Incheon Airport: Summary of station information, flights, important notes

Incheon Airport is the main gateway to Korea, located about 52km west of Seoul city center. This is one of the best airports in the world, rated 5 stars by Skytrax, with modern infrastructure and top-notch amenities. Join Vietnam Airlines to explore useful information about Incheon Airport to best prepare for your trip.

1. General information about Incheon airport

• Airport name: Incheon International Airport (Seoul-Incheon International Airport)
• Airport code: ICN
• Address:

• Terminal 1: 272 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
• Terminal 2: 446 Je2terminal-daero, Jung-gu, Incheon

• Distance to center: 45 - 60km
• Time zone: UTC +9
• Airport type: Civil and commercial airports

Incheon International Airport (ICN) began construction in 1992 and officially opened in 2001, with a total investment of about 5 billion USD. This is an important traffic hub, acting as an air gateway connecting the capital Seoul with the world.

With its excellent service quality and modern infrastructure, Incheon Airport has been honored in prestigious global rankings for many years. In particular, Incheon has been voted “World’s Best Airport” by Global Traveler magazine four times in a row, and has achieved a 5-star rating by Skytrax.

Incheon International Airport (Source: Internet)

2. Airport size

With a total area of up to 5,400 hectares, Incheon International Airport is not only the largest airport in Korea, but also among the largest and busiest airports in the world.

According to 2024 statistics, Incheon ranked third in the world in terms of international passenger traffic, recording more than 70.67 million passengers. In the first 6 months of 2025 alone, the airport served about 36 million people, accounting for the majority of the total of more than 46 million international passengers traveling to and from Korea by air.

2.1. Runways and aprons

Incheon International Airport currently operates four runways that operate 24/7, meeting the needs of high-density operations:

• Runway 33L/15R: 3,750m x 60m, mainly serving take-off operations
• Runway 33R/15L: 3,750m x 60m, used for landing and cargo handling
• Runway 16L/34R: 4,000m x 60m
• Runway 16R/34L: 3,750m x 60m

Regarding the parking system, Incheon has a total of 285 aircraft parking positions, serving about 90 airlines from more than 52 countries:

• Adjacent parking: 145 positions
• Parking lot: 80 positions
• Goods service area: 60 positions

Incheon Airport has 4 large runways and nearly 300 parking positions (Source: Internet)

2.2. Passenger terminal

Incheon International Airport currently has two main passenger terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2).

TERMINAL 1:

T1 is the largest terminal in Korea, and is also an area that stands out with its modern space, beautiful architecture and top-notch services, giving passengers the feeling of stepping into a miniature cultural - shopping - entertainment center right in the airport.

Overview:

• Area: 496,000m²
• Dimensions: 1,060m long, 149m wide, 33m high
• Capacity: 54 million passengers per year
• Boarding gates: 74 gates, of which 44 are located in the main terminal area and 30 are located in Concourse A (sub-terminal)
• Check-in counters: 252 counters, divided into areas A - N

Note: The sub-terminal is connected to the main terminal T1 via underground tunnel and internal train system.

Layout of T1 floors:

• B1 floor: Traffic center, AREX station, parking lot, food court, sauna, medical center
• 1st floor: Arrival hall, baggage claim area
• 2nd floor: Airline office, services
• 3rd Floor: Departure hall, check-in area
• 4th Floor: Restaurant, duty free shopping, VIP lounge

Terminal T1 lobby (Source: Internet)

TERMINAL 2:

T2 is a new passenger terminal put into operation since 2018 to expand operating capacity and improve service quality for international passengers.

Overview:

• Area: 730,000m²
• Capacity: 52 million passengers per year
• Boarding gates: 37 gates
• Check-in counters: 222 counters

Terminal 2 Floor Structure:

• B3 Floor: AREX Station
• B1 Floor: Traffic Center
• 1st Floor: Arrival Hall
• 3rd Floor: Departure Hall
• 4th floor: Restaurant, shopping
• 5th floor: Observatory, cultural space

Entrance to Terminal T2 (Source: Internet)

Interior space of terminal T2 (Source: Internet)

A corner of the check-in area (Source: Internet)

2.3. Utility services

With modern architecture, full facilities and carefully invested space, Incheon Airport brings a comfortable and pleasant feeling, no different from a high-class shopping mall or miniature resort. Visitors can find many outstanding facilities at the airport such as:

