I've convinced one of my work colleagues that it's a good idea to do a quick weekend run to SEL and back on the cheap UA H fares (missed out on the good PVG fares).

Can you get to downtown SEL from Kimpo and back in 5 hours (layover for turn) and is there anything open on Sunday (I've only been during the week).

Thanks,
Greg

there is a city tour that leaves around 7am or 1pm. it's supposed to be about 4 hrs. good luck.

Hopefully Sunday is akay for you here but the traffic can be brutal!

Can it be done? yes.

Would I advise it? No!

If your planes come in and go out as scheduled (always chancy), you'll touch down at 1510. By the time you make it through customs and immigration it could easily be an hour later. Your flight departs at 2010, and SEL recommends being at the airport 2 hours ahead of departure time. I've cut that short, but wouldn't be inclined to cut it shorter than an hour (to make sure you get through the check-in chaos and back through customs and immigration in time).

Really that leaves only 3 hours. Downtown Seoul is at least a half hour away by taxi, assuming no traffic problems (i.e., I think it was actually done once back in the '80s). So, if everything clicks like clockwork - not likely - you really have only 2 hours to see the city.

Better to extend the mileage run one day and really take a look at the city. It's worth it. Great Oriental palaces and shopping areas and lots more.

Thanks all. I've been to SEL 3-4 times over the past few years, and I never saw the 30 minute traffic, either. I couldn't remember if there was a train - I just remembered the KAL Limousine Bus.

We had tried to do an extra day, but office situations changed, but we were unwilling to forego the weekend where our spouses were also out of town on business to do something this brazenly stupid.

Now we're working on the 1K ups.

Doesn't look good - taking my prophylactic aspirin.

Miles Good. Clots Bad.

Greg

There is a subway line from the airport but it stops at every station. Reaching downtown could take a while.

Be fore warned, I think you might be pushing it with only 5 hours. Traffic can take anywhere from 1/2 hour to 2 hours from Kimpo to downtown.

I was flying from Seoul to Pusan and it took me 2 hours by subway to get to the airport, 1 hour in the air from sel to pus then 2 hours from the Pusan airport to the beach!!!

Now that being said, if it was me I'd venture out for a quick trip as sitting in Kimpo for 5 hours will likely seem like an eternity.

There are plenty of things to do on a Sunday in Seoul, what are you interested in? Shopping, sightseeing, eating out?? Let me know and I can give you some tips on places to go that are somewhat close to the airport.

The closest thing to the airport that might be of interest would be Costco/Priceclub, if you have a US card it will get you in and it's only 20-25 min from the airport! (12 subway stops on the same line as the airport)