Plan for the perfect layover in Seoul
Last Updated on August 5, 2024 by Alex
Do you have a 10-hour layover in Seoul? Or maybe you have 12 hours to spend in the city and want to plan for the perfect itinerary. If this is your first time in the town, we have you covered! We created this itinerary to make your life easier and help you make the best of your time.
We lived in Seoul for one year and will share our knowledge with you, so you won’t have to worry.
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Table of Contents
The perfect layover in Seoul
Getting to the city from Incheon Airport
Incheon Airport is perfectly linked to the city center. Depending on your budget, there are plenty of transportation options.
It is also worth knowing that if you come from a visa-exempt country, you still need to obtain the K-ETA.
Airport Railroad Express (AREX) – Fastest
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) offers a fast and convenient way to reach the city center. The AREX train runs directly from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station downtown.
The journey takes approximately 43 minutes.
You can purchase tickets for the AREX train at the airport or through vending machines located in the terminal.
Airport Limousine Bus – Cheapest
Airport limousine buses operate regularly between Incheon Airport and various destinations in Seoul’s city center.
These buses provide a comfortable and hassle-free option for travelers with luggage.
The bus stops are outside each terminal’s arrival halls. As for tickets, purchase them directly at the ticket booths or from the bus driver.
Read the complete guide for taking the limousine bus
Taxi – most comfortable
Taxis are readily available at the taxi stands outside the arrival halls of each terminal at Incheon Airport.
While taxis offer door-to-door service and may be more convenient for travelers with heavy luggage or traveling to specific locations, they tend to be more expensive compared to the alternatives.
Make sure to use licensed taxis and confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
You should reduce commuting time when you stay for less than a day. Thus, the best way to get to the city center is by AREX.
Transit tours from Incheon Airport
If you would rather go on an organized tour, you must know plenty of transit tour options are offered for free (or almost free).
You can register online or directly at the Transit Tour Information Desk in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. For the exact location and more information, check their official website here.
There are plenty of options depending on your flight time and what you would like to do and see in Seoul.
Golf lovers can spend 5 hours on a golf course, culture lovers can have a hanbok experience (traditional Korean clothes), and history lovers can go to see the official residence and office of the President of the Republic of Korea or Gyeongbokgung Palace (the most important of the 5 palaces in Seoul).
If you arrive on a Tuesday, you can choose to visit the famous DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the border between South and North Korea.
On Thursdays, you can step into the future with a visit to Hyundai Motorstudio in Goyang.
No matter what you are interested in—shopping, temples, history, art, or nature—there is a tour available for you.
What to do in 10 hours in Seoul
However, if you would rather organize the tour yourself, here is exactly what you can do when you have 10 or 12 hours to spend in Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The main palace in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace, is perfectly located in the city center.
Take the Airport Railroad train from Incheon to Gongdeok Station. From there, switch to purple line number 5 and get off at Gwanghwamun Station. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a 5-minute walk away.
Allocate around 1.5 hours for the commute.
Admire the change of guard and step through the palace’s majestic gates, and you will be transported back to the Joseon Dynasty. Here, you can explore ornate halls, tranquil pavilions, and meticulously landscaped gardens.
The palace’s main highlight, the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, perched elegantly over a serene pond, offers breathtaking views and serves as a reminder of the grandeur of ancient Korean architecture.
Guided tours and cultural performances provide insights into royal life and customs, while the nearby National Folk Museum offers a deeper understanding of Korean culture and traditions.
You can spend around 2 hours exploring the Palace and its gardens.
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Admission Fees
Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won
Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Groups (10 people or more): 1,200 won
Free on the last Wednesday of the month and while wearing a hanbok.
Bukchon Hanok Village and Cafe
Bukchon Hanok Village is an area worth exploring that is within walking distance of the palace.
The neighborhood offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Korean architecture and culture.
Read the complete list of things to do in Bukchon Hanok Village!
As one of the few remaining areas where hanok (traditional Korean houses) have been preserved, Bukchon provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the charm of old Seoul.
Exploring the winding alleyways and narrow streets of Bukchon, visitors can admire beautifully restored hanok homes, each with its own distinctive architectural features and history.
Many of these houses have been converted into galleries, museums, teahouses, and cultural centers, offering opportunities to learn about traditional crafts, art, and lifestyle.
Allocate 1.5 hours for Bukchon Hanok Village.
Have Korean BBQ in Insadong
Cross the street from Bukchon Hanok Village and head over to Insadong.
Explore Insadong’s bustling main street, where you’ll find an array of traditional Korean shops, galleries, and tea houses.
Be sure to browse through the numerous boutiques selling handmade crafts, antiques, and unique souvenirs, which are perfect for picking up a memento for your visit.
Stop at a local restaurant inside traditional houses and taste the famous Korean BBQ.
Allocate 1.5 hours for lunch.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Continue your visit with a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Once an urban eyesore, the stream underwent a remarkable transformation in the early 2000s when it was restored and revitalized into a pristine public space.
Today, Cheonggyecheon is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil retreat from the noise and congestion of urban life.
Spend 30 minutes here.
Shop ’till you drop in Myeongdong
The main place to buy skincare in Seoul is Myeongdong, a vibrant area packed with shops, street food stalls, and restaurants.
It is always packed with tourists, no matter the time of day, and you can always find something cool to do.
From many of the Myeongdong streets, you can admire the famous NSeoul Tower, perched up on Namsan Mountain.
Optional: Namsan Mountain + NSeoul Tower
By now, you might not have much time left, but a visit to the NSeoul Tower offers a view of Seoul’s skyline.
The fastest way to reach the mountain’s top is by cable car directly from Myeongdong.
As one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks, the tower symbolizes the city’s modernity and innovation.
From the top, the sprawling metropolis unfolds below, with landmarks such as the Han River, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Lotte World Tower visible on clear days.
The tower also houses various attractions, including a digital observatory, a souvenir shop, and rotating restaurants offering delectable cuisine and stunning city views.
Book your Namsan Cable Car ticket here!
Book your N Seoul Tower Ticket with a discount here!
Now that you know what to expect, perhaps a layover in Seoul is not such a bad idea after all.