• Korean Cultural Street and art exhibition areas displaying works of domestic and international artists, creating a space rich in aesthetics and national identity.
• Indoor garden: cool with the highlight of artificial waterfall.
• Premium lounge system with many amenities where passengers can rest, work or relax.
• Incheon Airport Cultural Center regularly hosts live performances, including traditional Korean music and folk dance.
• Diverse restaurant system with traditional Korean dishes, Western cuisine, or famous bakery chains.
• Duty free shopping with the participation of many high-end brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, along with booths selling domestic cosmetics, Korean tea, handmade souvenirs and K-pop cultural products.
• Transit hotel system like DARAKHYU (Darak 休), located right in the station area, offers modern, quiet rooms.
• Unique entertainment facilities, including mini golf, ice skating rink (open in winter), cinema, etc.
• Free Wi-Fi, stable speed, covered throughout the airport.
• Provide transit tours for passengers with a stopover of 6 hours or more. Passengers can choose short sightseeing tours such as Incheon Chinatown, Yonggungsa Temple or Songdo Central Park, etc.

Some duty-free shops in the airport (Source: Internet)

The airport space is beautifully designed and has many areas for resting, entertainment and relaxation for visitors (Source: Internet)

3. List of other flight routes in 2025

Incheon Airport serves 188 cities globally through 90 airlines.

3.1. List of domestic flights

Incheon International Airport currently operates only two domestic routes for passengers transiting from international flights. Both routes are operated by Korean Air:

• Seoul (Incheon - ICN) → Busan (PUS)
• Seoul (Incheon - ICN) → Daegu (TAE)

For other domestic flights, passengers need to travel to other domestic airports such as: Jeju Airport (CJU), Gimpo International Airport (GMP), Gimhae International Airport (Busan - PUS).

Note: Connections between Incheon and domestic airports are usually provided by AREX high-speed train, airport bus or taxi. Passengers are advised to check travel time and connecting time carefully to avoid missing the next flight.

3.2. List of international flights to Vietnam

Below is a list of flights from Incheon airport to Vietnam operated by Vietnam Airlines:

Note: Flight information is updated as of July 2025. Travelers should visit the website Vietnam Airlines to update the latest flight list.

3.3. List of other popular international routes

In addition to flights connecting to Vietnam, Incheon Airport operates many international routes to major regions in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. Here are some of the main international destinations:

Asia-Pacific:

• Japan: Tokyo (Narita, Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sapporo
• China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau
• Southeast Asia: Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila, Phnom Penh
• Australia, New Zealand: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland

North America:

• USA: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York (JFK), Seattle, Chicago, Las Vegas, Honolulu
• Canada: Vancouver, Toronto

Europe:

• Western Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, Rome, Madrid
• Northern Europe: Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen
• Eastern Europe: Moscow, Warsaw

Middle East: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul

Africa: Addis Ababa

Incheon International Airport operates thousands of international flights every day and connects to hundreds of destinations around the world. (Source: Vietnam Airlines)

4. Instructions for traveling to and from the airport

4.1. Travel from downtown Seoul to Incheon International Airport

It takes about 45 minutes to more than 1 hour to travel from Seoul to Incheon International Airport depending on traffic conditions. Visitors can choose from the following options:

AREX train is a popular means of transportation from central Seoul to Incheon airport (Source: Internet)

4.2. Travel from the airport to locations in Seoul

After completing immigration procedures at Incheon airport, visitors can choose from a variety of means of transportation to central Seoul or neighboring areas.

Note:

• The costs listed are for reference only and may change at any time. Travelers should check the information carefully before departure.
• Peak traffic hours are 7:00 - 9:00 am and 6:00 - 8:00 pm on weekdays.
• Save the Korea Tourism Organization's 1330 hotline number for emergency use.

Buses operate continuously at both stations (Source: Internet)

5. Notes when departing/landing at Incheon airport

Incheon Airport offers a variety of support services and experiences for passengers. However, to make your trip convenient and save time, you should note the following points.

Preparation before departure:

• You should carefully study the regulations on the size and weight of carry-on and checked baggage of the airline you will fly. Detailed information is usually posted on the airline's official website. This will help you save time at check-in and avoid unwanted problems.
• Passengers should be at the airport at least 3 hours in advance for international flights and at least 90 minutes in advance for domestic flights.

How to move between terminals:

• Guests travel by free shuttle bus, operating from 5:00 - 24:00. Pick-up locations are as follows:

• T1 Station: 3rd Floor, Gate 8
• T2 Station: Level 3, between doors 4 and 5

• In addition, the AREX train also connects terminals T1 and T2 with ticket prices ranging from 1,500 - 3,000 KRW/trip.

