seoul airport layover tours

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Things to Do On a Layover at Incheon Airport (2024)

Last Updated: Feb 28, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 85 Comments

As a traveler, one of the most common dilemmas is an unplanned extended layover. It’s happened to me more than once, and what was supposed to be just a quick, hour-long stay turned into a 7-hour distressful wait. This is not what I want for you on your Seoul layover.

If you find yourself experiencing a layover at Incheon Airport, fret not, but be aware that you will need to fill out a K-ETA and Q-Code before arriving at Incheon Airport. You're still going to have a great time because there are tons of things to do in Incheon Airport to have fun while awaiting a flight.

Read on to learn how to make your layover in Incheon Airport a worthwhile experience!

Basics of Travel in South Korea

Before a layover in incheon airport (tips), what to do inside incheon airport, how to sleep at incheon airport on a layover, what to do on a layover in seoul.

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid Korean SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

If only visiting Korea on a layover, you only need the following two documents, in addition to your passport and boarding pass.

Visa or K-ETA : This is the document required by Korea for you to go through customs and/or leave the airport. If you visited Korea before September 2021, even if you didn't need a visa back then, you will need a K-ETA now.

Check the official site to sort out whether you need a Korean visa or K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). These are good for 2 years, and you must apply at least 72 hours before your departure.

Note that from April 2023 to December 2024, citizens of 22 countries will temporarily NOT need a K-ETA or visa to visit the Republic of Korea: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the UK, and the US (including Guam).

Q-Code : This is part of the covid tracking system Korea has implemented since the end of 2019. Even though they no longer require you to be vaccinated or take a covid test, they still want to be able track you down if you at some point do test positive for covid. You can fill this out when you arrive.

If you don't want to leave the airport on your layover, for example if your bags are checked on, you don't need either of these documents, though I'd recommend a K-ETA, regardless.

I'm sure that if you find yourself stuck in an airport after a long flight, the first thing that comes to mind is food. It's good then that Incheon Airport boasts a range of restaurants with affordable food you can try.

From fast food to local and traditional delights, you can find these stalls throughout the airport, and most of them are open 24 hours. Lounges also frequently offer one-day access to their buffet tables. 

If you're craving something a bit fancy, there are also a few restaurants which serve gourmet cuisine. For those in the mood for relaxation, passengers can visit any of the airport’s facilities without issue– and you'll be happily surprised to learn that this airport has features not seen in an ordinary airline terminal. 

Exciting activities to do in Incheon Airport include watching a movie in their CGV theater, touring the golf course, or gliding in their massive ice skating rink.

A layover at Incheon Airport may mean that you arrive in Incheon during the wee hours of the morning. Since the airport accommodates flights 24/7, it's pretty natural to expect that there are sleeping zones for weary travelers from around the world.

Within the terminals you can keep your eyes peeled for the designated Nap or Relax Zones to sit in their comfortable reclining chairs, padded benches, and even beds. 

All of this is free for transit passengers who aren’t rechecking bags in Seoul, a fact which often surprises visitors. Because this is Korea , generally these are quiet spaces which encapsulate you from the world. There’s plenty of space where you can park your things, especially on a weekday or during the day.

You needn’t worry about thieves, either, because Incheon Airport has a state-of-the-art security system. You can even safely take a shower after getting your much-needed sleep, though there is a time limit for shower use.

While the standard airport seats are quite comfortable for a short rest, some of you may need more privacy to rest optimally. Incheon Airport Transit Hotel is a good choice that provides a pleasant place you can use all to yourself. 

What they offer is a relatively spacious room with a comfortable bed and full amenities, right in the airport. If you feel like taking a long, heated bath to relax your muscles before slipping into bed, all of their rooms have a shower area which provides this comfort.

You can choose from a range of Korean, Western, and Chinese cuisine to be brought to your room whenever you get hungry, provided by their 24-hour service.

But if you’re on a tight budget or happen to just be getting off the airport metro station at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, Darakhyu Capsule Hotel provides a reasonable space you can sleep in, rented by the hour.

Each capsule is padded with a luxury mattress, and you can adjust the temperature according to your liking. Moreover, a hub next to the bed lets you conveniently charge all your gadgets while connecting your music to the capsule's surround-sound Bluetooth speaker.

Did you know that you can leave the terminal for awhile during a layover in Seoul? Incheon Airport offers this exciting deal for visitors where you can tour for up to 5 hours and witness some of Seoul’s most famous sights.

Just visit their website and choose what you wish to do before leaving on your trip. Recent tour options include stopping by the Songdo Hanok Village and the Triple Shopping Streets for some retail therapy. Please note that all tours are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 (except tours inside the airport).

Joining these tours also allows you to preview what it’s like to visit Seoul’s markets, with the goal of enticing you back for a longer trip to Korea. Here you can have the chance to interact with locals and get to know their way of life.

You can even purchase fascinating items like Hanji, a type of Korean traditional paper, or Dojang , a type of Korean traditional stamp, for any friends back home who might want a piece of Korean culture. 

If historical sights are more of your thing, you can visit two of Korea’s famous traditional palaces right in Insadong. What’s convenient about this particular perk to a Seoul Layover is that the tour shuttles leave and drop off at terminal registration desks, which saves you time in getting back to catch your connecting flight.

If you want to do things on your own, you might want to try a real Jimjilbang (Korean spa) experience relatively near Incheon Airport. Siloam Spa is located near the Seoul station and offers relaxing massage that instantly relieves you from fatigue.

Then you can ride the subway directly to Dongdaemun Design Plaza , a breathtaking architectural marvel designed by radical deconstructivist designer Zaha Hadid.

You should now have a good idea of what to do in and outside Incheon Airport if you're in Incheon Airport on a layover right now. I hope you will be able to try a few of these suggestions before you depart for your next destination.

