, and popular South Korean souvenirs for sale, such as hand fans and pottery. Cosmetics are also big in Korea, and the Seoul, Korea airport offers a decent selection.
Incheon International Airport is also big on art and architecture, much like the rest of Korea. There are many modern interactive fixtures laid about including seven gardens within the terminals to visit, each with their own design and theme.
These are the Pine Tree Garden, Flowering Tree Garden, Rock Garden, Flower Garden, Cactus Garden, Water Garden, and the Four Gracious Plants Garden. If you want to know more about the state-of-the-art operation of Incheon’s International Airport, consider visiting Terminal 2’s PR Observation Deck.
There they offer multimedia experiences and displays to express the airport’s history and inner workings. One particularly interesting virtual tour is the 360° VR view of the baggage handling system. For those with more of an athletic interest, there is a skating rink called Sky Forest at the Airport Transport Center.
There is no entrance fee, but you will need to rent skates unless you happen to have a pair of your own on hand. Also near the transport center is a CGV Movie Theatre that features screenings that are up to date with worldwide releases.
For people who would like to take an exercise break there is the Digital Gym as well various spa and massage services. The Digital Gym features an interactive visual workout that is fit for a variety of ages.
Spa on Air Incheon in Terminal 1 can provide some relaxation from flights, but the shared spaces can become quite busy. If you’d like a more extended break, you can rent a private sleeping space for a higher fee. But keep in mind that Seoul International Airport also has a great assortment of places to eat.
There’s a food court called Korean Food Street that offers a small variety of typical Korean dishes all sold in one place. In addition, there are several local cafes and Korean food chains that are popular with Koreans, as well as a couple places to make a cup of ramen.
For the not-so-adventurous, western food chains also make their presence known in Incheon International Airport, the most notable one being Shake Shack. Convenience stores are easy to locate, for those looking for snacks and drinks. Food is also provided for by the many lounges if you are a pass holder and have access to them.
I often end up in Terminal 2 with Korean Air and Delta Airlines, and the pickings are more sparse than in Terminal 1. I highly recommend the Earl Grey ice cream at Viola Cafe in both Terminals 1 & 2, which makes the ice cream right in front of you using dry ice.
Finally, consider also visiting the Culture Experience Center for an insight into Korean domestic life. If you’re lucky you may come across a South Korean cultural procession walking the Korean airport grounds in their traditional garb.
Changing Terminals in Incheon Airport
When you arrive at Incheon Airport, it will be at either the Concourse, Terminal 1, or Terminal 2. Each of the terminals has a separate subway stop (for your return flight), though the airport also provides a shuttle between the concourse & terminals that takes 5-10 minutes each way.
Most of the airlines fly from & to Terminal 1 or the Concourse (which redirects to Terminal 1). But the newer Terminal 2 is host to nine popular airlines: Korean Air, Delta Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, KLM Royal Airlines, AeroMexico, Xiamen Airlines, China Airlines, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, Air France.
To change terminals in Incheon Airport, you need to head down to level B1 (regardless of terminal) and follow the signs for the ‘Shuttle Train.’ There will be one additional security check as you transfer terminals, but it’s less thorough than the ones done on new passengers, and any checked bags you have will continue with the airline.
Overnight Layover in Incheon Airport (Rechecking Bags)
If your bag isn’t being checked onwards by your airline and your layover is overnight, then you’ll need to claim & re-check your bag(s) 3 hours or fewer before your flight. When you land, you’ll also have to do all of the regular exit procedures for Incheon— go through security, scan your Q-Code, and pass through customs— then claim your bag and go to the capsule hotel in your chosen terminal (see below).
If you need to change terminals: you can stay in either terminal to sleep, or if it’s before midnight when you grab your bag, you can continue your journey by taking the Seoul Subway (AREX train) between the terminals. This will cost about 600KRW (45 cents USD) and you can pay with a credit card.
If you’re totally exhausted, you can head directly to the capsule hotel in your Terminal 1 (there are signs) and head to the other Terminal in the morning when the subway reopens around 5:30am. But for an overnight layover I highly recommend booking your room ahead of time here for Terminal 1 or here for Terminal 2.
