We are booked BKK-LAX on OZ via ICN. We arrive 5.50am and depart 4.30pm. we are in F, and my first question was whether OZ offers F pax transit hotel rooms - but that is probably better suited for the Other Asian FF Programs forum.

So here are my questions:

1. I see there is a transit hotel - what are its rates? How are the rooms? is it worthwhile?

2. Given the 10 hrs or so in transit, is it possible and worthwhile to leave the airport and go somewhere in the vicinity? How far is Soeul? Are there other proximate places that would be interesting to see in a morning?

3. If we arrive from BKK and want to shower and rest in the OZ F Lounge and then leave the airport to see the sights, is that possible form the departure level?

4. Are there "attractions" in the airport which could occupy us for 10 hrs? I know there are internet lounges etc.. but that's not what could last for 10 hrs. We will have an 18 month old with us. I see on the airport's site that they have a transit Koreo tour desk which can book you on a tour - anyone tried that and what did you think?

Thanks in advance.

I had a 7-hour layover in ICN last year. (connection between two different carriers) I took the Korean Air bus into Seoul. Very nice bus with big comfy seats.(two on the left and a single seat on the right) The bus goes into downtown Seoul area, near the City Hall. From there, I took a taxi and told the driver to take me to "all the usual tourist sites" within 3 hours. He spoke decent English and I saw plenty of Seoul(as much as one can see in 3 hours). At each location, I got out and took pictures and looked around.(managed to use up the entire 2GB CF card in my camera in 3 hours) I paid the driver the equivlant of USD$100 and he seemed very happy about it. At the end, he drove me to The Radisson Plaza Hotel where I took the Korean Air Bus back to ICN.

When I got back to ICN, I still had plenty of time left so I walked around the airport shops & restaurants. (had some sort Korean noodles... very tasty, but I didn't know what it was.. just pointed to the fake plastic food display and ordered)

I don't know about your ticket, but my OZ ticket provided for either a transit tour or a hotel (outside the airport). I had an 8 hour layover. The transit tour included a stop outside the Presidential palace, some mall, and a traditional Korean lunch. It was about a 45-min ride from ICN to Seoul.

I know there is a transit hotel in the terminal you can use by the hour, but with that much time I would find a tour into Seoul for a look-see.

ICN is a pretty nice and efficient airport, but I wouldn't spend 10 hours there. Instead, take the limousine bus to the Bus Terminal or Gangnam, and do some sightseeing or shopping. The trip to the city takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic. You'll find more details in the Asia forum.

I would head over to the Incheon Hyatt for their spa, have a leisurely soak and possibly massage there and take the bus to Seoul at around 9am when the worst traffic jams are over. If you want to see palaces and traditional markets head north of the Han river, if more interested in a/c:ed shopping malls and modern architecture then south. Just leave enough buffer on your way back, traffic is unpredictable.

Seoul is far from an ideal sightseeing destination, especially with a toddler, so I would seriously consider spending part of the day at the Hyatt ( spa & very nice lunch buffet ) and then heading into the comfy OZ lounge for resting before your onward flight.