Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Incheon International Airport (ICN), located on Yeongjong Island approximately 48 kilometers west of downtown Seoul, is the primary international gateway to South Korea and a major air hub in East Asia. Opened on March 29, 2001, it took over most international traffic from the older Gimpo International Airport, which now primarily serves domestic and select short-haul international routes. Incheon has since established a reputation for operational efficiency and modern infrastructure, consistently handling high volumes of passenger and cargo traffic.

Travelers can access the airport from Seoul via several convenient transportation methods. The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is a popular choice, offering a non-stop Express Train to Seoul Station in about 45 minutes and an All-Stop Train that connects to Seoul's subway system. An extensive network of limousine buses provides comfortable, direct service to various districts throughout the city and surrounding provinces. Taxis are also readily available for direct point-to-point travel.

The airport's operations are centered around two main passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, along with a separate Concourse building connected to Terminal 1. Korean Air and its SkyTeam alliance partners operate primarily from Terminal 2, while Asiana Airlines, its Star Alliance partners, and most other international carriers use Terminal 1. In 2019, prior to the global travel downturn, the airport served over 71 million passengers. Facilities are comprehensive, featuring a wide array of duty-free shops, international and Korean restaurants, numerous airline lounges, transit hotels, cultural experience zones, and medical centers.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers on international flights are advised to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure. When connecting between flights in different terminals, travelers must use a free, inter-terminal shuttle train, so it is important to allocate sufficient time for the transfer. Signage throughout the airport is clear and provided in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese, making navigation straightforward for international visitors. Information desks are also widely available to assist with inquiries.