ICN Layover--Lounge or Transit Tour
Jun 1, 2014, 9:29 am
#2
Join Date: May 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: US Chairman, Marriott Platinum, PCR Platinum, and SPG Gold
Posts: 1,244
If you've never been into Seoul, take a transit tour or just take the airport express train into the city center and wander around, eat some korean bbq and some street food.
Jun 2, 2014, 6:22 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,351
The only "catch" with transit tours is that you have to go at a specific time.
http://www.airport.kr/iiacms/pageWor...de=C1202020600
That being said, going into Seoul on AREX solo is totally doable.
http://www.airport.kr/iiacms/pageWor...de=C1202020600
That being said, going into Seoul on AREX solo is totally doable.
Sep 1, 2015, 1:58 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 69
Cash for transit tours?
I understand the tours are free but do the attractions on the transit tours take credit cards or should I take some local currency out of the ATM? If so, how much? I don't plan on souvenir shopping, just entrance fees for the temples and lunch for two people.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Sep 4, 2015, 12:49 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,351
I'd take out, seriously, 20,000W if you're not going to buy anything. 98% of places take cards, but just in case. Also, a great way to burn any leftover cash... spend it on real Korean snacks at the 7-Eleven. It's the best gift!
Sep 12, 2015, 6:11 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: Skyteam
Posts: 5,759
I like the snack idea.
Sep 18, 2015, 8:30 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: EWR
Posts: 56
I'm getting in ICN at approx. 4am and leaving for TPE at 10:30AM...any recommendations on what to do? are any of these free tours running that early in the morning? Even taking the train to a nearby city, there might be nothing open till 6-7 right?
Sep 18, 2015, 8:34 am
#11
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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The first airport buses to downtown seem to start sometime after 5 am on most routes. The 4 am arrival gives plenty of time to catch the first departures. [I did this recently after the KE JFK-ICN A380 that's scheduled to arrive at 4:10 am.] IIRC the train begins somewhat later but would be faster, depending on which area of Seoul you plan to see.
Sep 18, 2015, 4:43 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: EWR
Posts: 56
The first airport buses to downtown seem to start sometime after 5 am on most routes. The 4 am arrival gives plenty of time to catch the first departures. [I did this recently after the KE JFK-ICN A380 that's scheduled to arrive at 4:10 am.] IIRC the train begins somewhat later but would be faster, depending on which area of Seoul you plan to see.
Sep 19, 2015, 4:30 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,351
Nothing will be going at that time. It's a total waste to come into Seoul. Ghost town of zombie commuters and A FEW restaurants and shops open. Besides, you'll have to leave by 8 AM. Myeongdong certainly won't be open nor will any sites.
Sep 19, 2015, 10:43 pm
#14
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: TPA
Programs: United - PG, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,625
Does anyone know how much time needs to be left between arrival and tour departure, and then tour completion and departure.
I'm arriving on CX at 2pm and leaving on UAL at 6pm. There is a 2 hour tour from 3-5. Is an hour on either end sufficient?
I'm arriving on CX at 2pm and leaving on UAL at 6pm. There is a 2 hour tour from 3-5. Is an hour on either end sufficient?
Sep 20, 2015, 8:40 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,351
I don't think it's sufficient. 5 PM is busy evening departure time, so you might encounter some small wait at security. By the time you check in, security, customs, take the train, that will be 5:30-5:40 by the time you get to your gate. Way too close for comfort.