How to do a free Seoul layover tour
Visiting Seoul during a layover at the Incheon Airport is easier than you might think. Korea offers a free transit tour to those with a layover less than 24 hours. And with a variety of experiences to choose from, the free Seoul layover tour is something everyone should consider. Below you’ll find a complete guide to joining a transit tour on your next layover at Incheon Airport.
What is the free Seoul Transit Tour?
Did you know that Seoul offers free transit tours to visitors. These tours give visitors a glimpse of what traveling in Seoul, and South Korea, would be like. There are many transit tours like Seoul’s around the world, with all of them hoping you have such a good time you decide to come back. It’s basically a way to help them make you a tourist in the future.
The Seoul Transit Tour includes a variety of experiences you are register for. From Hyundai motor experiences to the DMZ, there are plenty of opportunities worth trying. And with a variety of tour times, you’ll find something that fits your travel schedule.
How to I book a free layover tour?
You can book your free tour on the Incheon Airport’s website. Keep in mind that to qualify for the free transit tour you have to have a layover less than 24 hours. So you can’t arrive the airport early after spending a week in Korea and get access to a free tour.
To join your tour you’ll have to go through customs and immigration. Those citizens (including the United States) who have visa-free entry to South Korea are still required to complete a K-ETA online. I found the website to be a bit cumbersome but with enough patience you can get through it!
Getting approval for the K-ETA is very easy. And the process through immigration is even easier, but the staff here is very diligent and take their time. Fortunately there was no one in line during our immigration (it was 5:00 in the morning) but keep in mind that getting through immigration needs to be considered for your transit tour time.
If you can, it’s best to book your tour in advance as they can fill up. But if you find yourself with a longer than intended layover you can always visit the information desk to see if there is a spot available. Sometimes there are no shows due to flight delays. I recommend booking your tour a week in advance.
TRAVEL TIP! Be sure to check out the Grand Hyatt near the airport if you need a hotel for the night, or just a couple of hours. The hotel has a free shuttle and they offer a 20% discount package for the spa for transit passengers. I paid for a night here to freshen up and take a nap after an overnight flight before my transit tour.
What to expect on your Seoul Transit Tour?
The Seoul Transit Tour starts by getting out of customs and immigration at Incheon. Once out you’ll find the marked Transit Tour Information desk. Here you’ll check in to your tour and wait for further instructions.
Once the group is accounted for the (very adorable) transit tour bus will arrive to take you to your final destination. The transit bus is clean, comfy, and even comes with free wifi aboard. On the bus your tour guide will give you more information about where you’re going and Korea’s history. You’re able to leave all your items on the bus during the entire trip, so no need for bag storage!
Depending on your tour your journey and ability to do things on your own varies. I was on the Hongdae Street tour, which was really letting us off the bus to walk around for about an hour and a half. Some of the tours are formal classes, like the Hanoi Workshop.
At the end of your allotted time you’ll get back on the bus for the drive back to the airport. Upon arrival you’ll get a beautiful gift box to commemorate your time in South Korea! Overall, if your experience is anything like mine you’ll have a great time. I was so impressed with how organized the tour company was and how kind all the staff was.
Things to do in Incheon Airport during a layover
If you don’t feel up to a layover tour, or perhaps the timing just doesn’t work for you, there is still plenty of things to do in the Incheon Airport.
Experience Korean culture without leaving the airport
You can visit the Korea Traditional Cultural Experience Center at the airport to learn more about Korean crafts and martial arts. The airport also includes many K-Culture Zones. These Zones offer interactive exhibits, such as dressing in traditional Korean clothing, for free.
See the performances
The Incheon airport includes a variety of daily performances including a changing of the guard and public concert series.
See local arts
Incheon Airport includes many artists works within the airport that are more than worth the time to find them. You can even find the Incheon Airport Museum, which includes a collection of modern art.
Eat Korean food
Don’t forget to take the time to eat some authentic Korean food while in the airport.
Do I need a visa to visit South Korea?
There are many countries, including the United States, that are visa-free to visit South Korea. However, you still are required to complete a K-ETA for entry. The application take about 10-15 minutes to complete and does require a visa photo as a part of the application.
Your application can take more than 72 hours to process. (Personally, mine was approved within a day.) I recommend applying a week prior to your arrival to South Korea.
Can I leave the Incheon Airport during a layover without a guide?
Absolutely! I’d keep in mind, however, the added cost compared to going on a transit tour. The transit tour is free and going out on your own means you have to pay for your transportation. If you decide to go out on your own you can take the train to one of the many stops that head to Incheon. The easiest destination you can venture to on your own is Hongdae, which will take you about an hour by train.
You can leave your bags at the Incheon Airport with the help of Bounce. The app helps you find the best storage solution for your bags at airports, train stations, and more around the world.
