Korea - 7.5 Hour Layover in Seoul

I have 7.5 hours from the time the plane lands until the connecting flight departs. So if I subtract out the time for the plane to taxi, deplane, collect my bags,then clear customs, will I have time to see something worthwhile in the city and be back at the airport in time? Top of my list to see is the DMZ, but I know that's not possible. My second choice is to see Kyongbok Palace. Does anyone know if it's possible to see Kyongbok Palace and be back at the airport within 4.5 hours?

I think you could do it - just. Seoul is a decent drive from ICN but if you spent the same amount of time at the palace as I did you'll be fine (about 90mins). Just inside the entrance their are basic printed guides in several different languages that are quite useful, otherwise do what we did and just follow a tour group around :)

I have 7.5 hours from the time the plane lands until the connecting flight departs. So if I subtract out the time for the plane to taxi, deplane, collect my bags,then clear customs, will I have time to see something worthwhile in the city and be back at the airport in time? Top of my list to see is the DMZ, but I know that's not possible. My second choice is to see Kyongbok Palace. Does anyone know if it's possible to see Kyongbok Palace and be back at the airport within 4.5 hours?

I was born in Korea and spent almost 30 years in Seoul.

DMZ.. no way

Kyongbok Palace.

it depends on the day you are traveling.

If it is saturday or sunday, I say Yes.

http://www.airport.kr/airport/traffic/bus/busList.iia?flag=E

Take BUS 6005 (Fare is less than $10, you need to pay with Korea Won) -

Takes about 1hr during weekends.. 1-2hr during weedays

Get off Gwanghwamoon

Check A6, A7 & A8 here

http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/countries_map/map-picture/seoul.jpg

good luck

You have a few more options at Seoul. First, there's the transit tours designed just for people like you (see the Incheon Airport website). Second, the Goodwill Guides are free in Seoul and can take you to the sites of your choice - they're wonderful (google for Korea Goodwill Guides - must be reserved ahead of time). In addition, there's a great waterpark and spa in Incheon itself - just a short cab away. I fly Asiana Air, and when a traveler has > 8 hrs in transit they give a free day-use hotel in Incheon City w/lunch (I've done this twice, but not sure if this applies year round or not).

I was born in Korea and spent almost 30 years in Seoul.

DMZ.. no way

Kyongbok Palace.

it depends on the day you are traveling.

If it is saturday or sunday, I say Yes.

http://www.airport.kr/airport/traffic/bus/busList.iia?flag=E

Take BUS 6005 (Fare is less than $10, you need to pay with Korea Won) -

Takes about 1hr during weekends.. 1-2hr during weedays

Get off Gwanghwamoon

Check A6, A7 & A8 here

http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/countries_map/map-picture/seoul.jpg

good luck

Thanks for the info. It looks like the bus takes you close to Kyongbok palace, but you can't really tell from the map how far or close it is. Do you know how long of a walk it is from the Gwanghwamoon bus stop to the palace front gates? I need to track every minute so I can get back to the airport in time. Realistically, I may only have 2 hours from the time I get off the bus to the time I get back on. Wonder if it's worth the effort.

You have a few more options at Seoul. First, there's the transit tours designed just for people like you (see the Incheon Airport website). Second, the Goodwill Guides are free in Seoul and can take you to the sites of your choice - they're wonderful (google for Korea Goodwill Guides - must be reserved ahead of time). In addition, there's a great waterpark and spa in Incheon itself - just a short cab away. I fly Asiana Air, and when a traveler has > 8 hrs in transit they give a free day-use hotel in Incheon City w/lunch (I've done this twice, but not sure if this applies year round or not).
Thanks. I'm also flying Asiana Air. They offered a choice of a stay at a hotel or a city tour. I chose the city tour, but I have no idea what the route is. My guess is they'll take us to places like Itaewon, which I have absolutely no interest in seeing.

Thanks for the info. It looks like the bus takes you close to Kyongbok palace, but you can't really tell from the map how far or close it is. Do you know how long of a walk it is from the Gwanghwamoon bus stop to the palace front gates? .


Do you know how long of a walk it is from the Gwanghwamoon bus stop to the palace front gates?

15min

Problem... Former Korean president killed himself.. So sad...
I expect a lot of protestors against the current president near downtown.. Not a good time to visit Seoul downtown.