Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Seoul Incheon Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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Lots of space to sleep but everyone seems to know about it probably thanks to this site. These people came prepared with blankets and pillows. – CL
ICN Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Seoul Incheon Airport.
What to Expect
Seoul Incheon Airport (code: ICN) is a large airport divided into two terminals. An underground train plus street-level shuttle buses connect the terminals, but you’ll still walk a lot to reach your gate.
You can only blame yourself if you are hungry or bored here. Dozens of Korean, Asian, and Western eateries are both landside and airside, and many stay open 24 hours. Travellers rave about the entertainment here, like the nearby golf course, the city tours for those on a transit, and the interactive Korean Culture Experience. Other amenities include free WiFi, designated rest zones, and free showers. If all that’s not enough, economy-class travellers can purchase entry to several airport lounges.
Sleeping in Incheon Airport
As a major international hub, you’ll find travellers sleeping in every corner at all hours. The seating here is plentiful and generally comfortable, but the designated areas are your best bet for quieter spaces. Most gates are announced only 45 minutes ahead of time, so there is a lot of turnover in the gate areas. If you opt for the floor, blankets, sleep mats, and sleeping bags can make your experience even more comfortable.
For uninterrupted sleep, there are two transit hotels (inside Security) plus a capsule hotel located pre-security. Several nearby hotels offer free shuttle service for guests. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Incheon Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
The airport offers Relax Zones (with comfy recliner chairs) and Nap Zones (with padded loungers/beds). Hours: 24 hours. Rates: free to use. Locations (both Relax and Nap Zones are available):
- Terminal 1: Airside, 4th Floor, near Gates 25 • Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 29.
- Terminal 2: Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 268 • Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 231.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Incheon Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Incheon Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security, as there are two transit hotels offering both short-term and overnight rates. Another on-site hotel is located in the Transportation Center, and several nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles.
Hotels located at Incheon Airport
- Incheon Airport Transit Hotel (Terminal 1) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, 4th floor, near Gate 11. This hotel is only for travellers transiting between international flights. Rooms are available in six-hour blocks or standard 24 hours. Rates: Single room: 70,000 won for 6 hours / 140,000 won for 24 hours. Double room: 90,000 won for 6 hours / 180,000 won for 24 hours. » Check Rates
- Incheon Airport Transit Hotel (Terminal 2) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, opposite Gate 251. This hotel is only for travellers transiting between international flights. Rooms are available in six-hour blocks or standard 24 hours. Rates: Single room: 70,000 won for 6 hours / 140,000 won for 24 hours. Double room: 90,000 won for 6 hours / 180,000 won for 24 hours. » Check Rates
- Darakhyu Capsule Hotel Incheon Airport – Two Locations: Terminal 1, Public Zone, Transportation Center, 1st floor, near the entrance to the airport train • Terminal 2, Public Zone, Transportation Center, Basement. Rooms have a single or double bed, Bluetooth speaker, WiFi and desk. Some rooms have showers. The minimum stay is three hours.
Terminal 1 » Check Rates
Terminal 2 » Check Rates
Hotels located near the airport
- Hotel Hu Incheon Airport – Free airport shuttle is available. Pick-up/drop-off at International Terminal 3rd floor (Exit 3 or 12). Day rooms are available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for seven-hour blocks. Rates start at KRW 70,000 (Day use), and include tax, service charge, free WIFI, free airport shuttle service, and free use of business center. » Check Rates
- Grand Hyatt Incheon – Located beside Terminal 1. Free airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
- Best Western Premier Incheon Airport – 700m from Terminal 1. Free airport shuttle is available daily from 6:10 AM to 10:00 PM. Pick-up is in front of the BWP sign board, near Exit 14 on the 1st floor.» Check Rates
- Ibis Styles Ambassador Incheon Airport – Free airport shuttle. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Seoul Incheon Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a day pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal 1
- Asiana Lounge – Multiple Locations: Airside,, near Gate 11 • Airside, International Departures, 4th Floor, near Gate 26 • Airside, International Departures, 4th Floor, near Gate 42 . Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Matina Lounge (Main Terminal, West Wing) – Location: West Wing, Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 43. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Matina Lounge (Main Terminal, East Wing) – Location: Main Terminal, East Wing, Airside, 4th Floor, opposite Gate 11. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Sky Hub Lounge – Multiple Locations – East Wing, Airside, 4th Floor, opposite Gate 11 • West Wing, Airside, 4th Floor, opposite Gate 42.
