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Seoul Airports Guide
Seoul is served by two major international airports, offering travelers world-class facilities and excellent connectivity. Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the primary gateway and consistently ranked among the best airports in the world, while Gimpo International Airport (GMP) serves domestic and regional flights.
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
ICN
Location: 48 km west of Seoul city center
Best for: International travel, long-haul flights, transit passengers
Transport: Airport Railroad Express (AREX), buses, taxis, rental cars
Airlines: Korean Air, Asiana, major international carriers
Features: World-class amenities, cultural experiences, transit tours
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
GMP
Location: 15 km west of Seoul city center
Best for: Domestic flights, regional Asian routes, business travel
Transport: Subway Line 5, 9, AREX, buses, taxis
Airlines: Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, Jin Air
Features: Closer to city, convenient for domestic connections
Choosing Between Seoul Airports
- ICN (Incheon): Better for international travel, more flight options, Korean Air and Asiana hub
- GMP (Gimpo): Closer to city center, primarily domestic and regional flights
- Transport Time: ICN to downtown: 45-90 minutes; GMP to downtown: 30-60 minutes
- Free Transit Tours: ICN offers free tours for passengers with long layovers
- Consider: Your final destination in Seoul, flight availability, and travel time
Best Time to Book Flights to Seoul
When to Book for the Best Prices
- Book international flights 2-6 months in advance for optimal pricing
- For peak seasons (spring, autumn), book 4-8 months ahead
- For shoulder seasons, book 2-4 months in advance
- Consider flying on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower fares
- Set price alerts to monitor fare changes for your preferred travel dates
- Be flexible with your travel dates by 2-3 days to find better deals
Best Time to Visit Seoul
- Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms, mild weather, peak tourist season
- Fall (September-October): Beautiful foliage, pleasant temperatures, peak season
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, rainy season, lower prices
- Winter (December-February): Cold weather, possible snow, lowest prices
- Shoulder Seasons: March and November offer good weather with fewer crowds
Airlines That Fly to Seoul
Seoul is a major aviation hub with extensive international service, particularly strong in Asian routes and trans-Pacific connections to North America.
Major Korean Airlines
- Korean Air (Flag carrier with extensive global network)
- Asiana Airlines (Major Korean carrier with worldwide routes)
- Jeju Air (Low-cost carrier focused on domestic and regional routes)
- Jin Air (Low-cost carrier with international destinations)
- Air Seoul (Low-cost carrier serving Asian destinations)
- T'way Air (Low-cost carrier with domestic and international routes)
Major International Airlines
- Delta Air Lines (Direct flights from multiple US cities)
- United Airlines (Direct flights from US hubs)
- American Airlines (Direct flights from Dallas)
- Singapore Airlines (Direct flights from Singapore)
- Japan Airlines (Direct flights from Japanese cities)
- ANA (Direct flights from Tokyo and other Japanese cities)
- Cathay Pacific (Direct flights from Hong Kong)
- Qantas (Direct flights from Sydney)
- Lufthansa (Direct flights from Frankfurt)
- Air France (Direct flights from Paris)
- British Airways (Direct flights from London)
- Emirates (Direct flights from Dubai)
Seoul Flight Travel Tips
Before You Fly
- Check K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requirements for visa-free entry
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity
- Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
- Check baggage allowances and fees for your specific airline
- Consider travel insurance for flight delays or cancellations
- Research ground transportation options to your accommodation
- Learn a few basic Korean phrases (hello, thank you, excuse me)
At Seoul Airports
- Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights
- Have boarding passes, passport, and K-ETA ready for inspection
- Use the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) for fast transport to Seoul Station
- Take advantage of free transit tours at ICN for layovers over 6 hours
- Use the free WiFi available throughout both airports
- Exchange currency at airport banks for better rates than currency exchange counters
- Purchase T-money cards for convenient public transportation
Seoul-Specific Travel Tips
- Use Seoul's excellent public transportation system (subway, buses)
- Purchase T-money or Cashbee cards for seamless transit payments
- Download essential apps: Naver Map, KakaoMap, Papago (translation)
- Stay in neighborhoods like Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Gangnam based on your interests
- Try Korean cuisine: BBQ, bibimbap, kimchi, street food
- Visit palaces early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Explore different neighborhoods: traditional Insadong, trendy Hongdae, upscale Gangnam
- Be prepared for seasonal variations - hot humid summers, cold winters
- Carry both cash and cards - while cards are widely accepted, some places prefer cash
- Learn basic etiquette: receiving with both hands, removing shoes indoors
Frequently Asked Questions About Seoul Flights
Which Seoul airport is closer to the city center?
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is closer to Seoul city center, approximately 15 km away (30-60 minutes travel time). Incheon International Airport (ICN) is about 48 km from downtown Seoul (45-90 minutes travel time).
What is the cheapest month to fly to Seoul?
January and February typically offer the lowest airfares to Seoul, as these are the coldest months with fewer tourists. July and August also sometimes have good deals despite being peak summer due to the humid weather.
How early should I arrive at Seoul airports for international flights?
For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. During peak travel seasons or if checking baggage, consider arriving 3.5 hours early.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Seoul from the US?
Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines offer direct flights from various US cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Seattle.
What is the best way to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is the most convenient option, taking about 43 minutes to Seoul Station. Airport buses, taxis, and private transfers are also available. The all-stop train is cheaper but takes longer.
Is there a shuttle between Incheon and Gimpo airports?
Yes, the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) connects Incheon and Gimpo airports directly, taking about 30 minutes. Airport buses and taxis are also available between the two airports.
What is the flight time from Los Angeles to Seoul?
The flight from Los Angeles to Seoul takes approximately 12-13 hours.
Do I need a visa to visit Seoul?
US, Canadian, UK, Australian, and EU citizens can visit South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa but require K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) approval before travel. Always check current requirements based on your nationality.
What are the busiest travel days at Seoul airports?
Fridays and Sundays are typically the busiest days. Korean holidays like Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) see extremely high passenger volume, as do summer and spring peak seasons.
Is Seoul safe for tourists?
Seoul is generally very safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas and be aware of your surroundings, but violent crime is rare. The city has excellent public safety infrastructure.