Nevertheless, all of these are just a small portion of the experiences you could have on a Seoul layover— there are countless other places inside and outside of Seoul that provide even more rewarding experiences.

More South Korea

Sharing is caring!

Reader Interactions

November 23, 2022 at 9:08 pm

Can we go outside Incheon airport with a Canadian passport? I'm planning on wandering outside the airport after our transit tour.

November 25, 2022 at 11:38 am

Yes, you can go outside the airport, but you'll need a K-ETA before getting to Korea.

February 10, 2023 at 9:18 pm

Thanks for taking the time to write all this out & share updated info!

February 10, 2023 at 9:49 pm

My pleasure!

February 17, 2023 at 8:07 am

Do I need a visa to have 3 hours layover in Incheon airport? I am not planning to go out of the airport though. I only have short hours.

February 20, 2023 at 12:43 am

Nope! You won't need a visa or a K-ETA if only transiting and not re-checking bags.

March 01, 2023 at 4:45 pm

Hello! Can a Philippine passport holder apply for K-ETA and use for this transit tour?

March 02, 2023 at 12:23 am

No, unfortunately a Philippine passport holder will need to apply for a visa to avail of the transit tours.

March 10, 2023 at 3:21 am

If my bags are checked through to my final destination, can I still take a Transit Tour outside of the airport?

March 10, 2023 at 11:24 pm

Yes, but you will need to apply for a K-ETA a few weeks before your trip, and set up your Q-Code within 72 hours of your flight.

March 11, 2023 at 7:43 am

Hi, thanks for this guide. I'm flying to Cebu from Tokyo via Incheon airport with 9-hour layover using different airlines. I'm not planning to go out of the aiport while waiting for my next flight, will I need a transit visa or the K-ETA? Appreciate your confirmation. Thank you.

March 12, 2023 at 9:18 pm

Hi, Gie! Unfortunately you will need a K-ETA or transit visa ONLY IF yo have bags that need to be re-checked, since you'll be flying on different airlines. If you only have carry-ons, you're fine since you won't be exiting the terminal.

March 17, 2023 at 2:25 am

@Max, thanks a lot for the confirmation. So you mean even if I have different airlines for the connecting flights, I can still check in my next flight without visa as long as I don't have bags to check in which would require me to pass through immigration. Is that correct?

March 17, 2023 at 10:53 am

Yes, that is correct. You'll just show them your boarding pass to get on to your next flight and they'll wave you through the Q-Code line, which is before immigration. Just be sure to check in for your next flight before you leave, or do it as soon as you land and get on airport wifi, if need be.

Sam Purewall says

March 14, 2023 at 6:18 pm

I am traveling to Thailand from Canada with a layover at Incheon Airport for 2hours. I will have a checked in bag & backpack. I do not plan to leave the airport - do I need to apply for a visa or K-ETA?

March 14, 2023 at 9:15 pm

That's correct. As long as your bags are checked along to your final destination (you'll have to double-check with the airline), then you won't need to apply for a K-ETA or Q-Code.

March 18, 2023 at 11:31 pm

Hi, I and my wife are Indian citizens, traveling to the US on tourist visa. We have a 10 hour layover at Incheon airport. How can we go out and do some sightseeing during this time?

March 19, 2023 at 1:27 pm

I'd say you could spend 4 or so hours in the city and still get back on time for your flight; all you need to do is each apply for a K-ETA, which you can do now, and apply for a Q-Code within 72 hours of your flight to Korea. There are also some government-run tours available now, as of January!

March 20, 2023 at 7:35 pm

I'm travelling from phil by jin air and hve a 4 hrs layover in korea going to US. From incheon airport terminal 1 need to transit to terminal to for change plane, which is delta airlines. I have bags to recheck but not planning to outside the airport. Do i still nees K-eTa?

March 20, 2023 at 8:12 pm

Yes, unfortunately you'll need either a K-ETA or a transit visa, since you'll need to go through customs to recheck your bags & change terminals.

March 21, 2023 at 2:49 pm

We are Canadians transferring at Incheon airport. During the 15 hours layover, can we pass the customs/immigration and stay in a hotel nearby the airport without bringing our checked-in luggage with us because the luggage will be directly transferred or checked in to the flight to our destination? Thanks.

March 21, 2023 at 11:38 pm

Yes, you can leave through customs with a K-ETA applied for in advance, but unfortunately you'll have to double-check with the airline whether or not they'll check forward a bag for a layover of such a duration.

March 22, 2023 at 7:49 am

Hi, we are Filipinos and we have a flight from US to Philippines and we have a 13hr layover in Incheon. We are planning to go out and explore a little bit. Do we need a visa/K-ETA? Thanks btw for the information.

March 22, 2023 at 3:22 pm

No problem! But yes, to leave the airport & go through customs, you'll need a transit visa.

March 22, 2023 at 11:04 am

I'm Burmese citizen going to US by Korea Airline and have 10 hours layover time. Can I joint transit tour and what do I need to prepare? Any Visa need?

March 22, 2023 at 3:23 pm

Yes, you can join a tour, and just need to sign up ahead of time, but you will also need a transit visa.

March 23, 2023 at 6:37 am

@Max, Can I get transit visa on arrival? Or do I need to apply before? Thanks for your information.

March 23, 2023 at 2:17 pm

You'll need to apply beforehand! 🙂

March 26, 2023 at 10:18 pm

Please elaborate when you stated that "All of this is free for transit passengers who aren’t rechecking bags in Seoul". We are traveling from the US to the Philipines soon. We fly with one airlines, have an overnight layover in Incheon, then fly out with another airlines. Does that mean we have to recheck our bags, and if we do then does mean the airport amenities are not free? Thank in advance for your response.

