Unfiltered Dummy’s Guide to Navigating Seoul
Kimchi land! Not sure how to navigate your way through the Oppa-land? This quick guide is your best friend!
Quick Guide: From Incheon Airport to Seoul Station
1. Arrival at Incheon International Airport
I flew into South Korea on Korean Air from Singapore’s Terminal 4 to Incheon’s Terminal 2, with a smooth 6-hour flight and no delays. During the flight, I chose bibimbap, a Korean classic, for my meal—it was surprisingly good for airline food! The Korean stewardesses were kind and courteous, and interestingly, they mistook me for Korean (maybe it was my outfit!). They spoke both Korean and English fluently, which made communication a breeze.
Before landing, they handed out arrival cards, a helpful time-saver for the immigration process, so be sure to fill one out during the flight. For travelers from visa-exempt countries, remember to apply for a K-ETA before traveling, as it can take up to 72 hours for approval. Visit K-ETA’s website to apply and check Korean Air’s entry requirements page for any specific travel requirements based on nationality.
2. From Incheon Airport to Seoul Station
AREX Express Train
- Fare: 11,000 KRW
- Frequency: Every 20-40 minutes
- Travel Time: Around 40 minutes
- Experience: Provides a direct, comfortable, and quick way to reach Seoul Station.
AREX All Stop Train
- Fare: Ranges from 4,150 to 4,750 KRW
- Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes
- Travel Time: Approximately 60 minutes
- Experience: A more budget-friendly option, stopping at multiple stations along the way.
| Train Type | Cost (KRW) | Frequency | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express | 11,000 | Every 20-40 min | 40 min |
| AREX All Stop | 4,150 - 4,750 | Every 5-10 min | 60 min |
You should be able to get the ticket via the ticketing machine.
3. eSIM/SIM Cards and T-Money Card
Where to Get a SIM Card or eSIM
You can buy a local SIM card or activate an eSIM directly at Incheon Airport. The main telecom providers (SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+) have counters right in the arrivals hall.
Getting a T-Money Card
A T-Money card is a must for easy travel on public transport. You can buy and top it up at convenience stores like GS25 or at any subway station, making it simple to travel around the city and even grab a snack on the go.
Got the 20 days ESIM package (60,500 Won) with T-Money Card.
4. Navigating Seoul Station
Seoul Station can be confusing with its multiple exits and levels. To save time and hassle, I recommend downloading the Naver Map app. I spent about 30 minutes wandering around the station before finding the right exit—not too bad for a first visit, but Naver Map can make it easier to get oriented.
5. Quick Survival Korean Guide
On the plane and train, I crammed in some last-minute survival Korean to get the basics down:
- Hello - annyeonghaseyo (ann-yawn-ha-se-yo)
- Goodbye - annyeonghi gaseyo (ann-yawn-gi-ga-se-yo)
- Thank you - gamsahabnida (gum-sa-ha-ni-da)
- This, please - igeosjuseyo (i-gor-ju-se-yo) [handy for ordering food]
- Water, please - muljuseyo (moo-ju-se-yo)
Final Thoughts and Future Plans
This guide should make your arrival and transit into Seoul smoother. Stay tuned for more updates as I explore South Korea for three weeks, including a trip to the DMZ for a glimpse of North Korea!
Let me know where are the good places to visit here in South Korea!