Korea Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: From Incheon Airport to Seoul
1. After Landing
After your plane lands in Korea, your first step is immigration. Even if there are long lines, don’t worry! There are signs in English to help you find your way.
2. Pick Up Luggage and Clear Customs
Head to baggage claim to collect your luggage. If you need to declare anything, submit your customs form. Most visitors pass through quickly, but being prepared helps.
3. Currency Exchange
If you don’t have Korean won, no problem! There are plenty of currency exchange counters at the airport. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs using your card. These days, card payments are widely accepted, so you don’t always need cash.
4. Get a SIM Card or Wi-Fi Device
To use maps and translation apps, you’ll need internet. You can easily purchase a travel SIM card or rent a portable Wi-Fi device at the airport.
5. First Must-Do: Buy a T-money Card
Buy a T-money transportation card at convenience stores like CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven inside the airport. We recommend charging it with 5,000 to 10,000 KRW to start.
🚍 Basic Transportation Fares in Seoul:
– Bus: approx. 1,500 KRW
– Subway: approx. 1,350–1,550 KRW
6. Where to Recharge Your T-money Card
You can recharge your card at:
– Subway station ticket machines
– Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)
You can pay with cash or a credit/debit card.
7. How to Get from the Airport to Seoul
AREX Airport Express: The fastest way to Seoul Station. The signs are clearly in English, and you can use your T-money card to board directly.
Airport Limousine Bus: A comfortable choice, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Purchase your ticket at the counter, then find and wait at your designated bus stop.
Taxi: The most convenient but more expensive option. You can use the Kakao T app to call taxis with English support.
8. Getting Around Seoul
Use your T-money card for buses and subways. When riding a bus, tap your card when you board and again when you get off.
Subways provide English announcements and clear signage for easy navigation.
Apps like KakaoMap, Naver Map, Subway Korea (iOS / Android) make planning your route simple.
If possible, try to avoid rush hours, which are typically between 8–9 AM and 6–7 PM.
9. Need Help?
Koreans are usually kind to tourists. If you’re lost, try saying “Excuse me, where is…?” – someone will likely help you out.
10. Recommended Travel Apps
- KakaoMap / Naver Map (Navigation)
- Kakao T (Taxi and transport)
- Subway Korea (iOS / Android)
- Papago (Translation)
11. Make the Most of Your Trip with Easy Korean Guides
Even if you don’t speak Korean, these guides help you use essential phrases while traveling Korea. They’re designed to be simple, useful, and perfect for travelers.
