Your first day in Seoul
From Incheon Airport to your hotel in 4 steps.
Need the full details? Read our comprehensive Travel Essentials Guide.
Get through immigration
Most Western passport holders enter visa-free for 90 days. Have your passport, return flight booking, and accommodation address ready. Immigration lines can take 30-60 minutes during peak hours. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) may be required depending on your nationality. Check before you fly.
Buy a SIM card at the airport
SIM card counters are right after you exit customs in the arrivals hall. SKT, KT, and LG U+ all have booths. A tourist SIM with unlimited data for 5 days costs about 22,000-30,000 KRW. 10-day plans run 33,000-40,000 KRW. Staff speak English and will install it for you.
Tip: If you prefer eSIM, activate Airalo or Ubigi before you board your flight. Costs $5-15 for 1-10GB.
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Get to Seoul
Three main options from Incheon Airport: AREX Express train (11,000 KRW, 43 min direct to Seoul Station, no stops), AREX All-stop train (4,150 KRW, 66 min, connects to subway), or Airport Limousine Bus (18,000 KRW, drops you at major hotels). Taxis cost 65,000-100,000 KRW and take 60-90 min depending on traffic.
Tip: Buy a T-money card at any convenience store in the airport (2,500-4,000 KRW for the card) and charge it. You will use it for subway, buses, and convenience stores the entire trip.
Download these 3 apps
Naver Map (navigation, NOT Google Maps which does not work properly in Korea), Kakao T (taxis, like Uber), and Papago (translation, works offline). These three will handle 90% of your needs. KakaoTalk is also worth downloading since it is how all Koreans communicate.
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