Terminal 2
- Lounge L – (Temporarily closed) Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 4th Floor. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
- Matina Lounge (Terminal 2) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 4th Floor. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- SPC Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 4th Floor. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
see also Seoul Incheon Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
A reader tells us, “Incheon Airport has several water fountains next to the bathrooms all over Terminal 2; each fountain has two dispensers”. (August 2024)
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, you can choose from a slew of 24-hour food concessions. Check out some of these vendors:
- Terminal 1, Landside: Angel in Us (1F, near Arrival Hall E) • Food Garden (1F, near Exit 12) • Holly’s Coffee (1F, Arrivals Hall B-C) • • Lina’s (3F, Check-in Counter M) • Lotteria ( 1F, center of Public Area) • MUKYOKU (1F, near Arrival Hall C) • Paris Baguette (3F, near Check-in Counter G) • Ple: Eating (1F, center of Public Area) • Shake Shack (3F, near Check-in Counter H).
- Terminal 1, Airside: Bistrobar Lagrilla (3F, Gate 23 • 3F, Gate 115) • Coffee@Works (3F, near Gate 118) • Dunkin Donuts (3F, near Gate 9 • 3F, near 112) • Lotteria (3F, near Gate 10) • StrEat (3F, near Gate 40) • Starbucks (3F, near Gate 28).
- Terminal 2, Landside: Byulmi Bunsik (Center of Public Area) • Dunkin’ (3F, near Exit 253) • Lotteria (1F, Arrival Hall A • 3F, Check-in Counter G) • Paris Croissant (1F, Center of Public Area) • Starbucks (Center of Transportation Center).
- Terminal 2, Airside: A Twosome Place (4F, near Gate 231) • Caffe Pastucci (4F, near Gate 268) • Hohokatsu (4F, near Gate 249) • Hyoja Gomtang (4F, near Gate 249) • Lina’s (3F, near Gate 266) • Mukyoku (3F, near Gate 234) • Starbucks (3F, near Gate 248).
Luggage Storage & Lockers
There are luggage storage centers in the public area of the Main Passenger Terminal. Rate: approx. $5 – $9 per day. Hours: open 24 hours. Locations:
- Public Area: CJ Logistics (3F, near Check-in B) • Hanjin Express (3F, near Check-in N).
Mobile Charging
Mobile charging points can be found near seating. A reader tells us that most seating has a nearby tower with four to six sockets. There are also separate mobile charging stations with cables included but no seating.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Shower facilities are free. Showers locations:
- Terminal 1: Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 25 • Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 29.
- Terminal 2: Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 231 • Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 268.
- Showers can also be found inside many of the lounges. See Airport Lounges above.
Shower kits used to be available for purchase from 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM for a small fee. Unfortunately, we were unable to confirm this at the time of our January 2025 update. Click here to update the guide.
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available everywhere at Seoul Incheon Airport.
If you are travelling without a mobile device, you can visit one of the many free Internet Stations. Locations: Terminal 1, Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 25 • Terminal 1, Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 29 • Terminal 2, Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 231 • Terminal 2, Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 268.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Seoul Incheon Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Cell Phone Rentals / SIM Cards – There are plenty of options to choose from in both Terminals. The following locations are open 24 hours:
- Terminal 1: SK Telecom Roaming Center (3F, near Departure Hall 3 and 4 • 1F, near Arrival Hall A and F • 3F, near Gate 27) • LG U+ Roaming (1F, Arrival Hall A and F • 3F, Departure Hall 3) • Wifi Dosirak (1F, Arrival Hall A and F) • KT Roaming Center (1F, Arrival Hall A and F • 3F, Departure Hall 3 and 4).
- Terminal 2: SK Telecom Roaming (Landside, 1F, near Exit 6 • 3F, between Check-ins F and G • 3F, near Gate 251) • LG U+ Roaming (1F, near Exit 5 and 6 • 3F, between Check-ins F and G) • KT Roaming Center (3F, between Check-ins F and G) • Wifi Dosirak (1F, near Exit 3).
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Diaper-changing tables, washbasins, bottle sanitizers, nursing equipment and more are available in the Babycare Lounges, and they are free for pregnant women, babies under three and their mothers. Terminal 1 offers 12 locations, and Terminal 2 offers 13.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas. Locations:
- Terminal 1: Airside, 4th Floor, near Gate 25 and 29 • 3rd Floor, near Gates 9, 11, 41 and 45 • Concourse, 3rd Floor near Gate 110 and 119.
- Terminal 2:Airside, 3rd Floor, near Gates 242, 246, 254, and 257.
- Strollers – Strollers are available at the airport free of charge. Inquire at any information desk. Korean Air used to offer free stroller rentals to their departing passengers at the Korean Air Family Care Service Office next to Gate 2 on the 3rd Floor.
