I've got an upcoming long connection in ICN on Asiana flying BKK-LAX. Get in a bit before 07:00, depart about 16:30. I want to take one of those transit tours that do the highlights of Seoul city, maybe a 4-ish hour tour. I notice there are different itinerary offerings. Assuming that there is a choice of tour on the day I happen to be there, and the time frames work with my schedule, any recommendations, comments, or reviews from anybody who's done one of these? Failing that, any "top priorities" or "must-sees" that might help me choose tour X vs tour Y? I'm of a historical/architectural/cultural inclination.

I'll save the DMZ for a future visit when there's more time than just a connection to spend in Korea. And since I have lounge access, I can easily spend leftover filler time before the onward flight to LAX, so don't want to push and take too long of a tour.

I don't think they have a 4 hour Seoul City tour as it takes over an hour too and from ICN to Seoul. I think the shorter tour is of Incheon City.

You have quite some time before your next flight. I would highly recommend getting in to the city to see something. After all, how often do you get a chance to explore a new place? I think the transit tour is probably a very good way to get a glimpse of the city. But if you want to go explore on your own and are adventurous to take the subway (really easy), then I would recommend the following.


1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/html/eng/main/main.jsp
or
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/...jsp?cid=264337

If you time it right, you can watch the changing of the guards. Quite a colorful event, be sure and bring a camera.

2. Insadong Area.

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/...sp?cid=1021966

Then not too far away is Insadong area, really only one street. But it is a good arts and craft area. You can pick up Korean souvenirs there.

3. Cheonggyecheon Stream.

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/...sp?cid=1021966

Just a block away from Insadong.


How to hit all 3 places from Incheon Airport? First drop off any bags you do not want to bring at the Baggage Holding service on the Departure level. I believe it is towards the left side of the terminal (assuming you are facing the terminal from the street). Or check it in for your next flight if possible.

Then go down to B1 level and hop on the AREX Airport Express train. Cost is 8,000 won. It goes non stop from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station. It takes 43 minutes.

Next follow signs to get to the Subway line 1, go north towards Jongno 3(sam)-ga. It is 3 stops away from Seoul Station. Then transfer to line 3 and go north to Gyeongbokgung station. It is 2 stops from Jongno 3(sam)-ga. You want to come out of Exit #5. You have just reached Gyeongbokgung Palace. It doesn't get any closer than this!

Afterwards, head back to the same station and take the subway one stop to Anguk station. You passed it on the way to Gyeongbokgung. Come out to Exit #6. Walk maybe a few feet towards the intersection. To your left you will see Insadong area. It is mostly a pedestrian only street and lots of things to see and do there. Enjoy the area. Some good tea house on the second floor of some buildings.

To get to the Cheonggyecheon Stream, walk down Insadong until you hit a large street and can go no further. At the street, turn right, then head to the intersection. You will want to cross the street (where the KFC is) and then turn right once you cross the street. You will be heading towards Jonggak station. As you walk in that direction, the Stream is parallel to you on your left side. To get to the stream, just turn left at Jonggak station and you will come across a bridge that goes over the stream. The stream beginning will be a bit down towards your right side.

To get back to the airport, walk back to Jonggak station. Take it south to Seoul station (2 stops), then follow the sign for AREX (Airport Express). Just fyi, there are quite a bit of escalators involved in finally getting to the AREX.

All of this can be done easily within 4 or 5 hours.

Fyi, if you have an iphone there is an app called Jihachul. It has a subway map of Seoul in English. Even has the AREX line to the airport. It does use data if you want to get a street map from the station but it is very helpful in getting around the city.

Enjoy your trip! Maybe post a trip report once you are done.

Wow, thanks for information above. I'll definitely get out of the airport and do something--doing it myself instead of a tour is actually my usual methodology, but I figured why not be a lazy slug for a change and let somebody else do the thinking for me.

As for tour times, I was looking at this tour (4 hours) and these tours (5 hours) which seem to be by a commercial agent and I've found another as well (Hana tour).

I will definitely want to get back in time for a shower and clothes change before that flight to LAX. I hear there are free showers on the 4th floor?? Neck massage at reasonable cost??

Those tours are very expensive. You can have a much better time on your own spending less than that.

Yes, I thought the tours were a little expensive myself. And quality/mood of guide you get is out of one's control. Before I embark, I'll do a little homework on history/background and take along the How-To's thoughtfully provided above nme7 for a DIY self-tour, and see how lazy or energetic I feel when I arrive in ICN. Then make the final decision on how to play this.

Yes, it is free but I believe you have to pay for a towel. I forget how much the towel costs, but it was reasonable. I believe the massage place is also in the same area.

How did you end up spending you layover, jiejie?

I have a 7 hours+ layover coming up next week (12:20-20:00), and also want to leave the airport for a bit and thought the transit tours were on the expensive side. Also, I believe we don't qualify for a free tour given our "short" connection (on OZ).

Thanks, nme7, for the detailed suggestion. We will look into your itinerary^

Definitely go into Seoul, stay near the City Hall area and grab a decent lunch then see Namdaemun market and the newly restored gate.

We're kind of in the same boat but we have already seen the main sights of Seoul on previous visits. I've already been to Panmunjon, husband isn't interested. We've also done a free temple tour on a previous transit.

We are arriving on TG around 7am, departing on AC around 4:30pm in J class so have *A lounge access. I haven't found anything else of interest unless someone here has some ideas? I wish ICN had the free massages in the lounge like BKK does! Should we go to the Asiana lounge or is there a better one for *A?