Connections, communications and essential applications:

• Wi-Fi: The airport offers both free Wi-Fi and high-speed mobile Wi-Fi rental, which costs around 4,000 KRW/day.
• Supported applications: Helps you easily look up information and move conveniently in the airport as well as in the city.

• Incheon Airport Guide: Provides terminal maps, flight information, services, and airport transportation instructions.
• Visit Korea (published by the Korea Tourism Organization): Updated travel information, events, and destination guides throughout Korea.
• KakaoMap or Naver Map: Two popular map apps, with English support, make finding your way around the city easy.
• Use support robots in areas within the station to find your way faster.

Payment and currency exchange

• T-money Card: This is a convenient payment card for trains, buses, taxis and some convenience stores. You can buy the card at the convenience store on the B1 basement floor or at the AREX ticket machine. The card costs about 3,000 KRW, not including the top-up fee.
• Cash exchange: Currency exchange counters are located on floors B1, 1, and 3 of both terminals. However, the exchange rates at the airport are often less competitive. Therefore, you should only exchange a small amount of money to start with (around 50,000 - 100,000 KRW), then exchange more if needed.

Suggested places to stay:

• Darakhyu capsule hotel (T1/T2, B1 floor) is suitable for short stays.
• VIP lounge or transit hotel (T1/T2, 4th floor) for guests needing long stays.
• Spa On Air (T1, B1 floor) has rooms and bath services.

A luxury lounge at Incheon airport (Source: Internet)

Shopping and offers:

• At duty-free stores, to shop more economically, you should compare prices in advance at different stores and order in advance through the website to get a good price or receive additional gifts.

Note when doing immigration procedures:

• When queuing for immigration procedures, limit the use of mobile phones to maintain order and respect general regulations.
• Always keep your passport and airline ticket within reach, do not put them in checked baggage to avoid wasting time searching for them during check-in procedures.

Some other notes

• Double check flight and terminal information before heading to the airport.
• Bring a spare battery as some charging areas at the airport can get crowded during peak hours.
• If you have a long wait, don't miss out on free cultural experiences like wearing hanbok, making crafts, or relaxing at the Korean Cultural Center (Terminal 1, 3rd floor).

You should arrive at the airport early before your flight to make check-in procedures smoother (Source: Internet)

6. Frequently asked questions about Incheon airport

1. How many terminals does Incheon Airport have and how do I know which terminal my flight is in?

Incheon Airport has 2 main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• T1 serves most airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, etc.
• T2 primarily serves Delta Airlines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Korean Air.

How to check: Check information on airline tickets, airline websites, or Incheon Airport Guide app.

Note: From July 29, 2025, Air Busan will switch to operating at Terminal T2.

2. What is the immigration procedure at Incheon airport?

The immigration process at Incheon airport takes place according to the following procedures:

• Fill out Arrival Card and customs declaration form on the plane.
• On the 1st floor of the arrival terminal: Line up at the immigration counter, present passport, visa (if required), take photo, get fingerprints.
• Pick up your luggage at the Baggage Claim area, submit your customs declaration at the exit gate.

Note: Passport must be valid for more than 06 months. Tourists from certain countries will need a visa (except for visa exemption cases such as traveling to Jeju or transiting for less than 24 hours).

3. Where to check-in? How to check-in faster at Incheon Airport?

The check-in counter area is located on the 3rd floor of Terminal T1 and the 3rd floor of Terminal T2. To shorten the check-in time, visitors can apply one of two ways:

• Use the self check-in machine located on the 3rd floor.
• Visit the airline website or app to check-in online in advance, then drop off your luggage at the Self Bag Drop counter.

Note: Guests need to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure time.

Tip: Use the airline app to check-in online first, then drop off your luggage at the Self Bag Drop counter.

Automatic check-in machine (Source: Internet)

4. Where can I shop duty free, and how do I get a tax refund?

Incheon International Airport Duty Free Shopping Counters are located in the following areas:

• Terminal T1: 3rd, 4th floor (near gates 25, 28, 29)
• Terminal T2: 3rd floor (near gate 253), 5th floor

To get a tax refund, visitors go to the tax refund counter near the shopping area, bring the receipt and passport for a quick refund procedure.

5. If my flight is delayed or cancelled, what should I do?

In case of flight delays or cancellations, please contact the airline service counters on the 2nd floor of both terminals. If you need to rest, use the capsule hotels or lounges in the airport. Also, don't forget to check and update flight information via the Incheon Airport Guide app or the electronic board at the airport.

Knowing information about the station, means of transport, convenient services and necessary notes will help your journey at Incheon Airport become more convenient and easier. Wish you a complete trip, many memorable experiences in the land of kimchi!