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✈️ Airports

Just landed in Korea? Follow the steps from your aircraft to your hotel. Choose your airport to see immigration, baggage claim, customs, SIM or eSIM, money, transport and what to do if something goes wrong.

Which airport did you arrive at?

✈ICN✈GMP✈CJJ✈TAE✈PUS✈CJU

Pin positions are approximate. Tap a pin or a card to choose an airport.

Smaller international airports
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon / Greater Seoul · 인천국제공항

Best for Seoul, Incheon and most long-haul arrivals

Before you leave the plane

A minute now saves a lot of stress later. Tick each item as you go.

  • Passport

    Keep it within easy reach.

  • e-Arrival Card, if required

    You can submit it online up to 3 days before arrival. Printing is not needed unless you want a copy.

  • Accommodation details

    Save the name, the Korean address and the phone number on your phone.

  • Customs check

    Know whether you carry anything you must declare.

  • Offline copies

    Save addresses and booking confirmations offline in case you have no data after landing.

Quick check

Your arrival journey

Do the steps in order. Every step shows the same five things.

Your arrival progress0%
01

Follow ARRIVALS / IMMIGRATION

What to do
  • Leave the aircraft and follow the signs for Arrivals, Immigration or Passport Control.
  • Do not follow Transfer or Transit signs unless you are connecting to another flight without entering Korea.
What you need
  • Passport
  • Boarding pass (for your flight details)
How long

⏱ 5–20 minutes

Look for this sign
ArrivalsImmigrationPassport Control
If something goes wrong
  • Not sure whether you should enter Korea? Ask airline or airport staff before you leave the gate area.
At Incheon International Airport

Check the terminal on your flight information or e-ticket. Airlines and code-share flights can change which terminal is used, so do not guess from the airline name. If you arrive at the Concourse, a shuttle train that runs around the clock takes you to the passenger terminal before immigration.

✈️ Connecting flight? Do not follow the normal arrival route automatically. Check whether you need to enter Korea or stay in the transit area.

02

Health and quarantine check

What to do
  • Most travelers just follow the normal arrival route through the quarantine area.
  • A health declaration or Q-CODE may apply, depending on where you recently stayed or transited, the current quarantine-designated regions, and any symptoms.
What you need
  • Q-CODE QR code or health questionnaire, only if it applies to you
How long

⏱ 0–10 minutes

Look for this sign
Quarantine
If something goes wrong
  • Fever, cough or other symptoms? Tell the quarantine officers right away.
Quarantine requirements can change. Check the current Q-CODE requirements →
03

Immigration / Passport Control

What to do
  • Join the lane marked FOREIGN PASSPORT.
  • Hand over your passport. If an arrival declaration is required for you, your e-Arrival Card should already be done.
  • The officer may ask why you are visiting, how long you will stay and where you are staying.
What you need
  • Passport
  • e-Arrival Card or another required entry declaration
  • Hotel booking or Korean address on your phone
How long

⏱ Varies with the queue

Look for this sign
ImmigrationForeign Passport
If something goes wrong
  • A long wait or extra questions are normal at busy times. Stay calm and answer simply.
  • If you need help with a visa or stay question, call the Immigration Contact Center on 1345.
Photos and fingerprints

Most foreign visitors aged 17 or older give two index fingerprints and a facial image. Some travelers are exempt. This is a normal part of entry, so there is nothing to worry about.

Can I use an automated gate?

Do not assume every foreign visitor can. Korea’s Smart Entry Service is for eligible travelers, such as registered foreign residents and certain eligible foreign nationals. If you are unsure, use the staffed foreign passport lane.

⚠️ The e-Arrival Card is free. The official site is e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Do not use a site that asks for payment. e-arrivalcard.go.kr

Official information First 2 Hours in Korea →
04

Collect your baggage

What to do
  • After immigration, find your flight number on the display screen to see the baggage belt number.
  • Go to your belt. Baggage carts are free.
  • Before you leave: check the tag, look for damage and count your pieces.
What you need
  • Baggage claim tags
  • Flight number
How long

⏱ 10–30 minutes

Look for this sign
Baggage Claim
If something goes wrong
  • Your bag did not arrive? Do not leave baggage claim. Go to your airline or ground-handling Baggage Service / Lost Baggage counter and report it right away.