March 27, 2023 at 12:30 am

Yes, you do have to re-check your bags if flying with two different airlines (assuming you have checked bags rather than only carry-ons). All of those amenities are still free for such passengers, but you won't likely get much use out of them, because if you need to re-check your bags then you won't be able to re-enter the airport terminals until at most 3 hours before your flight (when most desks will open for bag check). If you flew on two different airlines but DIDN'T have any bags to reclaim and re-check, then you could avail of the free nap zones regardless because you wouldn't need to go through customs to reclaim your bags.

Tuujuu says

March 28, 2023 at 12:45 pm

Hello! I am flying from Canada to Mongolia. I’m planning to go out and sightseeing while waiting for my next flight, will I need a transit Visa or the K-ETA? I am a Mongolian passport holder. Appreciate your help. Thank you.

March 28, 2023 at 6:35 pm

Yes, you will need one of those two-- you can visit the K-ETA site to see, but it looks like you will need a visa in order to leave the airport for a transit tour.

Katie Mac says

March 29, 2023 at 10:22 pm

I have a long layover in ICN (22 hours) and would love to leave the airport to do some sightseeing and shopping for make up and cosmetics. If I have one bag already checked to my final destination, can I check a new baggage when I come back from my shopping haul during my layover?

March 30, 2023 at 2:51 pm

That's more a question for your airline (even as to whether you can check a bag for such a long layover), but I suspect that if you have the ability to check two bgs, you can check a second one later on, before going through security.

March 31, 2023 at 10:11 am

I just saw where US citizens (and 21 other countries) are not required to get a K-ETA effective April 1, 2023. Is that correct?

April 02, 2023 at 12:35 am

Hi, Alan! Yes, this is a new and temporary policy, I think to help boost tourism post-covid. From April 2023 to December 2024, US citizens will temporarily not need a K-ETA in order to visit Korea. I'll update the post, thank you.

April 04, 2023 at 11:45 pm

a Philippine passport holder can avail this program? if yes, is visa needed?

April 05, 2023 at 7:28 pm

Yes you can, but yes, a visa is needed ahead of time.

April 17, 2023 at 12:19 am

To my understanding passengers with long layover can leave the airport without a visa?

April 17, 2023 at 12:42 pm

Only if you're from one of several countries for which they've temporarily suspended the need for K-ETAs: 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).

Jona Galandeynes says

April 13, 2023 at 2:02 pm

I have a Philippines passport and a US immigrant (green card) and I have a 10 hours layover can i go for a city tour? Do I need a Visa?

April 13, 2023 at 2:29 pm

Hi, Jona! You can go on a city tour, but unfortunately, you do also need to go to your nearest Korean consulate in the US to apply for a visa beforehand (as opposed to needing to go to the Philippines to apply).

April 14, 2023 at 3:41 pm

@Max, Thank you. Can I also apply when I'm in the Philippines? Do you know how much?

April 15, 2023 at 12:58 am

Yes, you can. It's actually free for Filipinos to get a South Korean tourist visa!

April 16, 2023 at 11:57 am

Hi! I will be travelling from the Philippines to NYC with a 2 hour lay-over in Incheon via Korean Airlines. My bags will be checked though, I just want to confirm, I do not need any visa right?

April 16, 2023 at 11:58 am

Correct, if your bags are checked-through then you don't need a visa, as you'll stay in the terminals the whole time.

April 16, 2023 at 8:35 pm

I have a US passport , and fly in to ICN as a standby passenger , but have lay over night to fly the next morning. I like to spend time excursion. When I tried to do K-ETA , they said that I don't have to , is it right.?

April 16, 2023 at 8:59 pm

Correct! Yeah, you no longer need a visa or K-ETA with an American passport, at least until the end of 2024.

April 17, 2023 at 12:23 am

What if I am holding Philippine passport and a US B1/B2 visa? Do we still need a visa? In 2018, I was grateful to be given a chance to visit Korea due to my long layover without a Korean visa but just by presenting my Filipino passport and a US B1/B2 visa.

April 17, 2023 at 12:56 pm

Yes, unforunately since covid they've changed their policy, including suspending the temporary visas for transit passengers to/from the US. If you're in the US, though, you can apply for a transit visa form th e US (wherever the nearest consulate is).

April 16, 2023 at 8:58 pm

Ive heard the terminal 1 Transit hotel is closed. Is it possible to go from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 for the transit Hotel there. My wife would need a Visa to enter Korea but we only have a 20 hr layover and no Visa for her.

April 16, 2023 at 9:02 pm

Yeah, it is temporarily closed, possibly until as late as August, but you may still be able to rent a room at the airport hotel. Unfortunately there's no way to go between the terminals unless you have a K-ETA or K-ETA Exemption/visa.

April 17, 2023 at 1:31 pm

Hi there! i'm traveling from Vietnam to the US and have a 8 hour layover in Incheon. I'd like to leave the airport and tour the city during my layover. It looks like I don't need a K-ETA visa, but it's recommended. So do i need a KETA or no? Also, any suggestions on what a family of four with two small children could do during the 8 hour layover?

April 17, 2023 at 9:28 pm

Hi, Kate! If you have US passposrts, nobody in your family needs a K-ETA or visa until 2025. I'd recommend joining one of the free city tours if you have little kids (organized transport & activities).

April 17, 2023 at 6:07 pm

if I come into ICN and not sure what terminal we will be in , and I like to RSVP for "Steet(Hongdae Street)" . is the 2 terminals is very far from each other if I end up pick the wrong one.

April 17, 2023 at 9:29 pm

Hi, Tana! The terminals are about 10 minutes apart, so not too hard to travel between the two.

May 02, 2023 at 6:11 pm

Flying from SFO to MLA thru Korean Airlines with layover in Incheon, can you direct me where is the Free Nap zone at airport Terminal 2? Thank you

May 04, 2023 at 10:24 am

Sure! Rather than describe it, here's a link to a map: https://www.airport.kr/ap/en/trn/trnServiceDetail.do?SN=1945

Enjoy your trip, Elena!

