Korea - Getting from ICN to downtown Seoul

Hi,

Next week I will be in Seoul for a 14 hour layover and am planning on going exploring in the city. I have managed to find a number of sites I want to see that are all accessible with the subway system but can't figure out whether or not it is possible to get on the Subway system or not directly from the airport. If I can does anyone know what stop the airport is at. Otherwise, what is the best way to get to the subway system from ICN airport? Also, any reccomendations on lunch?

Check out the buses from ICN to Seoul. Unless you want to take a taxi (pretty expensive), I think your options are pretty limited. The buses are much nicer than I expected. In the US I avoid buses when ever possible, however the one I took from Suwon to ICN was very comfortable.
ICN is a good poke out from the city. If you time it poorly, it could take 90 plus minutes.

Hi,

Next week I will be in Seoul for a 14 hour layover and am planning on going exploring in the city. I have managed to find a number of sites I want to see that are all accessible with the subway system but can't figure out whether or not it is possible to get on the Subway system or not directly from the airport. If I can does anyone know what stop the airport is at. Otherwise, what is the best way to get to the subway system from ICN airport? Also, any reccomendations on lunch?

do a search on this thread, sometime last 2-3 months there was extensive information re this subject -- off hand can't seem to remember exactly when

If you time it poorly, it could take 90 plus minutes.

This is correct, it's about 60 mins to downtown Seoul in light traffic, so if you arrive anywhere near rush hour then 90 minutes is very likely.

You could get the bus to Gimpo airport and pick up the tube from there, I think that there is a bus about every 10 mins from Incheon to Gimpo and it takes about 20 - 30 mins. As previously stated, the buses are very comfortable and have big reclining seats.

For lunch, go to any Korean restaurant. You'll have to take your shoes off and sit on the floor, but it's all part of the experience. Definitely try the kimchi and most of the fish dishes are excellent (careful if you order octopus, it may well be alive)

Doug

Gimpo is also a little bit strung out from the two city centres so why not take a bus downtown?

And I would take a closer look at the menu and prices before entering a restaurant. Korean eateries tend to specialize in a few dishes and cooking styles and some of the most expensive ones don't look the part.

The fastest way to get to downtown Seoul is via airport express buses (non-stop between ICN - downtown Seoul). It is about 50 - 60 minutes depending on traffic to downtown (either south or north of the Han river). There are two lines (one for Seoul Station and the other for Kangnam Express Bus terminal/JW Marriott). You can take that but from either 4B or 9B. Both lines linked with subway system (Seoul Station and Kangnam Express Bus Terminal). If you buy return ticket, it will cost you KRW 23,000 (One way is KRW 13,000)
There is no "subway" system linked with ICN although GMP has one (line 5 - purple). There will be airport express train (similar to HKG's Airport Expres) but no "subway" extension planned at this point.
Seoul is roughly divide into north and south part of Han river. North is more traditional, and has lots of palaces and historical stuff.

Thank you hsyoo for your information. A question for you, which bus terminal (Seoul or Kangnam) is on the North side of the river?

I would recommend you take the direct bus Airport to Seoul Station - 23000Won return. The buses depart quite frequently. You have to buy a ticket inside the airport, and they leave from post 4A or 10A on arrivals level.
Once downtown (seoul station) you are on subway line 1 or 4

Seoul has two "sort of" city centers. One is old city center located north of Han River. The new city center is located south of the river. Similar to Puxi and Pudong in Shanghai.
Seoul Station is located in north of the River, and close to Seoul City Center. Recomends Palaces (Kyungbok and Duksoo Palaces), Secret Garden, Seoul City Tower, and Namdaemoon and Dongdaemoon market. Also recommend to Seoul City Tour Bus (www.seoulcitytourbus.com) at Seoul Station. It is a hop on/off tour bus touring around Seoul City. You can also take "Chungkyechon Double Decker bus".

If you need more info, please PM me.

Heesang

Thanks for the info hsyoo and chavada, I will be arriving at 8:00 AM and leaving at 4:PM on January 1st 2007. That's right on New Year. Do you think anything will open or I just need to take it easy and stay in the airport lounge instead?

In Korea, Lunar New Year is more important. I think that it maybe better for you to travel around Seoul. There will be a lot of "new year" stuff taking place at Seoul City Hall, Chungkyechon, Seoul Station and Namsan. Take the tour bus and visit Korea House.

If you need more help, let me know

Heesang