Have ready: passport, boarding pass, baggage claim tag, hotel address and a contact number in Korea if you have one.

Lost item ≠ lost checked bag
  • Lost your phone or wallet in the terminal → airport Lost & Found.
  • Checked bag did not arrive → airline baggage counter.
05

Customs

What to do
  • Follow the Customs signs after you collect your bags.
  • Nothing to declare: no form is needed. Use the “Nothing to Declare” exit.
  • Something to declare: fill in the customs form on paper or on your phone, and use the “Goods to Declare” exit.
What you need
  • Customs form, only if you have something to declare
How long

⏱ 5–10 minutes

Look for this sign
CustomsNothing to DeclareGoods to Declare
If something goes wrong
  • Not sure whether something must be declared? Choose the “Goods to Declare” exit and ask the officer. If you are unsure, declare it.
You may need to declare
  • Goods above Korea’s duty-free allowance
  • More than USD 10,000, or the equivalent in total, in cash or monetary instruments
  • Restricted food, plants, meat or animal products
  • Goods you are bringing to sell
  • Other controlled or restricted items

General duty-free allowance: up to USD 800 for most personal goods. Alcohol, tobacco and perfume have separate limits.

Bringing food into Korea?
  • 🥩 Meat products
  • 🌭 Sausages and processed meat
  • 🍎 Fresh fruit
  • 🌱 Plants and seeds
  • 🥚 Animal products

Some items may need inspection or quarantine certification, and some may not be allowed at all. Rules change, so check the official quarantine information before you pack. If you are unsure, declare it.

Official information Check the Korea customs limits →
06

Welcome to Korea: the arrival hall

What to do
  • Step aside from the exit and decide what you need before you leave the airport.
  • Recommended order: 1 get connected (eSIM, SIM or Wi-Fi); 2 get a little KRW if you need it; 3 get your transport card; 4 confirm your route; 5 leave for your accommodation.
What you need
  • Passport (for SIM or exchange counters)
  • Your card or a little cash
How long

⏱ 15–30 minutes, if you do these

Look for this sign
InformationSIM / TelecomATM / ExchangeTransportation
If something goes wrong
  • No data after landing? Use the free airport Wi-Fi to contact your hotel or set up an eSIM before you buy anything.
Internet

If your eSIM is already active, connect before you leave. Otherwise, mobile carriers and travel SIM providers have counters at major airports. Check the data amount, the number of days, calls and SMS, whether a Korean number is included and whether hotspot use is allowed.

SIM and eSIM at this airport →
Do I need cash?

You do not need to exchange a lot of money at the airport. Foreign cards are widely accepted in Korea, but a little cash helps for small purchases or emergencies. Options: ATM, currency exchange, or your foreign card.

Money and ATMs at this airport →
Transport card

A rechargeable card such as T-money works on the subway, city buses and in many convenience stores. You do not need one if your first trip uses a separate airport train or bus ticket, but you will probably want one later.

How to buy and use T-money →
07

Leave the airport

What to do
  • Follow the signs for your chosen transport: train, bus, taxi or pickup.
  • For a taxi, use only the official taxi signs or stands. Do not accept rides offered inside the terminal.
What you need
  • Your accommodation’s Korean address
  • Your transport card, ticket or a payment card
How long

⏱ Depends on the airport and your route

Look for this sign
Airport Railroad / SubwayBusTaxi
If something goes wrong
  • Arriving late at night? Train and bus schedules are not 24 hours. Check the last service before you leave the arrival hall.
Airport to city ↓

Want the whole trip in one flow? Open First 2 Hours in Korea →

Quick facts: Incheon International Airport

City served
Seoul / Incheon
Airport code
ICN
Terminals
Terminal 1 · Terminal 2 · Concourse
Rail
AREX airport railroad
Bus
Airport and city buses
Taxi
Official taxi stands
SIM / eSIM counters
Counters in the arrivals hall
ATM / exchange
Bank counters and ATMs
Transit card
Sold at convenience stores
Late-night transport
Limited. Check the last service before you leave the arrival hall.
Airport help
1577-2600 (daily 07:00–22:00)

Airport to city

Fares and times below are estimates from the airport data we keep, and they change. Check live information before you go.