May 03, 2023 at 12:32 am

I am a US citizen planning to transit in Seoul for 21 hrs in August 2023. Are the city tours offered for transit passengers still running? Does anyone know a website with these details of these tour schedules?

May 04, 2023 at 10:28 am

Yes, the transit tours resumed rather recently, so there's not a ton of info available yet, and not all tours are available each day, but check out the options here: https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/trn/tour/trcose/trcose.do

Aileen says

May 14, 2023 at 8:47 pm

Thanks for all the useful info!

Me and my husband plus our 2 kids(9&4) will have an 11 hrs 40 mins layover this coming July at Incheon. Our plane will land at 5am. From what I see, the tour time we want to join in runs from 8am-1300. Our flight to USA is at 4:40pm. So we have like 3hrs 40mins remaining before the flight, will this be enough time to re-enter the airport etc. so we dont miss our flight? We will be on Korean Airlines Manila to Incheon to USA so I assume we do not need to recheck our bags (but I’m not 100% sure).

Another question. If we are going to do the transit tour, is there a place at the airport that we can leave our hand carry luggages? Where there be a fee? Thank you in advance! Appreciate it!

May 14, 2023 at 10:09 pm

You're very welcome! Yes, that should be plenty of time to get back to the airport and to the terminal, especially if you have your bags checked through. And yes, you can put your hand-carry in the luggage storage, but there is a fee depending on the volume and length of storage; there are a couple of options in the Incheon arrival terminal.

May 21, 2023 at 1:18 pm

Hello, I've been searching hours through countless websites, I hope you can help me. I am a Philippine passport holder flying to Canada with student visa permit and I will have a long lay-over in Seoul ICN. (Less than 24 hours) I booked two separate flights that means I need to claim my baggage. Do I need a visa just to claim my baggage even If I do not have plans to go out if the airport.

May 21, 2023 at 3:11 pm

Unfortunately, from everything that people have told me from their experiences, that does mean that you'll need to apply for a transit visa from your local Korean consulate. You can look into the K-ETA and see if there's a visa/green card section, but everyone who's commented back said that they were unable to just get into the country with only a visa or green card from a K-ETA-exempt country like Canada.

June 01, 2023 at 11:00 pm

For clarifications. As a Philippines passport holder, I can go out without a tourist Visa? If it's only for a few hours? I just need to fill-out K-ETA? Sorry for all the questions. Thank you in advance.

June 01, 2023 at 11:14 pm

No, unfortunately Philippines passport holders cannot apply for a K-ETA and still need to acquire a transit visa for Korea, even if it's for a short layover.

Meghan says

June 18, 2023 at 7:40 am

hi! i have a long layover and wanted to explore. What should i write on my arrival card for address since i’m only going out to explore? also was it easy going back in to the airport after going out??

Thank you so much 🙂

June 19, 2023 at 2:51 pm

Whenever I have a layover in Seoul, I find a reputable hotel and use their address and phone number. If you have a super long layover and they ask why you ‘booked a hotel,’ just tell them you wanted somewhere to rest. They really won’t question you further, and in over half a dozen layovers at INC, I've never had them ask to see my booking.

And it's generally quite easy going back into the terminal after exploring on a long layover in Incheon, but keep in mind that you'll need at least 2 hours and for some places 3 hours for the roundtrip from Incheon Airport to Seoul proper, plus arriving back at the airport another hour or two before your flight (whether re-checking a bag or not). So I'd recommend having at least a 6-hour layover if you're going to leave the airport, or if the timing lines up, joining a government-run tour for a 4-5 hour layover (since they provide the transport).

Enjoy your trip!!

Gregg H says

July 31, 2023 at 8:10 pm

I have a 14-hour layover and want to visit the Skygarden and Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul. One question I haven't seen asked is what to do with luggage. Delta will not hold by bags for that long. Are there lockers for rent at the airport? What options do I have? Thank you.

August 01, 2023 at 3:01 pm

Yes, there's a luggage holding/storage company in the arrivals section of both terminals; they charge by the hour, so you can keep your stuff there as long as you need. I'll add that info to the post, thank you.

August 01, 2023 at 4:29 pm

@Max, thank you for the quick response. Good to know that there are lockers at the airport. I later saw that there were Bounce locations near Seoul Station (plus lots of other places) and I was prepared to haul my luggage on the train into town.

August 09, 2023 at 5:23 pm

Hello, I am a Philippine passport holder but a Permanent resident of Canada. I have two connecting flights. From Calgary to Vancouver, Vancouver to Incheon, then Incheon to Manila. There is a 14-hour layover in Incheon and I am planning to explore Seoul during the layover. Do I fall on transit tourist traveling to a third country without a visa or I still need to apply for a tourist visa? Thank you in advance.

August 10, 2023 at 2:17 pm

Hi, Tyn. So from my research, you kind of fall under both-- you'd be eligible for a B2 visa as a permanent resident of Canada, but I'm not exactly sure how you can apply for the visa or if it's automatic upon arrival. Check out this official page for more info.

August 13, 2023 at 9:57 pm

Hi, I have a 15-hour layover from 05:40 to 20:40. Does it take long to check back to Incheon airport? Also, how much time would I have to travel to Seoul?

August 14, 2023 at 2:05 pm

I would leave AT LEAST an hour each way to get to/from Seoul, and a safe buffer is 3 hours early to your flight (in case the return tot he airport hits any snags), so since your layover is during the daytime, you should have 9 or 10 hours to enjoy the city. It's pretty straightforward to check back in at Incheon, but lines can be quite long on weekend evenings, so I may even leave a 3.5 hours buffer for arriving back to the airport before your flight, as traveling around Seoul at rush hour (4pm-6pm) will be its own kind of busy. Definitely leave your bags at the airport lockers (paid), if you have big bags!