Fitness – At one point, digital gyms used to be available for a virtual workout. Locations: Terminal 2, Airside, 4F, near Gates 231 and 268.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the airport information desks for assistance! Terminal 1 offers seven Information Desks, and Terminal 2 has six desks. Hours vary, but both terminals have locations that are open 24 hours a day.
Laundry Service – Clean-Up Air laundry service Location: T1, Landside, B1F, West Side (7:00 AM – 8:00 PM) • T2, Landside, near the Bus Ticket Counter (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Information not available.
Medical Services – Inha University Hospital airport clinics offer medical services. Locations: T1, Landside, B1F, East Side (Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) • T2, Landside, B1F, West Side (Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM).
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: There are plenty of ATMs available at both Terminals.
- Banking Services – Full-service banking, including foreign currency exchange, is available at the airport. Locations: Woori Bank (T1, Landside, B1F, East Side • T2, Landside, 1BF, East Side) • KB Bank (T1, Landside, B1F, West Side • T2, Landside, 1BF, West Side) • Hana Bank (T1, 2F, Center of Public Area • T2, East Side, Area 1BF) Hours for all banks: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Currency Exchange – The airport offers plenty of currency exchange counters/offices. These locations operate 24 hours:
- Terminal 1: Woori Bank Exchange (Landside, 3F, near Departure 4) • KB Currency Exchange Services (Landside, 1F, Arrivals B • Landside, 1F, near Exit 9 • Landside, 3F, near Check-in F • Airside, 3F, Gate 25).
- Terminal 2: KB Currency Exchange (Landside, 1F, near Exit 3-4 • Landside, 3F, near Exit 4 • 3F, near Gate 251).
- Tax Refunds – Foreigners who have stayed in Korea for less than six months and Korans who who have stayed in the country for less than three months, and have lived abroad for over two years are eligible to receive a refund. Locations: T1, 3F, near Check-in B, D, J, and L • T1, 3F, near Gate 28 • T2, 3F, near Check-in F and G • T2, near Gate 249 and 253.
Post Office – Send your last-minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s post office. Location: Terminal 1, Landside, center of 2F. Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Pharmacy – Both terminals offer pharmacies with varying hours of operation, with the earliest opening at 6:00 AM and the latest closing at 11:00 PM.
- Terminal 1: Optima Plaza Pharmacy (Landside, 3F, near Check-in H) • Shinsegae Pharmacy (Landside, East of Public Area, 1BF) • W Store Star (Landside, 3F, near Check-in G) • Optima World Top Pharmacy (Airside, 3F, near Gate 28).
- Terminal 2: Balance Pharmacy (West Side Area, Landside, 1BF) • Sky Pharm Pharmacy (Landside, 3rd Floor, Check-in Area) • Prime Pharmacy (Airside, 3F, Gate 251).
Prayer Room – Locations: Terminal 1 (Landside, 1st Basement Floor, Transportation Center • Airside, 3F, near Gate 24 • Airside, 4F, near Gate 29) • Terminal 2 (Landside, 1st Basement Floor, in front of T2 • Airside, 3F, near Gate 231 • Airside, 3F, near Gate 268).
Shopping – Duty-free shops are readily available, with a few operating 24 hours a day. The airport also offers shops for everything you could need, from a bag of chips to luxury clothing. The following convenience shops are open 24 hours:
- Terminal 1: CU CVS (Landside, 3F, near Check-in Counter H • Landside, near Exits 2, 5, 11 and 13 • Airside, 3F, near Gate 10) • GS 25 (Landside, 3F, near Gate 45).
- Terminal 2: CU (Landside, 1BF, Centre of Transportation Centre • Landside, 1F, Centre of Transportation Centre • Airside, 3F, near Gate 254) • GS 25 (Landside, 3F, Centre of Public Area • Airside, 3F, near Gate 232).
Smoking – Smoking is permitted in dedicated smoking zones available in both Terminals.
Spa and Salon Services – Enjoy spa services and massages while waiting for your flight:
- Body Care (T2, Airside, near Gate 231 • T2, Airside, near Gate 268).
- Spa on Air (T1, 1BF, East of Public Area).
- Mabe Aesthetic (T1, 4F, Transit Zone).
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – Art, including media, sculptural, light shows, etc., and scheduled live music exhibitions are displayed throughout the airport.
- Casino – Wanna blow some money quickly? Then head over to the Paradise Golden Gate Casino at the Hyatt Regency, three minutes away.
- Gardens – At one point, the airport was home to several gardens located inside the terminal: Pine Tree Garden (Millennium Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal) • Flowering Tree Garden (Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal) • Rock Garden (Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal) • Flower Garden (Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal) • Cactus Garden (Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal) • Water Garden (Welcoming Hall, 1F, Passenger Terminal) • Four Gracious Plants Garden (East Wing & West Wing, B1, Passenger Terminal).
