Flights

 

It isn’t easy to distinguish between international and domestic airports in Korea. There are numerous airports throughout Korea, many of which offer flights to other countries. Here we’ll introduce three of the biggest and also provide links if you want to find further information on the others.

We recommend thinking twice before flying domestically within Korea because the distances between cities aren’t very big anyway, not to mention it harms the environment. Alternatively, high speed rail (KTX) takes you in 2 hours from Seoul to Busan or Gwangju. See our Trains page for more information.

 

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[accordion-item title=”Incheon International Airport”]

The Incheon International Airport is the biggest airport in Korea and the most common entry point for international visitors into Korea. Every year it has around 40 million passengers and since 2005 it has been rated as the best airport worldwide by Airports Council International every year. It extremely clean, efficient and has great transit facilities. A second terminal is currently under construction which will increase the airport’s capacity even further.

The airport was built on an artificially created piece of land between two islands in 2001 and is located a 43 minute train ride away from Seoul. The reclaimed island is still being developed with building projects all over the island. Directly next to the airport are new hotel developments and a supermarket. Further down the road on the island is the town of Unseo, a convenient place to stay if you have an early morning flight, or you plane arrives very late.

Transport

There are many ways to get from the airport to Seoul and other parts of Korea.

• Airport Railroad (A’REX)
  Usually the cheapest and most efficient way to travel to Seoul or other locations close by. The railroad is integrated into the metro/subway network so you’re not limited to traveling to one station. There is a higher price express version of this train which is non-stop to Seoul Station but is only 10 minutes faster. Click the link above to view the A’REX site for more information.

 

• Airport Bus (Airport Limousine)
  There are so many buses when you walk out of the arrivals area at Incheon Airport that it can be overwhelming. Don’t be fooled by the name “Airport Limousines”, these buses are cheap and go to most places in Seoul and surrounding areas. Transport cards can be used on these services. Be aware that some airlines also have coaches that travel to Seoul which are more expensive and sometimes ticket sellers will try and approach travelers to use their bus. There is nothing wrong with airline limousines, they simply cost more.

 

• KTX (High speed train)
  You can travel directly to other cities from the airport. KTX trains are high speed and will whip you across the country to your destination at 300km/h. For more information see our Incheon Airport page.

 

• Taxi
  Many different types of taxis operate from the airport. Taking a taxi is not recommended due to the cost and distance of getting to most locations from the airport. The distance from the airport to Seoul Station is approximately 60km or just over one hour. For more information see our taxis page.

Check out the Incheon International Airport website for departures/arrivals and all other related information.

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[accordion-item title=”Jeju International Airport”]

Jeju Island (Jeju-do), Korea’s biggest island is accessible by both airplane and ferry. A popular holiday and honeymoon destination for Koreans, the flight route from Seoul to Jeju is one of the busiest in the world. The airport in Jeju-do is located in the northern part of the island, very close to Jeju City. Transport by bus and taxi to and from the airport is very good.

Jeju Airport is unique in that domestic travelers are also able purchase items at duty free stores.

Visit the Jeju International Airport website for more information.

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[accordion-item title=”Gimpo Airport”]

Despite the name, Gimpo Airport is actually within the city limits of Seoul and not Gimpo City. Gimpo Airport is sometimes mistaken as a domestic-only airport since Incheon International Airport opened in 2001. In fact, it still serves many international flights including services to Tokyo, Beijing, Taipei, Shanghai, Osaka, Nagoya just to name a few.

Gimpo Airport was the second biggest airport of Korea until 2013. In 2014 Jeju had more passengers than Gimpo and claimed the spot. If you’re flying to Jeju Island, you’ll most likely use this airport. Flights to Jeju are served by Air Busan, Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, Tway, Eastar and Jin Air.

Getting there

Gimpo Airport is very easy to get to with all airport buses stopping here first before they continue on to Incheon. Of course the airport rail also travels through Gimpo as well as being connected to lines 5 and 9.

Visit the Gimpo Airport Website for more information.

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Links to all other international and regional airports can be found via the Korea Airport Corporation Website.