February 19, 2024 at 2:43 am

HELLO. I AM FLYING BACK TO US WITH A 15 HR LAYOVER IN INCHEON. FIRST, U STILL OFFER FREE TOURS OUTSIDE OF THE AIRPORT? SECOND, ACCORDING TO THE POST, IF I AM FROM US, FROM APRIL 2023-DEC 2024- I WON'T NEED A K-ETA TO GO OUTSIDE RIGHT? LASTLY, Q CODE AND K-ETA ACCESSIBLE ONLINE TO APPLY 72 HRS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL

ONE MORE THING, WHERE DO I SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TOURS OFFERED?

February 22, 2024 at 1:12 pm

Hi, yes you will be able to visit Korea without issue using a US passport before the end of 2024, and there are still free tours outside the airport for layover visitors; you can read more about those in this article .

Kirsten Li says

February 21, 2024 at 4:23 am

Hi, I hold a Chinese passport and fly from Vancouver to Hong Kong via Seoul. I have 15h stopover, so if I wanna go out and have some sightseeings (not the day tour provided by the airport), do I need a K-ETA? Thank you!

February 22, 2024 at 1:13 pm

Kirsten, yes you would need a K-ETA to exit the airport, and possibly a tourist visa.

February 21, 2024 at 9:01 pm

I'm a Philippine passport holder and will have a layover from Vancouver to Incheon and then from Incheon to Manila. I need to re-check my baggage at Incheon but I am not planning to leave the airport. My flight is on the same terminal. Do I need to have a visa?

February 22, 2024 at 1:15 pm

From what the Korean consulate told me, yes you will need a visa to go through security to re-check your bags.

U.S. Passport Travel Requirements says

April 03, 2024 at 2:18 pm

Nice post. It's very well thought out and quite informative. Keep it up.

April 03, 2024 at 8:23 pm

Thank you for the kind words! Much appreciated.

Josh Ashraf says

April 27, 2024 at 2:06 pm

I appreciate your piece of work, thanks for all the informative articles.

April 28, 2024 at 4:11 pm

My pleasure, Josh! I'm glad you found it helpful.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Type in your account to login. Only foreigner, Korean login go

• Reset password
• Incheon Airport
• Airport Corporation.
• Login Logout
• Register My Page
• Customer Center

--> 인천국제공항 로고

Enter your flight number and we will inform you of your terminal.

  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.

• Telephone +82-32-741-3139
• e-mail [email protected]

• Cart US$ 0 -->

Seoul Layover Tour from Incheon airport

From: US$ 82

Add to cart

Chat with our chatbot!

• 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.

Add a review Cancel reply

Your Rating Rate… Perfect Good Average Not that bad Very Poor

Your Review

• 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.

Related products

Incheon Cruise Terminal to Seoul Shore Excursion Tour

Join this Seoul Layover Tour to discover the diversity of Seoul's modern and traditional aspects all in one day private tour.

Honeymoon Tour

Planning for your honeymoon? We offers the opportunity to have a memorable honeymoon in Korea with this Korea Honeymoon Tour Package!

Incheon Freestyle Layover tour

In this Incheon Freestyle Layover tour, travelers can enjoy the wonderful time with us and visit the best attractions near Incheon airport!

Royal Palace Experience Tour

Have a relaxing time visiting some pretty historical architecture and a garden hidden in the mountains with our Royal Palace Experience Tour.

OnedayKorea

• Tour Recommendation
• Travel Insight
• How it Works
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Seoul Travel Guide

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.

Related posts

Read all articles about

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 :)

(0 - 12 years old)

Seoul Layover Tours

Tailoring each tour to your wishes by locals who love their city

Top 10 layover tours & experiences around the world

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

When in Osaka make sure to try “kushikatsu”!

See the city like you would with a friend who lives there

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!

Seoul travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

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

Latest reviews from our guests

We had a fantastic tour! Our guide was very knowledge and helpful. It was a great way to be introduced to Seoul on our first day here.

Great tour, especially like Bukchon Hanok. The changing of the guard was less interesting. Guide was knowledgeable. Fantastic

Jihyun was the perfect guide! She completely customized the tour for our preferences and she was flexible to make adjustments and recommendations throughout the day based upon how it was going and what we were seeing. She was very kind and patient. She was knowledgeable and provided the information and history of the various places we visited. She even provided recommendations for the remainder of our trip based upon our interests. I'm so happy that Jihyun was our tour guide and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

Jihyun was the perfect guide! She completely customized the tour for our preferences and she was flexible to make adjustments and recommendations throughout the day based upon how it was going and what we were seeing. She was very kind and patient. She was knowledgeable and provided the information and history of the various places we visited. She even provided recommendations for the remainder of our trip based upon our interests. I'm so happy that Jihyun was our tour guide and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

Explore famous layover cities

Experiences for all types of travelers

Top Things To Do In Seoul

Private Tour Guides In Seoul

Walking Tours In Seoul

Seoul Private Tours

Seoul Food Tours

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:)

Comments are closed.

Layover In Seoul – The Ultimate Guide 2024

The one thing you won't be suffering from if you're on a layover at the Incheon International Airport is boredom. This airport that serves the South Korean city of Seoul has some world-class amenities that if you're on a short layover will make you wish you were on a long one.

The fact there is so much to do at Incheon Airport is a bonus as the facility, which is built on reclaimed land out in the Yellow Sea, is a good hour by bus or train from the center of Seoul. Even the free shuttle service between the two terminals takes a time consuming twenty minutes, so keep that in mind if your Seoul connection departs from a different one to where you landed. Incheon is an airport that you'll want to explore, so deposit your bags with a Seoul luggage storage service and you'll be prepared for what may quite possibly be the most entertaining layover of your life.

Love discounts and traveling?

