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 2024
- ✈ What to Do In Incheon Airport?
- 🚈 Changing Terminals in Incheon Airport
- 🧳 Overnight Layover in Incheon Airport (Rechecking Bags)
- 😴 How to Sleep at Incheon Airport (Layover)
- 🚕 Things to Do on a Layover in Seoul (Long or Short)
- 🛫 Seoul Incheon Airport FAQ
- 💬 Comments
🗺️ About Incheon International Airport in 2024
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 post-covid. But as of March 20th, 2024, masks are still required in medical settings like hospitals but are NO LONGER REQUIRED in all other indoor public places, including public transport.
Here are what document 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.
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.
✈ 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
As long as you don't 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 lounge 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. In Terminal 2, there are shower rooms at the start and end of the nap zone (priced at $6 for transit customers and $13 for everyone else, with shower rooms open from 5:00-23:00).
If you plan to nap, 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 in hospitals). It's 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 always check hours online beforehand.
🛫 Seoul Incheon Airport FAQ
Yes, you can stay overnight in the airport's nap zone or in the Incheon Airport hotel.
Yes, if you have a layover at Incheon Airport you can leave Incheon Airport with a valid K-ETA or visa (if required).
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.
You only need a visa for a layover overnight in Korea if you plan to leave the airport. As long as you plan to sleep in the terminal's nap zone or hotel, you can stay in Incheon Airport without a visa or K-ETA.
The ideal layover in Incheon is about 12 to 16 hours, which gives you a 8 to 12 hours layover in Seoul to explore the city, and a 4-hour buffer to leave and return to the airport.
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.
Lesley Chalmers
Travelling Business class on Asiana Airlines with a 12 hours layover at Incheon. Will the airline provide accommodation?
Max
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.
Wendy
Thanks for all the helpful informations! My question is if I arrive and depart in terminal 1 for a transfer, am I allowed to visit terminal 2 during the long layover period? If allowed what is the procedure? I am holding a Canadian passport. Thanks!
Max
Yes, you are allowed if you are a Canadian passport holder (no visa/K-ETA required until 2025), but you need to go through immigration & get to the Airport Express, where you'll go just one stop over to the other terminal (and vice versa to get back). It costs just about $1USD.
Wendy
@Max, thank you so much for your help!
Max
My pleasure, Wendy!
Wendy
@Max, in this case do I still need fill out the Q-Code to go through the immigration? And when I arrive in terminal 2, I can only stay in the public/land area right? Thanks!
Max
Yes, you do. And yes, that's correct, unless you go back through security, as you need to go through customs to change terminals.
John Manauis
Hi, My wife and I are going to manila from guam. We have a 21hr layover in incheon airport and would like come outside the airport to visit some areas. We have a philippine passport and US greencard. What do we need to apply to come outside the airport during the layover? TIA.
Max
Unfortunately, if you have a green card rather than a passport you do need to apply for a transit/layover visa for Korea, but if you're in Guam, you can apply at your local Korean consulate. Otherwise you can see if it's possible to apply for a K-ETA since you may not even have a consulate so far from the mainland, but be sure to check well enough in advance of your trip.
Yong
I have a Philippines passport but a green card holder and we’re going back to the US on May 17 with 15hrs of layover, do I need to secure K ETA.? In order for me to take the transit / day tour. I’ve been searching for some information but can’t see anything,
Max
Unfortunately since covid they’ve suspended the temporary visas for transit passengers to/from the US. If you’re in the Philippines you can apply for a transit visa from wherever the nearest Korean consulate is, but it probably won't come back within the time frame. There's definitely sparse information, and it makes it unnecessarily hard. :/
Marissa
Hello, I have a 9-hour layover, flying in and out of terminal 2. I was hoping to use the showers at one of the lounges, but found out the lounge with a shower is in terminal 1. If I would like to go to terminal 1 but I do not have a ticket, can I still enter the terminal area to access the lounge?
Max
Hi, Maria! No, unfortunately the two terminals are completely disconnected and require a 10-minute train ride to get between them, so you'll probably want to rent a room in the airport hotel if you need to stay in Terminal 2.
Liza
Hello, I have found this helpful. I just want to confirm that, do I really need to apply for a visa when leaving the airport for a couple of hours? I have 7hours layover time in Incheon. I don’t have to check in bags and my ticket is connected to the destination.
Max
Yes, unfortunately you still do, even for a few hours. It's because in their neutral eyes, anyone who gets into Korea could just choose to stay there rather than return to the airport, so they want to have a certain amount of info about the people they let into the country. It's just a precaution to them, but boy is it a hassle for travelers!
Josh
Hi Max!
I've heard that there is/was temperature screening at the Icheon airport. Is this true even for just transfers/layovers, and if you happen to have a fever and test positive even while on a layover, will they make you stay in Korea instead of going to your final destination?
