Consistently voted one of the world’s top airport experiences, you may wish your layover here is longer! In fact, some travellers purposely plan to spend a whole day or overnight here to check out all the cool technology, food, and in-airport amenities like observation decks, a Traditional Cultural Center, and more! Make the best of your time here with these 14 things to do on a layover at Seoul Incheon Airport.
1. Explore the food scene
Korea and food are practically synonymous, so even if you’re not a foodie, you’ll do well to check out some in-airport eateries. Sample traditional Korean food at quick food court stalls or sit-down restaurants that tout kimchi, noodles, mackerel, and the comforting rice dish bibimbap. There are tons of other cuisines, too, like Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Indian, and more. Western chains include Burger King, KFC, and the ever-popular Shake Shack. Many eateries stay open 24 hours.
2. Hang out in a lounge
If bouncing all over the airport to pass your layover isn’t your thing, consider the airport lounge. For a single price, you can relax with included food and drink, WiFi, and maybe even shower facilities – all in calmer, more relaxed digs than the main terminal. Many airport lounges here offer access to any traveller, which means your airline or Economy Class status doesn’t prevent you from enjoying one. Pre-book online or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. Details are listed on our Seoul Incheon Airport Guide.
3. Go shopping
The shopping here offers seemingly endless Duty-Free areas, plus a range of bookstores, cosmetic shops, and souvenir stores. The pharmacies and convenience shops are a particular Korean experience, offering super affordable K-beauty makeup and skincare treatments and local candy and drinks, so definitely check those out.
4. Take a shower
Freshen up with a shower! Shower facilities in both terminals are available for free. 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 are also available in some of the lounges.
5. Relax at a spa
Take your pampering one step further with a spa or massage treatment. Spa on Air offers several services, including dry saunas, shower rooms, and resting rooms. Location: T1, 1BF, East of Public Area. Mabe Aesthetic also offers skin care services and massage. Location: T1, 4F, Transit Zone.
6. Take in the art
The airport offers a whole range of art shows plus regularly scheduled live music performances.
7. Gamble
Feeling lucky? Take a gamble at the Paradise Golden Gate Casino, located at the Hyatt Regency, just 3 minutes away from the main terminal. Free shuttles head back and forth from the hotel every 15 minutes.
8. Wander the gardens
Seven gardens used to offer some relaxation and calm in the bustling airport environment. Most of these were indoors, with various themes: cactus, flowers, rocks, water, and plants. Unfortunately, we were unable to confirm this at the time of our January 2025 update. Click here to update the guide.
9. Take in Korean culture
Even if you’re just passing through the airport, you can take in some Korean culture. The airport offers a range of cultural experiences, including a museum and a Traditional Cultural Center. The Korean Cultural Street on the 4th floor of T1, is a great place to admire Korean architecture. Here, you will find traditional houses with tiled roofs locally known as giwajip, and local gazebos, called jeongja. Alternatively, the K-Culture Museum in the Transportation Center in T1, houses six exhibitions and interactive spaces.
10. Catch a movie
Relax and catch up on the latest movies. The CGV Movie Theatre, located pre-security in the Transportation Center, runs feature-length films daily between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
11. Stretch your legs on the ice rink
Have some fun and exercise with a visit to the year-round ice rink in the pre-Security Transportation Center. Access is free, though you’ll need to pay to rent skates – unless you just happened to bring yours along! Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
12. Join a sightseeing tour
If you want to check out Seoul but a guided tour isn’t your thing, you can do it yourself. The airport’s location means it takes about an hour to get downtown, so we only recommend this if you’ve got a layover of at least 6 hours!
Hop on the Airport Railroad, which connects to the city center’s metro lines or one of several buses that connect to various points in Seoul. Taxis and fixed-rate shuttles are available, but depending on the time of day, these may have to contend with severe traffic.
First-time visitors to Seoul should head directly to the iconic Gyeongbok Palace, which today serves as a museum and gardens for traditional Korean folk culture. From here, stroll to the president’s home at the Blue House or visit the National Folk Museum. Explore the city’s huge arts scene at Insadong Arts District, known for its galleries, tea hours, and traditional house restaurants. Pick up local goods or sample traditional and modern food at the huge Namdaemun Market. For more tips and ideas, see our Seoul Incheon Airport Layover Sightseeing article or visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Seoul.
13. WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout the airport so that you can catch up on your online life during your layover. Free internet stations are available if you travel without a mobile device. 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.
14. Sleep
With so many local and long-haul flights coming and going at all hours, the airport is pretty tolerant of sleepers, even those staying overnight. You’ll find plenty of comfortable seating, including some free rest zones! If you’d rather spend the money on a real bed, you’re spoiled for options. Transit hotels are located in both Terminals 1 and 2, with rooms available overnight or in 6-hour blocks during daytime hours. If you’re not in transit, opt for the capsule hotels, located in both terminals, offering single and double rooms for stays of at least 3 hours. Several hotels are located within a short drive of the airport, with free shuttle service. See our Seoul Incheon Airport Guide for details and locations.
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Seoul Incheon Airport. Visit our Seoul Incheon Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.