Sign up for our newsletter and get 10% off your next booking.

6 to 8 hour layover in Seoul

You won't need to worry about missing out on Korean culture if your short layover is only six to eight hours long. If you fly in on an international flight, you'll be in Terminal 1 which is crammed with so many incredible activities you'll struggle to fit them all in. In the center of the public space in Terminal 1 is a massive stage where there are live music and cultural performances every day and that’s just for starters. 

• It's not the only place in the airport where you can catch music and drama performances either. There are frequent mini classical and Korean music concerts as well as incredible artworks at various points throughout the complex so even just wandering around will be entertaining on a level you wouldn't expect in an airport. Keep a wary eye on the time as you'll find yourself so absorbed you could end up missing your ongoing flight.
• Head up to the public area on concourse 4F and you'll feel as though you've stepped out of the airport and onto a Korean street. The Korean Cultural Street exhibition contains several traditional wooden houses as well as digital displays on the country's flora, fauna and culture.
• On an eight hour afternoon layover you'll have time to catch the bus to Terminal 2 to watch the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony.
• If you don't have spare time enough to get to Terminal 2, you can still grab a souvenir photo with the Royal family when they do their ritual walk, accompanied by an entire entourage, on concourse 3F.
• Timings of some of the performances vary so check what time they happen on the airport's official website to make sure you don't miss any that happen on your layover.

10 hour layover in Seoul

A ten-hour layover at Incheon Airport is still cutting it fine for heading into Seoul to go sightseeing. If you feel you really must go to see the DMZ, the demilitarized zone between north and south, the best way to do it is on a six-hour private tour that collects you from and drops you back at the airport. You'll have just enough time to squeeze that, and all the check-in procedures for your connecting flight, into your stopover, though time will be tight.

• A visit to the DMZ usually includes the Dora Observatory from where it's possible to see straight over into North Korea as well as walk through an infiltration tunnel.
• On a ten-hour layover, you'll have enough free time to be able to catch either the train or bus into Seoul and meet up with a guide who runs a traditional Korean food cooking course. During the three-hour class you'll be taken to a local market which is always a great experience, learn how to cook the ingredients purchased at the market, then get to eat what you've made which is a win-win situation all round.

12 hour layover in Seoul

When you have a twelve-hour layover at Incheon Airport, you'll have enough time on your hands to brave going sightseeing solo. Drop your bags in a luggage locker then catch either the bus or the train into the city and make going up to the Lotte World Tower observation deck or riding the Namsan cable car a priority. Why? Do either of those and it'll save you hours wandering around the streets as you can see just about all of the city when you're high up.

• Steep yourself in the South Korean atmosphere by heading to the bustling Myeong-Dong area where you can shop, see the historic Myeong-Dong cathedral and fill up on amazing street food.
• Have a relaxing moment by going to a tea house in the InsaDong district for a cup of tea the South Korean way.

24 hour layover in Seoul

Even a twenty-four hour Seoul layover can be considered short because there's so much you'll want to cram into your free time, it'll be hard to choose what not to do. If you want to see some of the South Korean countryside, plan a trip out to Mount Seorak and Nami Island to go hiking the trails there.

• The best way to get to Mount Seorak is on a small group minibus tour that includes the ferry ride to Nami Island and a cable car ride up the mountain. Calculate you'll need around eleven hours or so for this activity.
• Combine sightseeing with your favorite hobby of photography by touring the city with a photographic guide. They'll take you to all the main sights or you can choose specific places that interest you.
• Have dinner at a Korean show house where you'll be served a sumptuous meal of traditional food followed by a performance of Korean music and dance.

Explore the world

Get the bounce app.

Instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go.

• Skip to main content

Trazy - Book Travel Crazy Things to do in Asia

Incheon airport layover private tour - incheon/seoul/dmz, how to book.

• Destination

Experience Carousel

Experience basic information, basic information, coupons & promos.

Meet Location

• Incheon International Airport (in front of the arrivals gate)
• Round-trip transportation
• English-speaking guide (driver)
• Entrance fees
• Other personal expenses

*Airport pick-up: 1 hour afer arrival. *Airport drop-off: 3 hours before departure.

Please keep in mind

• All participants must bring a valid passport to enter the DMZ.
• Entrance fees, meals and other personal expenses are NOT included in the price.
• If the tour exceeds the default tour hours, you must pay 20,000 won per additional hour to the guide on the day.

Cancellation policy

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.

Related Posts:

• Flying Through Atlanta? Make Sure You Walk Between Terminals A & B
• From Egg Tarts to Suckling Pig: Hiking in Macau
• Bubur Ayam & Taro Pie: Eating at McDonald’s Kuala Lumpur
• Heads Up for the Holidays: 6 Airlines Relocating at LaGuardia Airport
• “World’s Most Useless Airport” Finally Opens, Free Hertz Elite Status & More

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• 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.

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
• Press & Media
• Privacy Policy
• 2024 Airport Survey
• Write a Review

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 ticketing, you and your guide will take a shuttle bus to enter dimilitarized zone, you will stop at:

(1) Dorasan Observatory for 40 minutes to see North Korea city, guard post etc.. 

(2) move to 3rd tunnel (stay 1 hour) to walk down to see infiltration tunnel dug by North Korea during cold war, which was prepared to pass 10,000 north Korean army in an hour to attack south Korea, watch video to learn about Korea war. 

(3) visit Unification village (20 minutes) which ever was South Korean propaganda village for take a break and souvenir shop available, then return to 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 (0%-10%)

Departure point:

Incheon airport 

7:00a.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:

Follow Me On

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.

More South Korea Travel & Life

Reader Interactions

No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

10 Best Cities for a Long Flight Layover

H aving a long layover is usually the worst part of a trip. It means sitting in an uncomfortable airport chair for hours upon hours with nothing to do but roam around airport mall shops. 