Max
There are no temperature screenings for transit passengers unless you need to go through customs (like to recheck bags).
Ashok
I am flying from Bangkok to Vancouver on Korean Air: arriving at 6:55 (AM) at ICN and flying out precisely 12 hours later at 18:30.
1 - whether Nap Zone you have mentioned is a free service?
2 - since it's Korean Air, I won't be changing the terminal, Nap Zone you said is on the 4th floor. 4th floor on which terminal?
3 - Free Wi-Fi you said is available throughout the airport. Whether the Koreans use similar electric plugs/sockets as Thailand?
4 - Food would surely be very expensive as elsewhere at international airports. Will it be possible to claim food vouchers from Korean Air helpdesk counters?
Thanks
Max
Ashok,
Yes, the Nap Zone is free, and it's just padded & comfortable chairs, and yes, there is one in each terminal on the same floor as the departing flights. Thailand has sockets that are sometimes the same as in the US/Canada and sometimes the same as in Korea, so if you have both sockets' plugs then you'll be fine in Korea. But no, the food is actually quite reasonable, especially if you have Korean food, though I don't think Korean Air offers any food vouchers, even for layovers (though I believe Priority and First Class passengers can access the lounge).
Raewyn
We are transiting through terminal 1 on August 18th but find that The Terminal 1 hotel is closed for renovations. What do we do now? Its a 15-hour layover and we WILL need to sleep after a 12-hour flight and in preparation for the next 13-hour flight. Supposeably the Hotel will reopen at the end of June, but will it? and why can I not book an overnight stay in August now? Apparently, we cannot go to the terminal 2 transit hotel as our luggage will be checked through. Im somewhat concerned and cannot get an answer anywhere. HELP !!
Max
Raewyn,
If your flight is in August you have plenty of time to apply for a K-ETA for everyone in your party, and can then fill out the Q-Code when you arrive and exit the airport to go to Terminal 2 or a hotel just outside the airport. Since your luggage is all checked through, you can exit the airport relatively easily (still need to wait in line for customs), and go straight through security when you return to Terminal 1. It's a bit more paperwork, but it's usually worth the peace of mind if your tends to keep running over the worries again & again.
You can usually even make a booking cancelable up to one week before your trip (just double check that you can cancel it), and if the Terminal 1 Airport Hotel reservations open up again in the next several months, then you can cancel the other spot and reserve a room in the Terminal 1 hotel. You can even save yourself a bit of paperwork and wait 'til June to apply for the K-ETA, since it'll take just a week or so to get approved (though I'd apply a month beforehand, just to be safe).
Hope that eases your mind!
Jaime
Hey Max (and anyone else) - Thank you so much for this article and all the responses in the comments! I'm sorry to hear about your mom's experience, but so appreciate you paying it forward. I had some questions which may seem redundant with other comments, but with things always changing, I wanted to check.
I'm flying from Bangkok to Los Angeles with a 12 hr layover in Incheon in July via Asiana airline for both legs. I have a US passport.
1) I want to visit Seoul, so I was hoping to leave the airport and hope my bags are checked in through to my second leg as it's on the same airline, but would use the luggage storage if not. Do I understand it right that what I need to do as of now is make sure I have a K-ETA Visa (received at least 3 days beforehand) and a Q-Code? But that I will not need any proof of covid test or anything else? It sounds like I can list the airport for my address on the K-ETA form too (thank you for sharing that too!)
2) Is it crazy to try to visit Seoul from Incheon with a 12 hr layover, or is it reasonable? Would you recommend taking the train?
3) Is there anything you'd recommend in general and also anything about re-entering the airport if I were to leave? It sounds like when I get back to the airport, I'd just need to go through security and show my passport, ticket, and K-ETA Visa assuming my bags were checked through to my second leg initially.
Thank you so so much,
Jaime
Max
Hi, Jaime!
Thank you for your kind words. As for 1) you are correct; you'll need to secure a K-ETA at least 3 days before, and apply for the Q-Code within 3 days of your flight, and you won't need a covid test.
2) It's definitely reasonable, but you'll only have about 6-7 hours in Seoul, so plan accordingly (with 3 hours roundtrip to get to the city, and a return to the airport before your flight). Definitely take the Airport Express (same place & entrance as the regular train, but just the track beside it).
3) I'm not sure what you mean by 'in general;' but yes, you'll just need to (re-check your bags, if needed, then) go through security and customs. I'm not sure what time of day you'll find yourself in the city, but I wrote a guide to Seoul that has a sample itinerary & map at the bottom with the sights labelled, so you can find a cluster of interesting things since you're pressed for time.
Enjoy your stopover (& BKK!)!
-Max
Mimi
Hi, how do I get the K-ETA approval without a hotel address when I’ve a long layover in Seoul and want to join the terminal tour ? The application won’t allow empty field in the address section.