- IT Experience Center – At one point, passengers could get their hands on some cutting-edge electronics at the IT Experience Center. Location: Level 3F, Duty-free Area, Near Gate 14, Airside.
- Korean Cultural Experiences – The airport offers at least 15 examples of Korean cultural experiences, including Museums, a Traditional Cultural Center and more. Of particular interest may be the Korean Cultural Street on the 4th floor of T1, where travellers can see traditional houses with tiled roofs locally known as giwajip, and local gazebos, called jeongja.
- Movie Theatre – Enjoy a feature film at the CGV Movie Theatre! Location: Transportation Center Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
- Observation Deck – Relax and watch planes taking off and landing from the vantage point of the airport’s observation deck. Location: Terminal 1, 3rd Floor ( Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and Terminal 2, Floor 5. (Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM). The Terminal 2 location used to offer public relations zones, viewing experience zones, briefing zones, and a lounge.
- Skating Rink – Incheon Airport used to feature an all-season ice rink located in the Transportation Center, Landside. Unfortunately, we were unable to confirm this at the time of our January 2025 update. Click here to update the guide.
- Sky Garden – Located in the southeast quadrant of the airport property, this recreational area features walking and cycling paths, an eco-tunnel, a courtyard, an observation deck, a flower garden and more.
- Transit Tours – If you are in transit, you can take advantage of the airport’s transit tours, which range from one to eight hours. A few tour possibilities include Wolmi Park, Hongdae Street, and Sinpo Market.
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Incheon Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Seoul on Tripadvisor.
Seoul Incheon Airport is served by the following airlines:
Terminal 1: Aero K Airlines • All Nippon Airways • Air Asia • Air Astana • Air Busan • Air Canada • Air China • Air Hong Kong • Air Incheon • Air India • Air Japan • Air Macau • Air Mongolia • Air New Zealand • Air Premia • Air Seoul • American Airlines • Asiana Airlines • Batik Air Malasya • Cathay Pacific • Cebu Air • China Eastern Airlines • China Hainan Airlines • China Southern Airlines • EastarJet • Emirates • Ethiad Airways • Ethiopian Airlines • EVA Airways • Finnair • Greater Bay Airlines • Hawaiian Airlines • Hong Kong Express Airways • Hong Kong Airlines • Japan Airlines • Jeju Air • Jetstar • Kalitta Air • Lao Airlines Longhao Airlines • Lufthansa • LOT • Malaysia Airlines • Mongolian Airlines • Myanmar Airways International • Peach Aviation • Philippine Airlines • Qanot Sharq • Qantas Airways • Qatar Airways • Qingdao Airlines • Royal Brunei Airlines • Scoot • Sichuan Airlines • Shandong Airlines • Shanghai Airlines • Shenzhen Airlines • Sichuan Airlines • Silk Way West Airlines • Singapore Airlines • Sky Angkor Airlines • Spring Airlines • SriLankan • Thai AirAsia • Thai Airways • Tianjin Airlines • Tigerair Taiwan • Turkish Airlines • Turkmenistan • T’way Air • Tianjin Airlies • United • Uzbekistan Airways • VietJet • Vietnam Airlines • Yakutia Airlines • ZipAir.
Terminal 2: Aeroméxico • Air France • China Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Garuda Indonesia • Jin Air • KLM • Korean Airlines • Xiamen Airlines.
Bus
ICN airport is well connected to the bus system. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Seoul Incheon Airport website. Detailed bus information is also available at any Airport Information Desk.
Car Rentals
Renters must have an International Driver’s License issued in the same country as their regular driver’s license, and some agencies require both. Major car rental agencies Lotte, SK Rent-A-Car and Sixt are near the airport complex. Ask your service provider of choice about location and rental details.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttles: Grand Hyatt Incheon • Best Western Premier • Hotel Hu • Golden Tulip Hotel • Days Hotel & Suites • GL City Hotel • Ibis Styles Ambassador Incheon Airport.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttle
The airport provides a free shuttle bus between the terminals and long-term parking facilities. The buses depart approximately every 5 – 20 minutes and operate from 4:30 AM – 11:20 PM.
Taxi
It is recommended that you use an official airport taxi. They are readily available at the airport taxi stands. For sample fares, taxi vehicle options and more, visit the Seoul Incheon Airport website.
Train
The Airport Railroad service connects the airport (both terminals) with various destinations, including the Gimpo International Airport and the Seoul Central Train Station. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Airport Railroad website.
Last updated: 2025-01-10
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.