But some cities are cleverly taking advantage of this common travel woe to promote tourism. Rather than have people confined to the airport, they encourage tourists to leave and experience the destination with free or very cheap tours. 

Keep these cities in mind the next time you're booking a flight (especially if you have to pass through Asia), so you can get a two-for-one trip. 

Istanbul, Turkey

If you find a Turkish Airlines flight with an absurdly long layover in Istanbul, book it immediately. The city offers what is perhaps  the  best layover program in the entire world. 

Passengers with wait times of six to 24 hours can benefit from free city tours that include everything from transportation to meals and entrances to important landmarks.

I did the 10-hour, full-day tour, and we got free breakfast and lunch, went inside Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Museum, passed through a bazaar and got to see other important places like the Blue Mosque from the outside. Our local tour guide was very knowledgeable and agreeable. Plus, if you have luggage, there is a storage place right next to where you check in for the tour. 

And if your layover is even longer (mine was 19 hours), you'll still have plenty to do at Istanbul Airport. Besides shops and restaurants, the hub has an archaeology museum, hotels you can rent by the hour, spas with showers, art exhibitions and more.

In Istanbul for over 24 hours? Turkish Airlines passengers are eligible for a free one-day hotel voucher and steep discounts for stopovers of two or more days.

Changi Airport is consistently ranked as the best airport in the world, and I have to agree. It's so amazing, you think twice about leaving it. Expect things like a gorgeous butterfly garden, the largest indoor waterfall in the world, indoor rock climbing, a giant bouncing net, a hedge maze and a mirror maze, murals, a game center and Michelin-level meals. 

But while you should leave some layover time for exploring the airport, you should also take advantage of the free Singapore tour , which is open to passengers traveling on any airline. Different tours cater to people with layovers between five and 24 hours. You'll be taken to places like Chinatown, Merlion Park and the amazing Gardens by the Bay.

If you'd rather have more freedom, Singapore is also a great place for a self-guided tour. I did this on a 14-hour layover and got to see (and taste!) most of the micro nation's highlights with plenty of time to go back to Changi and relax in the garden.

Seoul, South Korea

Incheon is another highly praised airport that offers incredible layover tours . You can choose between different options that focus on themes like history, culture, food and shopping. Depending on which tour you choose, you'll get to visit landmarks like the Palaces of the Joseon dynasty, traditional food markets, temples and futuristic malls. 

If you don't have enough time to leave the airport, you can also do an in-airport cultural tour, where you'll wear a traditional Korean outfit (called a hanbok) and learn to make crafts like paper fans. 

You can also take advantage of other entertainment options like the movie theater or try traditional food in one of the excellent airport restaurants that aren't overpriced. 

Tokyo, Japan

If you're flying into Tokyo International Airport (aka Haneda Airport) and have at least five hours to spare between flights, go on a three-hour tour . You'll get a local volunteer guide who'll take you around the city to see temples, markets and other highlights.

Because the program is run by volunteers, you'll have to cover your own metro costs, but this is a small price to pay to see one of the most exciting cities in the entire world.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei Taoyuan Airport isn't left behind by its neighbors. The Taiwanese capital also offers four-hour tours to people staying between seven and 24 hours. But make sure you reserve a spot as soon as you book your flight since each tour only has 12 seats, and only six of those can be reserved prior to arrival. 

If you can't get one of the spots online, go to the meeting point as soon as possible because all the other seats are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Expect to receive a free souvenir and transportation.

And if you can't get one of the coveted spots, you can always pay for a private layover tour .

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

No matter what airline you're using, you're entitled to a stopover tour while passing through the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Unlike the programs we've mentioned, this one isn't free, but prices start at about $40. If you have more time, you can pay more for cool experiences like a desert safari. Sure, you'll have to dish out some money, but the tours are definitely worth it. 

And if you're flying Etihad Airways and have an overnight layover, you can stay in the city for absolutely free for one or two nights. Those who want to splurge can even get discounts on luxury hotels.

Doha, Quatar

Since hosting the 2022 World Cup, Qatar is increasingly on the radars of tourists. If you're flying through Doha on Qatar Airways, check out the transit tours offered . As in Abu Dhabi, you'll have to pay for these tours, but the cheapest costs only about $10. 

You can choose between cool experiences like a city tour or a desert and inland sea tour. And if you'd rather not leave the airport, there are also tours that explore this impressive air hub's entertaining amenities like art installations and golf simulators.

Astana, Kazakhstan

This large Central Asian nation is often ignored by tourists. But if you're curious to see its wonders and happen to fly on Air Astana, go ahead and book a stopover package for just $20.

The package includes a return transfer to the airport, hotel accommodation, free breakfast and a city tour. You'll get to see places of interest like the Baiterek Tower, the Astana Opera and the Hazret Sultan (one of Asia's largest mosques). Because the tour includes a hotel stay and breakfast, this is only for people who are spending at least one night in Kazakhstan's capital. 

A similar program is available in the city of Almaty as well.

Honorable Mention: Hong Kong

Although Hong Kong doesn't have an official stopover program, we're including it on this list because it's an ideal place to do a layover tour. Trust me; I've done it. 

Because of its size, you can visit the city's main spots within a day, especially since the airport is only about 24 minutes from the center. You'll have to cover transportation and landmark costs, which won't necessarily be low, but it's a small price to pay for getting to know this exciting destination. 

Take the metro to Kowloon Island, and explore from there. And make sure to take a boat through Victoria Harbor into Hong Kong Island to visit the famous Victoria Peak.

Honorable Mention: Madrid, Spain

The only non-Asian city to appear on this list, Madrid doesn't provide any layover tours per se, but Iberian passengers can add a free stopover in the Spanish capital. If you take advantage of this program, you're entitled to benefits like a free two-day public transit card and discounts on tickets to the Prado Museum and hotels. 

