Landed In

Arrival guide

Landed in Seoul.

Getting from Incheon International Airport (ICN) into the city, what money to carry, the apps locals use, and how to get online.

Incheon is about an hour from central Seoul. Plan for 45 to 75 minutes of travel depending on the option you pick.
Foreign travelers must have a K-ETA or confirm they are exempt before boarding. Check the rules for your passport well before you fly.

From the airport to the city center

Cheapest

AREX All-Stop Train to Seoul Station

₩4,000 to ₩5,000 ($3 to $4)

50 to 65 min

  1. 1After baggage claim, follow the AREX signs to the train station on the basement level (B1) of the terminal.
  2. 2Buy a ticket or tap a T-money card at the machines. Pick the All-Stop train, not the Express.
  3. 3Ride to Seoul Station, which is the city center hub.
  4. 4Switch to Subway Line 1 or 4 for your final stop, or take a short taxi from the station.
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Fastest

AREX Express to Seoul Station

₩9,000 to ₩11,000 ($7 to $8)

45 to 55 min

  1. 1Follow the AREX signs to the station at B1.
  2. 2Buy an Express ticket at the counter or kiosk. It is a non-stop service to Seoul Station.
  3. 3Ride to Seoul Station and transfer to the subway or a taxi for the city center.
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Easiest

Airport Limousine Bus to central Seoul

₩16,000 to ₩18,000 ($12 to $14)

60 to 90 min

  1. 1Exit arrivals on the 1st floor and find the airport bus ticket booths near the exits.
  2. 2Tell the staff your hotel area. They will point you to the right route number and stop.
  3. 3Board at the numbered stop. Luggage goes under the bus.
  4. 4Get off at the stop closest to your hotel in the city center. Traffic can stretch the trip.
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Easiest

Airport taxi to the city center

₩65,000 to ₩90,000 ($48 to $66)

50 to 80 min

  1. 1Exit arrivals and join the official taxi queue outside.
  2. 2Ask for a regular taxi, or an International Taxi if you want an English-speaking driver.
  3. 3Show your hotel name or address on your phone, in Korean if possible.
  4. 4Expect highway tolls to be added to the meter fare.
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Want a driver waiting for you?

Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.

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Money

South Korean won

KRW

$1 is about ₩1,350

Cards

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and taxis. Some foreign cards fail at local terminals, so carry a backup.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Korea and can cause confusion. Don't leave extra at restaurants, taxis, or hotels.

Cash

  • Carry a little cash for street food and traditional markets.
  • Convenience stores sell and recharge T-money transit cards, and some accept cash only for that.
  • Bring clean, uncrumpled bills if you plan to exchange money.

ATMs

  • Use ATMs in convenience stores like GS25 and CU, or bank ATMs marked Global.
  • Look for ATMs with an English option. Some local ones reject foreign cards.
  • Decline dynamic currency conversion and pay in won.

Apps to download

Naver Map

Must have

Best map for walking, transit, and driving directions in Korea.

App StoreGoogle Play

Kakao Map

Alternative local map with accurate transit times.

App StoreGoogle Play

Kakao T

Must have

Taxi hailing app. Works with many foreign cards.

App StoreGoogle Play

Papago

Translation app from Naver. Good for Korean text and menus.

App StoreGoogle Play

KakaoTalk

The main messaging app in Korea. Many businesses use it.

App StoreGoogle Play

Subway Korea

Subway route planner with English support.

App StoreGoogle Play

Stay connected

Mobile data is easy to set up on arrival. An eSIM installed before you fly saves time at the airport.

  • Buy an eSIM before you leave from a provider like Airalo or Holafly, and install it before you board.
  • Pick up a SIM or pocket Wi-Fi at counters in the arrivals hall from carriers like KT, SK Telecom, or LG U+.
  • Free Wi-Fi is common in the airport, subway stations, and cafes, but is not a full substitute for data.

Get your eSIM before you fly

Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.

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Good to know

  • Unofficial taxi touts sometimes approach in arrivals. Use the official taxi queue or public transit instead.
  • Some taxi drivers in tourist areas like Myeongdong may refuse short trips or overcharge. Use Kakao T to avoid this.
  • Don't tip. It is not part of the culture and can be awkward.
  • Take off your shoes when entering homes, some guesthouses, and many traditional restaurants.
  • Use two hands when giving or receiving something from an elder, and when handing over money.
  • Seoul is very safe for visitors, but pickpockets work in crowded spots like markets and subway stations.
  • Public trash cans are rare. Carry your trash with you until you find one.

Emergency numbers

  • Police112
  • Ambulance and Fire119
  • Tourist Information and Help (English)1330

Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.