Most of the shopping in Incheon Airport, especially duty free, is open from 6:30am-9:30pm every day. So if you have a late enough flight, you’ll probably have time to check out some stores before you leave. Just keep in mind that duty free employees will check your final destination and may limit any alcohol or tobacco purchases based on the rules in that country.
How to Sleep at Incheon Airport (Layover)
Waiting for a flight can be tiring. Depending on the length of the layover, Incheon International Airport has different options available for travelers looking to get some rest.
Incheon Airport Nap Zone
If they do not mind, passengers are allowed to sleep on the benches and seats they find themselves waiting in if they can get comfortable. However, I recommend finding a designated Nap Zone and securing a lounger bed.
They’re located on the 4th floor of Terminal 1, near gates 25 and 29; in Terminal 2, near Gates 268 and 231; and in Concourse near Gate 118. Do make sure you keep an eye on your belongings or secure them in a locker to avoid theft.
Incheon Airport Hotels
For greater privacy within the airport, there’s the option of booking a room at a Transit Hotel or Capsule Hotel. Rooms are available from 6 hours, half a day, and full-day blocks. Booking is open 24 hours, but is only available for transit passengers.
Alternatively, DarakHyu Capsule Hotel in Terminal 1 offers shorter stays starting at just 3 hours, albeit smaller rooms (they also have a DarakHyu Capsule Hotel in Terminal 2). Outlets are available to keep devices charged and some rooms even have their own showers. Another option is to book a hotel outside the airport terminals.
Rail and shuttle transport are frequently available to take you to and from the Seoul, Korea airport. Grand Hyatt Incheon and Paradise City Hotel & Resort for example are quite close to Terminal 1, and the commute will only take three minutes once you’ve made it onto the transportation of your choice (Seoul metro is recommended)
Things to Do on a Layover in Seoul (Long or Short)
What makes Incheon International Airport stand out is the variety of activities and attractions available for travelers who find themselves there on long layovers. Apart from the hours you can spend on the entertainment and recreational facilities within the airport in Seoul, I also recommend immersing yourself in South Korea’s culture and environment through the Free Transit Tours.
Incheon International Airport offers transit travelers tours for passengers to have a structured layover in Korea, and fully experience what South Korea has to offer. After getting approval stamps from immigration & customs, transit passengers can take trips to heritage sites and even Seoul proper.
There are specific tours for different interests, and they can vary in length. For example, the Changdeokgung Palace tour allows visitors to try wearing a Hanbok (a traditional Korean garb), and it can take up to 5 hours.
Transit travelers on layovers in Incheon Airport are advised to keep in mind their boarding time and make sure to have ample time to get back to and check in their flight at the terminal. Two stops away from the airport by rail is Paradise City Resort.
They have a casino, a few amusement-park rides, and multiple spas, as well as hotel room accommodations. South Korean nationals are not allowed to gamble, so be prepared to present your passport and identification if you want to play.
For golf lovers there is Sky72 Golf Club. Both the golf course and a driving range are available for use. Golf club sets can be rented, and they have unlimited ice cream in sheds along the course (seriously). There are also many attractions and landmarks in Seoul city proper, like COEX Aquarium, Lotte World, theaters and museums, N Seoul Tower, and others.
However, unless there is ample time available on your Incheon Airport layover, you might find yourself exhausted chasing attractions before your flight. Considering all your options, a long layover at South Korea’s Incheon International Airport is highly desirable.
The only real consideration is that the pandemic is still somewhat ongoing, even though the mask mandate has been lifted (except on public transport & in hospitals). It is likely that the effect on tourism may reflect in temporary closures of specific stores, establishments, services, or attractions. Therefore it’s best to plan your visit ahead of time, and check hours online beforehand.
Seoul Incheon Airport FAQ
Yes, if you have a layover at Incheon Airport you can leave with a valid K-ETA or visa (if required).
Depending on where in Seoul you want to go, you can take the AREX (Airport Express) from Incheon Airport to Seoul in 45 to 60 minutes.
