Layover in Seoul: what fits in your hours

How much time you really get

We count 43 minutes each way on the AREX Express Train, Incheon Airport T1 to Seoul Station (51 min from T2), plus 20% for waiting, 45 minutes from landing to the exit, and 120 minutes back at the airport before departure. Bags checked through.

Plan with your own flight times and passport ↗

Can you leave the airport?

Leaving the airport means entering South Korea. Of the 13 passports we cover, India, China (mainland) and Philippines need a visa; the others can go without one, some with an online authorisation. Rules for every passport, with official sources →

Two hours: around Seoul Station

Layover of 7 h or more

Everything is a short walk from the AREX terminus at Seoul Station.

1. Seoullo 7017. A former highway overpass turned into an elevated garden walk, starting next to the station.
2. Namdaemun Market and Sungnyemun Gate. The old south gate of the city wall and the big street market behind it, ten minutes on foot.

Four hours: a palace and the old quarters

Layover of 9 h or more

Subway or a short taxi ride from Seoul Station to Gyeongbokgung.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace. The main royal palace, with the changing of the guard at the gate. The palaces each close one day a week, so check before you go.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village. Hillside lanes of traditional wooden houses between the palaces; people live here, so keep it quiet.
3. Insadong. Tea houses and craft shops on the way back down.

Seven hours: Myeongdong and Namsan

Layover of 12 h or more

Subway from Insadong to Myeongdong, cable car up Namsan.

1. Myeongdong. The shopping streets and, in the evening, the street-food stalls.
2. N Seoul Tower. Cable car or a walk up Namsan for the view over the whole city.

Good to know

• A T-money card works on AREX’s all-stop train, the subway, buses and taxis.
• From Terminal 2 the express takes 51 minutes; the two terminals are far apart.
• Many passports need a K-ETA to leave the airport, also for the free transit tours: check the planner.

Free transit tour: Incheon Airport Transit Tour: foreign transit passengers with layover of 24 h or less (visa-free or eligible; K-ETA if required). Several free 4-5 h courses (e.g. Fun with the Seagulls, Easy Outing in Incheon, Trendy Hub of Youth, Petit Shopping Delight, Embracing Peace on Divided Land), some for USD 3-4; schedules vary by weekday. Register at T1 1F near Gates 1-2 desks 19-20 or T2 1F across Exit 4 desks 5-6, at least 30 min before start; bring passport and both boarding passes.

Opening hours and ticket prices change: check them on Visit Seoul (official tourism site) before you go.