Korea - Overnight layover ICN

I've searched a few threads related to the topic, but none quite answer my dilemma - I will be arriving in ICN at 6pm and flying out the next morning at 9am ... should I take the train into Seoul for the night or stay closer to the airport?

I realize near the airport would be cheaper and easier, but is it worthwhile to go into the city? At best I will only have a few hours - after security and the train in, I figure I'd get there around 9pm and then would want to leave around 6 am or so.

Thoughts?

That is a rather short layover to go downtown to see anything short of the night markets as well as achieve any quality rest. Stay at the Hyatt by ICN - great hotel. Little more price conscience you can choose the New ICN Airport Hotel

Incheon - the town, is a trip. It is populated by airport workers, towns people and few passengers. I stayed at a bizarre apartment hotel with two hugh vending machines in the room, self cleaning robotic toilet, and way more electronics than was necessary. I found a barbeque joint a few blocks away that refused to feed me because I was western. I knew it had to be great so I pleaded and they fed me. The food was stupefyingly unbelievable. It was one of those great travel experiences that I'll always remember. YMMV.

chefdg1 any chance you remember the name of either the hotel or the restaurant?

Thx

Sorry, I can remember the hotel room and the restaurant vividly. Unfortunately the names are a blank. I do remember that it was an area called Incheon Airport Town Square (which is very close to the airport). This is not Incheon - the city. It's a whole other thing. It felt more like Blade Runner Town. I hope that makes some sense. I've just returned from a day of wine tasting.

I too have a short (16 hour) layover at ICN. I'm opting to stay in Airport Town Square, which is the area near Unseo station. I haven't been there before, but it sounds like a good option. The restaurant mentioned in this thread may be the same one mentioned in the review here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/902208-review-incheon-airport-town-hotel-queen.html

I'm staying at Hotel Sky Incheon, incidentally.

Two hotels about 1 mile away, Best Western and Hyatt. Both have complimentary shuttle buses. I usually stay at BW and then cross the street to Hyatt for dinner.

Your other option is to remain in the airport, book the transit hotel [above the airport lounges], comfortable, reasonable price. Then you can walk the airport, get a bit to eat as there are some nice fast food or restaurants to choose from.[then you can just check bags through]

Thanks for the tips, found a hostel near ICN for $20 a night - reviews were looked awesome and as I'm travelling F class I figure I can handle a little slumming for a stop as short as this! ;)

I've located two photos of the places I could not remember. One is the bizarre hotel room and the other (more importantly) is the restaurant that I thought was terrific. Good luck.

https://picasaweb.google.com/114757301323865799963/Flyers?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTqv4H74fvbnAE