AREX Express Train (Non-stop)

About ₩13,000 at the counter (online discount tickets are usually cheaper)

Duration: 43 mins (T1 to Seoul Stn) / 51 mins (T2) · Frequency: Every 30–50 mins

Direct non-stop bullet train with reserved seating, onboard Wi-Fi, luggage racks, and direct underground transfer at Seoul Station.

AREX All-Stop Train (Commuter)

₩4,750 (T-money card)

Duration: 59 mins (T1) / 66 mins (T2) · Frequency: Every 5–10 mins

Stops at 14 stations including Gimpo Airport, Hongik Univ (Hongdae), Gongdeok, and Seoul Station. Uses standard T-money.

Airport Limousine Buses (K-Limousine & City)

₩17,000–₩18,000

Duration: 60–85 mins · Frequency: Every 15–25 mins

Comfortable luxury buses directly to hotel districts: Route 6001 (Dongdaemun), 6002 (Jongno), 6015 (Myeongdong), 6701/6702 (Major Hotels).

International Taxi / Official Taxi

Metered ₩55,000–₩80,000 to central Seoul; International Taxi flat fare about ₩75,000

Duration: 55–75 mins · Frequency: Immediate on-demand

Use only the official taxi stands and signs outside arrivals; International Taxi has its own stands, so follow the signs for your terminal. International Taxi offers foreign-language support and zone-based flat fares; book on 1644-2255.

Airport Transportation →

Where are you going?

Pick your destination to see a good first option. Always confirm the live route and times in a map app.

🌙 Late-night arrival

  • Train and bus schedules are not 24 hours.
  • Check the last service before you leave the arrival hall, using the airport’s official page or a map app.
  • If you take a taxi, use the official taxi signs. A late-night surcharge usually applies from 22:00 to 04:00.
  • Keep your hotel name and Korean address ready.

✈️ Connecting to another flight?

International to international, without entering Korea: follow the Transfer or Transit signs and keep your connecting boarding pass ready. Do not go through immigration.

You do not have to do everything at the airport

You usually do not need to:
  • ❌ Exchange all your travel money at the airport
  • ❌ Buy a large data plan straight away
  • ❌ Buy every transport ticket in advance
  • ❌ Take the first taxi offered to you
  • ❌ Rush out before checking your route
Instead:
  • ✅ Connect to Wi-Fi
  • ✅ Check your route
  • ✅ Get enough data and money for the first trip
  • ✅ Use official transport services

🚨 Something went wrong?

SituationDo this
My baggage is missingDo not leave baggage claim. Contact your airline’s baggage counter.
I lost my passportContact airport staff or the police, then your embassy or consulate.
My phone has no internetConnect to the airport Wi-Fi and visit an information desk.
I missed the last trainCheck airport buses and official taxi services.
My card does not workTry another card, or withdraw KRW from an ATM.
I do not know where my hotel isShow the Korean address, not only the English hotel name.
Someone offered me a taxiUse only clearly marked official taxi pickup areas or a reputable taxi app.
Immigration questions or problemsStay calm, ask for an interpreter if needed, and call 1345 for visa or stay questions.

Need help?

1330Korea Travel Helpline

Tourist information and interpretation. Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese are available around the clock; other languages have limited hours. In Korea dial 1330; from overseas dial +82-2-1330. Ordinary phone calls may be charged; calls over the internet through VisitKorea can be free.

1345Immigration Contact Center

For visa, stay and immigration questions. It is not an emergency line: it is open on weekdays, and after 18:00 help is in Korean, English and Chinese.

112Police

For crime or danger.

119Fire / Ambulance / Rescue

For a serious medical emergency, fire or rescue.

Airport help desks are inside every terminal. At Incheon you can also call 1577-2600.

More guides for Incheon International Airport

Official sources

Transport schedules, fares, counter positions and opening hours change. Confirm them with the official provider before you rely on them.

Information last checked: 2026-10-07