Long Layover in Korea? Don't Miss These FREE Tours From Incheon International Airport.

Travel is magical... but it can also be stressful, riddled with logistics, decision overload, and long flights.

Which is why so many international travelers with long layovers choose to remain in the airport, rather than spend three, or five, or eight hours in a bustling new city. Luckily, South Korea's Incheon International Airport has tackled that problem with its free transit tours.

According to the Visit Your Korea website, 

Getting on one of the exciting transit activities and tours is a splendid way to experience some of the popular sights and sounds of Korea. Whether you have an hour, a couple of hours or longer until your next flight, there are plenty of options to suit your travel schedule and interests. 

Visitors who were not able arrange their transit tours before their flight may still stop by the airport Transit Tour Desk and consult the staff upon arrival. Choose from a wide variety of activities that range from visiting Korea’s historical treasures to shopping in the trendiest districts. 

Instead of sitting at the gate and waiting for the next flight, travelers can turn their short stay into a great experience!

​​That's really generous and cool of them.

Tour options include the Incheon City Tour, Seoul City Tour, Temple Tour, and more. Travelers can also choose their tour's duration, from one hour or 1.5 hours to five hours.

Each transit tour is accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide, to provide an enriching experience without any difficulties or language barriers.

While all the tour options are free, tourist site admission fees and meals are not included. You can read more about tours and reservations here -- or, if you're already at the airport, head to immigration section B near the KoreanAir desk of the 2nd floor of the passenger terminal:

In addition to visiting Seoul, the Incheon Temple, the Yonggungsa Temple, and the Gwangmyeong Cave:​

You can also visit the ​Inha University Hospital for imaging and facial lifting procedures, as well as St. Mary Hospital for a tooth whitening. 

​However, you can't leave your tour group, as you'll be on a special no-visa entry that is only good for the duration of the tour.

If that's not your speed, you can also venture out on your own. Take the Airport Express (AREX) for the fastest, most convenient transport to Seoul. 

The AREX railway connects Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station. You can either take the non-stop express trains or or the commuter trains. The airport line shortens the travel time between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station to just 43-53 minutes.

The express train departs Seoul Station every 30 minutes. The commuter train departs Geomam Station every 6 minutes and Incheon International Airport every 10 to 12 minutes. 

여행 잘 다녀와!

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