Incheon (ICN) vs Gimpo (GMP)
Incheon International Airport handles almost all long-haul international flights and sits about an hour from central Seoul. Gimpo International Airport is closer to the city and mainly handles domestic routes plus a handful of short-haul international connections (Tokyo Haneda, Osaka, Taipei, Shanghai among them). If you have a choice, Gimpo is the more convenient landing point — but most travelers arriving from outside Asia will land at Incheon.
From Incheon into the city
| Option | Time to central Seoul | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| AREX Express Train | ~45 min to Seoul Station | Light luggage, no traffic risk |
| AREX All-Stop Train | ~55–65 min | Cheapest option, more stops |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 60–90 min (traffic-dependent) | Direct to hotel-area stops, easier with luggage |
| Taxi | 60–75 min | Late arrivals, groups splitting the fare |
The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is generally the best value-for-time option and terminates at Seoul Station, which connects directly to two subway lines. Limousine buses are worth it if your hotel is near a named stop and you'd rather not transfer with luggage.
From Gimpo into the city
Gimpo connects directly to Seoul's subway network (Lines 5 and 9, plus the AREX line), so it's usually a straightforward 30–40 minute ride into central districts without needing a bus or express train.
Immigration and arrival
Have your accommodation address and entry documents ready before you reach immigration — Korea has, at various points, required an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors. Requirements change, so confirm the current rule for your passport on an official source shortly before you fly rather than relying on what was true last year.