Incheon Airport is home to dozens of activities, from the Culture Experience Center and the Digital Gym to the various spa and massage services. There is also a skating rink at the Airport Transport Center, seven gardens within the terminals, and a PR Observation Deck in Terminal 2.
Yes, it’s very safe and easy to be transiting through Incheon Airport; covid is very much under control in South Korea, and transit passengers without checked bags don’t need a Q-Code or K-ETA/Visa.
Shaurya Sharma
Monday 7th of August 2023
I have a layover of 21 hrs 20 min at ICN. I will be arriving from Canada at 17.00 hrs and my next day flight to New Delhi is at 14.20 hrs. I am having a Indian passport. My query is 1) do I need transit visa. 2) how can I avail Korean transit tour. Thanks in advance
Max
Saturday 12th of August 2023
Hi, Shaurya, yes you will need a transit visa as those with an Indian passport are not eligible for the K-ETA program, but once you have a transit visa you can join a transit tour upon arrivsal. You can check this post for more info on which free tours are offered.
Henry
Monday 24th of July 2023
I am US citizen and will fly air Canada to ICN, I will have 22 hours layover and change to Asiana airline to China. We booked the ticket separately, so I am assuming we have to claim the bag and recheck in next day, my question is can I use transit hotel after I go through the border control and claim the bag?
Henry
Tuesday 25th of July 2023
@Max, Thanks Max. do you have name of those hotels?
Max
Monday 24th of July 2023
Henry, yes, there is a hotel you can stay in once you've gone out to reclaim your bags; there's one in each terminal. Just follow the signs, as it's close ot the arrivals area.
Lynn
Friday 7th of July 2023
Hi Max! Thank you for this awesome post.. I’ve written down so many helpful advice for my first trip to Seoul from it! I’m flying to Incheon and arriving late at night(around 8:30pm) We’re actually staying in seoul for 4 days, but because of our late arrival we were hoping to just spend that first night in the airport to cut hotel costs. I have a few questions:
1) Would we be able to easily switch terminals to check them out? we only have carry-ons, and are US passport holders. 2) Are the Nap zones 24/7? And does one zone in particular have a shower? Which one if yes? 3) Are there any food courts/options that are 24/7 in the airport?
I appreciate all the help you can give! Thanks again for the awesome post!
Max
Friday 7th of July 2023
Yes, once you get into your terminal, you can change between them using a free shuttle bus; just follow the 'tranfer' signs. And yes, the Nap Zones are 24/7, but depending on the time of day you may need to pay a hotel airport to access their shower (less than $5 for a half hour). No, everything closes at some point, usually by 10pm, so I'd grab food wherever you can in whatever terminal you land in. The airport's amenities hours ar eon the official airport site, as well. You're very welcome!
Gabe
Friday 7th of July 2023
Hi Everyone! I have a flight from the US to the PH, and a long layover at Incheon. I am a green card holder with a Philippine passport, and have found out about this program that lets people like me enter Seoul on a transit visa.
Here is the link: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-losangeles-en/brd/m_24594/view.do?seq=14&page=1
According to this info, it is clear that my situation is possible, and that I can apply. My only question is, where exactly do we apply? Or do they just assess your case at immigrations? Has someone else been in this situation? Thanks!
Max
Friday 7th of July 2023
This is very helpful, Gabe! Thank you for sharing this. If anyone else has been in this situation, I hope they'll respond, but I just read through and searched around, and I can't find any info on the B2 visas, either. My inclination would be to call the closest Korean consulate here in th eUS and ask them about paplying for a B2 visa-- ideally they'll either tell you how to apply through them, OR that you can't apply ahead of time and must receive it in Korea. Either way, you should get your answer. I'll add the link to this in the post and request anyone in this situation recently to please leave a comment about their experieince, and I hope you'll write back, if you find out! :)
Lesley Chalmers
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
Travelling Business class on Asiana Airlines with a 12 hours layover at Incheon. Will the airline provide accommodation?
Max
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
I'm not sure; you'll need to reach out to the airline directly about their policy, as it can vary form flight-to-flight.