Max
Hi, Mimi! The official statement from the K-ETA when email was to 'use the airport phone number and address,' so just use the info of Incheon Airport itself in your application.
Yangie
Hi Max,
Thank you for such an informative article. I just have few quick questions:
1) How long does it take you usually from getting off flights, going through immigration and getting to the Transit tour area? I arrive 6:45AM Korea Airline and I booked the 8AM tour.
2) When is the earliest that I can fill out the Q-Code?
3) Have you had any experience with using the luggage storage at the airport? I’m not sure if I need to recheck my luggage.
Thank you so much, any response is greatly appreciated!
Max
Hi, Yangie!
I'd say that's plenty of time to get through immigration and even grab bags; I usually only allow an hour during the busiest of times. You can fill out the Q-Code 3 days before your flight. I haven't personally used it in many years, but it has a good reputation and they can handle quite large-sized bags. I'd recommend trying it, if you do need to re-check your luggage, as they'll be all the way on the side of the airport pretty close to where you'll meet for the tour (if you arrive at Terminal 2).
Have a fun trip!!
Kace
Hi! I'll be having a layover INC Airport for about 10hours, are we allowed to leave the airport ? If so, will it be no extra fee to pay? Will there be a process that needs to be done for me allowed to leave?
Thank you so much! Hope to hear from you soon 🙂
Max
Hi, Kace! Yes, you'll need to get a K-ETA and fill out the Q-Code (both are linked in the post), and then go through customs and pick up your bags, and re-check your bags and then go through security on the way back. You'll have about 5 hours in the city with a 10-hour layover, and you can store your bags before leaving the airport, and it will be on the same floor as the arrivals (ask at the nearest information booth when you arrive, as the closest option will differ depending on which terminal you arrive to). Enjoy your trip!
Christophe Schaad
Hello !
Thx for the article and useful info.
I still have few questions and hope you can help me with your experience.
I'm traveling GVA-AMS and AMS-Incheon (Airfrance but operated by KLM) early April 2023, but my final destination is Japan (I booked flights for Seoul as much cheaper).
Now I need to book flights to and back from Japan.
Since Incheon-Japan will be different airline, checked in luggages won't follow me, so I'll have to grab them and re-check them for the flight to Japan...
1) how much minimum time do you think is required between the landing in Incheon and the departure time of flight to Japan ? I read Incheon is famous for being very efficient, but would 2h30min be sufficient ? (I land at noon 15, and saw t'way air have flight for Fukuoka at 2:45pm, which leaves only 2h30min... )
2) if too short the alternative is asiana airlines with a 6:20pm flight to Fukuoka (but that means waiting 4 more hours after already a long trip). Do you have any advice for company to go to Japan ?
Planning to go straight to Japan with PCR test done in CH, so will do a stepover in Seoul on my way back.
3) do I need a PCR test when coming back from Japan since I'll be staying 2 nights in Seoul.
Again, thx in advanced for your feedbck !
Max
Hi, Christophe! You no longer need a PCR test to transit through or stay in Korea, even for a couple days. But unfortunately, I'd say 2.5 hours is not enough time if you also need to recoup your bag-- it COULD be enough time in the perfect scenario, but if there's any delay in your first flight, even a half hour, you would be screwed. If there were really long lines to get through security and it took an hour, you would also be screwed. If you missed that flight, too, T'Way doesn't acre about you and you'd better hope you had insurance on that trip because you'd be screwed. There are just too many ways for your trip to be messed us, so from my personal experience I'd say to book the later ticket and just plan to do some of the more fun things in the airport if you actually have time for a layover. I'd want a 4 hour minimum layover if booking totally separate tickets. So much of the free Incheon Airport activities have opened back up in the last few months, so Incheon is actually a great place to be spending a 5-hour (at most) layover!
Erika
Hi Max. I am flying from China and have a layover at Incheon on Monday. I am trying to figure out the q-code. Is it needed if it is only a layover? What do they mean with "country of final departure?" What address do I put in for stay in Korea since am not leaving the airport? Do I need to take another covid test on arrival since it's mandatory to take one within a day of arriving from China?
Max
It's not technically needed for a layover, but they may still ask you about a Q-Code if you're transiting to/from China. That's definitely confusingly worded, but it's asking which country you JUST came off a plane from (some people may have had another layover elsewhere beforehand, or travelled to multiple destinations; it's just a strangely-worded translation). Honestly, I'd just use the address of a famous hotel chain near the airport; they won't question you about it (and if for some reason they do, just say it's where you planned to stay when you come back to visit Korea and had to put in an address to apply for the code).
You don't need to take a covid test upon arrival if you aren't leaving the terminal/going through customs to actually enter Korea.
Erika
@Max, Thank you for the quick reply. What if i leave the airport to do one of those airport tours, would i need a covid test upon arrival?
Max
Yes, almost certainly.