🇰🇷 How to get to the center of Seoul from the airports
Seoul has two airports: Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP). If you're arriving in Korea for the first time, here are detailed instructions: where to find the subway, which train to take, where to buy bus tickets, and how to avoid overpaying for a taxi.
✈️ Incheon (ICN)
Incheon is located far from the center, in a different city, so there are several options:
🚆 1. AREX (trains) - the most affordable option
After claiming your luggage, follow the signs for Airport Railroad / AREX.
📍 Terminal 1: Go down to B1, Transportation Center.
📍 Terminal 2: Also go down to B1 and look for the signs for AREX.
AREX offers two types of trains:
🟠 Express Train — the train travels nonstop directly to Seoul Station. This is the fastest option, taking approximately 45-50 minutes depending on the terminal. A ticket costs ₩13,000 (approximately 800 rubles). A seat is assigned to each passenger and a separate ticket is required; T-Money is not available. Tickets can be purchased in the AREX area at B1, either from a ticket machine or at the Express counter.
🔵 All Stop Train (regular subway) — the most affordable option, but the journey takes slightly longer. The train stops at all subway stations, including Gimpo Airport, Digital Media City, Hongik University (Hongdae), and Gongdeok. The journey to Seoul Station takes about an hour and costs:
· Terminal 1 → Seoul Station — ₩4,750 with a transit card
· Terminal 2 → Seoul Station — ₩5,350 with a transit card.
You can use a T-money card for this journey: swipe the card at the entrance → swipe it at the exit. T-money cards can be purchased at the airport, near the subway entrance, or at any convenience store. They cost around ₩3,000 (180 rubles). If you buy a physical SIM card at the airport, you'll receive a T-money card as a gift; all you have to do is top it up.
🚌 2. Airport Limousine Bus
The bus is convenient because many routes go directly to popular areas of Seoul, and sometimes the stop is much closer to your hotel than the subway. For routes to Seoul, the current benchmark price is approximately ₩16,000–18,000 (RUB 1,000–1,100), depending on the route. The journey typically takes approximately 60–90 minutes, but varies greatly depending on the area and traffic.
From Incheon, there are routes to the following areas:
📍 Myeongdong / Jung-gu
📍 Dongdaemun
📍 Hongdae / Mapo
📍 Seoul Station
📍 Gangnam / Jamsil
📍 Yeouido
📍 Jamsil
📍 Wangsimni / Seongdong
and other areas.
It's best to check routes and stops for your travel date on the official website, as they are subject to change.
Where to buy a ticket?
Terminal 1: After exiting the arrivals hall, look for "Bus Ticket" / "Airport Bus." Ticket offices and machines are located on the 1st floor, including near gates 4 and 9, and at other exits.
Terminal 2: The bus terminal is located at B1 Transportation Center.
Some routes allow you to use a transport card or pay by credit card, but rules differ for intercity/airport routes, so it's easier to buy a ticket at an official ticket office or machine.
🚕 3. Taxi
It's important not to take the first taxi offered to you after exiting the airport. The airport officially warns about cases of unauthorized ride solicitation and price gouging by illegal call-vans posing as taxis.
Therefore, go only to an official Taxi Stand, and check the applicable fare and your destination before your trip.
✈️ Gimpo (GMP)
This is where things get much simpler. Gimpo is located practically in the city, so the metro is the main budget option.
🚇 1. The subway is the cheapest option
After exiting the airport, look for the Subway/Metro signs. Several lines intersect at Gimpo Airport Station:
🟤 Line 5
🟣 Line 9
🔵 AREX (Airport Railroad)
🟢 Gimpo Goldline
The station is located next to the airport; the official airport signage indicates that it can be accessed from the west side of the first floor. Use T-money to travel—the card is available upon entry and exit.
🚌 2. Bus from Gimpo
Gimpo has city buses and private limousine buses. For regular city buses, it's best to check the specific route on Naver Map/KakaoMap—the airport also offers searches for city bus routes through the signage.
In the international terminal, bus stops are located in front of the building on the first floor. In the domestic terminal, city and limousine buses are located outside on the first floor. There's also bus 6707A between Gimpo and Incheon—it costs ₩7,500 (500 rubles).
But if you're heading straight to central Seoul, the subway is usually easier and cheaper.
🚕 3. Taxi from Gimpo
Taxis are also officially available here. From the international terminal, go to the official taxi area in front of the building. From the domestic terminal, taxis are located opposite gates 4–6.
As a guide, the official airport lists the following approximate fares from Gimpo:
· Hongdae — about ₩15,000 (1,000 rubles)
· Myeongdong — about ₩20,000 (1,300 rubles)
· Seoul City Hall — about ₩22,000 (1,400 rubles)
· Gangnam Station — about ₩28,000 (1,800 rubles)
· Dongdaemun — about ₩26,000 (1,600 rubles)
These are approximate prices without traffic; the final cost may vary.
Save this post before traveling to Seoul and South Korea 🇰🇷❤️
#seoul #southkorea #incheon #incheonairport #gimpoairport #seoul