So you're jetting off to South Korea and landing at Incheon International Airport. You might be inclined to immediately jump on a bus to Seoul, or perhaps you're catching a quick flight out of Korea. But did you know you could make your travel experience far richer by lingering around the airport area? By doing so, you get to uncover Incheon's hidden treasures and get the most out of your time. In this article, we invite you on a journey that reveals the perks of staying near the airport and highlights various lodging options.
Staying near the airport saves you from the bustling Seoul crowd. Instead, it opens up opportunities to discover local attractions, savour Korean cuisine at native restaurants, and shop around at your leisure. Incheon Airport is a gateway to much more than flights; it's a cultural hub with free art exhibitions and performances that showcase traditional Korean culture and state-of-the-art technology. To learn more about the airport's offerings, check out our article: The Best Things in Life Are Free: at Incheon International Airport!
Considering a stay around the airport? Yeongjong Island and Songdo City come highly recommended. For this article, we will zoom in on Yeongjong Island. You can find cozy accommodations in three key areas: Airport Town (Unseo Station), International Business Center 1 (hosting Paradise City Resort, Grand Hyatt Incheon, and Best Western Premier Incheon Airport Hotel, among others) around Passenger Terminal 1, and International Business Center 2 around Passenger Terminal 2. For a detailed guide on lodging around Incheon Airport, visit: Accommodation Options around Incheon Airport: A Comprehensive Guide.
Fancy a relaxing stroll and a bite at local restaurants? Head to the airport town square around Unseo Station. A local residence area at heart, Unseo Station lets you soak in the authentic charm of Incheon. Browse through our Unseo Station guides to explore must-try activities and culinary delights: The Ultimate Guide to Unseo Station: Unseo Station's Must-Try Activities and Experiences and Unseo Station Culinary Adventure: Where the Locals and Office Workers Love to Eat.
Founded by the Great Master Wonhyo in the Silla Dynasty, the Yonggungsa Temple invites you to take a peaceful walk in history. The Gwaneumjeon Hall of Yonggungsa Temple, a Korean traditional gabled building, houses a bronze statue of Kannon, a symbol of mercy.
Experience Korea's maritime leisure culture at its largest marina port, Wangsan Marina Yacht Ground. Located near Wangsan Beach, it's surrounded by beaches and islands, offering breathtaking views of Wangsan Sunset.
Enjoy a day at the beach and revel in the beautiful scenery at Eulwang-ri Beach and Wangsan Beach. They are ideal for day trips and easily accessible by public transportation.
Explore Hanagae's attractions such as swimming, tidal flat experience, sea fishing, and marine sports. Hanagae Beach boasts a long beach with fine-grained sand, offering unique experiences like a beachside bungalow.
Discover the natural beauty of Somuuido Island by trekking along its coastal trail and exploring its coastal cliffs and strange rocks.
Songdo, connected to Incheon Airport via the Incheon Grand Bridge, is a city that offers a glimpse into the future. Built with a commitment to sustainability, it showcases green spaces and energy-efficient structures. Attractions like Songdo Central Park and Songdo Hanok Village await your visit. Learn more in our detailed guide: Unveiling Incheon's True Essence: A Journey Through Songdo, Open Port Area, and Chinatown.
Around Yeongjong Island, you have multiple transport options: taxis via the Kakao Taxi app, the subway, and hotel-provided shuttle buses. Subway access is a breeze at Airport Town (Unseo Station), Terminal 1, and Terminal 2. However, for the hotels in IBC1 and IBC2 not directly connected to the subway, the free shuttle service will be your go-to option. In particular, enter your desired destination on Naver Map and select public transportation. Informs detailed bus route or subway arrival time information. It is more convenient to use the Ocean Line City Tour Bus, which tours the main attractions of Yeongjongdo and Songdo.
Your travel adventure can start even before you leave the airport. Whether it's feasting on local cuisines, enjoying cultural performances at Incheon Airport, or simply relaxing at a nearby beach, there's plenty to explore and enjoy. So the next time you find yourself at Incheon International Airport, consider lingering a little longer. You might be surprised at what you discover.
Download the attached file for a travel map of Yeongjong Island and the route of the Ocean line City Tour Bus.
Click the link for the schedule of the free shuttle bus between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Click the link to read the next article in our series, which covers the unique beauty and diversity of Incheon City.