Can it compete with everything Asian airports provide? No, but it's one of the best stopover programs out there, so it deserves a mention.

Traveloka Team

23 May 2024 - 4 min read

Stopover vs Layover Flights, Here’s The Difference!

Layovers and stopovers are frequently intermingled in the huge world of air travel, resulting in passenger misunderstanding and misinterpretations.

While both include a brief intermission between connecting flights, it is critical to note that they have unique characteristics. Delving further into these differences can help passengers create more effective trip schedules and improve their entire travel experience.

From the length of the halt to the underlying reason for it, each detail is important in the complex web of aviation logistics.

As a result, in this article, we are going to explore the differences between stopover and layover flights, giving passengers useful insights on how to handle them with confidence and ease.

Let’s get into it!

What is the Difference Between a Stopover and Layover Flights?

Shutterstock.com

Layovers are generally used to help passengers transfer between connecting flights en route to their final destination, particularly when direct flights are unavailable.

Passengers may choose a layover for a variety of reasons, including cost-effectiveness and personal choice. During a layover, passengers normally remain in the airport terminal until their new flight is ready to board.

However, depending on the length of the layover, there may be possibilities to explore the layover city through airport-sponsored events or by going out on your own.

Stopovers, on the other hand, are intentional pauses in a passenger's selected route. They require at least one night in the connecting city before proceeding to the final destination.

Stopovers allow passengers to immerse themselves in their stopover destination's culture and attractions, transforming a layover into a mini-vacation.

Layovers are normally included in the ticket price and don't require any additional spending other than incidental expenses like meals or airport items. If the airline does not provide multi-city booking options, stopovers may necessitate the purchase of separate tickets.

While multi-city ticket bookings are frequently the most cost-effective way to incorporate a layover, travelers need also consider lodging and travel fees during the stopover.

Some full-service airlines provide stopover programs that include subsidized lodgings, excursions, and city tours, enticing passengers to turn their layovers into immersive experiences.

3. Duration

The issue of length is important in distinguishing between layovers and stopovers. Layovers are defined as relatively brief breaks in the trip plan that last less than 24 hours. During these short breaks, people typically wait in the airport terminal for their connecting flights.

Stopovers, on the other hand, reflect a longer period of travel, lasting many days rather than hours. This prolonged time allows tourists to immerse themselves in the culture and attractions of the stopover site, thereby transforming the intermission into a mini-vacation.

During a layover, airlines usually handle the transfer of luggage from one flight to the next, saving travelers from having to collect and re-check their bags.

However, depending on the length of the layover and airport laws, passengers may be required to retrieve their luggage, go through immigration and customs operations, and re-check their bags.

Definition of Stopover Flight

A stopover flight is an intentional stoppage in travel at a connecting point between one origin and a final destination.

Stopovers are extended pauses that typically last at least one night, allowing passengers to experience the stopover city or destination before continuing their journey.

Stopover flights are frequently chosen by passengers to add additional places or experiences to their itinerary, thereby transforming a stopover into a mini-vacation. They provide possibilities for cultural immersion, exploring, and leisure, which improves the whole trip experience.

Definition of Layover Flight

A layover flight is a period during air travel when passengers must wait at a connecting airport or city before taking their next plane to their final destination.

Layovers are normally quick, lasting less than 24 hours, and are required when there are no direct flights between the origin and destination. During a stopover, passengers typically remain within the airport terminal; however, depending on the length of the delay, there may be possibilities to explore the layover city through airport-sponsored programs or by stepping out on their own.

A layover is largely intended to help passengers transition between connecting flights, allowing them to arrive at their final destination more efficiently.

What Factors Should You Consider When Booking a Stopover or Layover Flight?

When picking between a layover and a stopover trip, it is important to evaluate your travel requirements and preferences. The decision between a layover and a stopover flight is influenced by aspects such as your time limitations, desire for exploration, and funds. By carefully considering these variables, you can make an informed selection that meets your travel requirements and improves your entire traveling experience.

If getting to your destination quickly is your primary concern and there are no direct flights available, taking a connecting flight with a layover is the way to go. This option allows for a brief stop on your way to your destination, making it usually the quickest alternative available.

On the other hand, if you have some extra time and are interested in exploring another place before arriving at your final destination, a connecting flight with a stopover is the best option. With stopovers lasting several days, you may fully immerse yourself in the layover city's culture and attractions before continuing your journey.

When planning a connecting trip with a stopover, look into if the airline has a stopover program. These programs frequently include cheap or even complimentary accommodations and city excursions, which improves the whole trip experience. Furthermore, many airlines offer stopovers with no additional taxes or rate hikes, making them a more affordable choice than regular connecting flights.

Flight to Seoul

Start from S$ 71.23

Saga (HSG) to Seoul (ICN)

Thu, 13 Jun 2024

Start from S$ 71.82

Fukuoka (FUK) to Seoul (ICN)

Wed, 19 Jun 2024

Shandong Airlines

Start from S$ 73.44

Qingdao (TAO) to Seoul (ICN)

Sun, 30 Jun 2024

Simplify your travel plans with Traveloka's intuitive platform, where booking flights, activities, and accommodations is made easy. Enjoy an easy trip experience with seamless booking procedures, access to special deals, and 24/7 customer support, ensuring that your travel journey is smooth and peaceful.

Book your flight ticket for your next adventure with Traveloka as your trusted companion. Explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flight , and hotel . Visit Traveloka for more information!

Payment Partners

About Traveloka

• How to Book
• Help Center
• Download App

Follow us on

• Airport Transport
• ProductItems.cruises-search
• Traveloka Affiliate
• Privacy Notice
• Terms & Conditions
• Register Your Accommodation
• Register Your Experience Business
• Traveloka Press Room
• Vulnerability Disclosure Program

Download Traveloka App