Incheon Airport is big but easy once you know the order of things. Before you even land, check which terminal your airline uses and fill in the e-Arrival Card. After landing, sort out data and a T-money card, then pick your ride into Seoul. Going home, come back about 3 hours before your flight and claim any tax refund before check-in. Here are the 9 things worth doing, in order.
Arriving in Korea
1. Know your terminal: T1 or T2
Incheon has two terminals, and they're far apart.
| Terminal | Main airlines |
|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Korean Air, Asiana (moved on January 14, 2026), Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul and several SkyTeam partners |
| Terminal 1 | Most other international airlines |
Asiana's move in 2026 catches a lot of returning visitors out, so double-check your ticket. If you end up at the wrong one, there's a free shuttle bus between the terminals (allow about 20 minutes plus waiting), or take the AREX train one stop between the two terminal stations.
2. Fill in the e-Arrival Card before you land
If you don't have a K-ETA, submit the free online e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr up to 3 days before arrival. With an approved K-ETA, you don't need it. See our K-ETA 2026 guide to check whether your country is exempt.
3. Get mobile data before leaving the airport
You'll need data for maps and messaging right away. The main Korean carriers have counters in the arrivals hall where you can pick up a pre-booked SIM or eSIM or buy one on the spot. Opening hours vary by counter, so if you land late at night, set up an eSIM before you fly.
4. Buy a T-money card at a convenience store
The convenience stores in the arrivals area sell T-money transport cards and can top them up with cash. You'll use it for the airport train, subways, buses and even some taxis. If you plan to ride a lot inside Seoul, look at the Climate Card tourist pass for the following days (it doesn't cover boarding at the airport).
5. Choose your ride into Seoul
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| AREX Express | Fast, reserved seat to Seoul Station |
| AREX all-stop train | Cheapest; stops at Hongdae and Gongdeok |
| Airport limousine bus | Straight to many hotel areas with luggage |
| Taxi | Late at night or with a lot of luggage |
Fares and times for the train are in our Incheon Airport to Seoul guide. For airport buses, tickets are sold at the bus ticket counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall; check the route board for your stop before buying.
6. Save 1330 in your phone
Korea's free tourist hotline answers in English, Japanese and Chinese 24 hours a day. It can even interpret between you and a taxi driver. More in our 1330 hotline guide.
Flying home
7. Arrive about 3 hours before an international flight
The airport operator has told passengers to plan for about 3 hours before departure in busy periods, and peak months like July, August and December are the most crowded. Check in online where your airline allows it, but still leave time for bag drop and security.
8. Claim tax refunds before you check in
If you got tax refund receipts while shopping (instead of an instant refund at the store), go to the tax refund kiosks before check-in. Customs may ask to see the goods, so don't pack them in your checked bag until you're done. Details in our Korea tax refund guide.
9. Look into ICN SMARTPASS (face recognition)
Incheon's SMARTPASS lets registered passengers go through departure checks with face recognition. You register in the ICN SMARTPASS app with your passport, and only some airlines take part (Korean media in July 2026 listed carriers such as Korean Air, Asiana, Delta, Cathay Pacific and EVA Air). Eligibility rules for foreign passports can change, so check the app before your trip. You still need your passport and boarding pass for immigration.
FAQ
Is it easy to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2?
Yes. Use the free shuttle bus or ride AREX one stop. Allow extra time; don't plan a tight connection between terminals.
Can I pay for the airport train by credit card?
The all-stop train gates take transport cards like T-money, so buy one at a convenience store first. AREX Express tickets can be bought separately at the AREX counter or machines.
What if I land after midnight?
Trains and many buses stop running late at night, and some counters close. Check last-train times before you fly, set up an eSIM in advance, and be ready to take a taxi.
Final word
The order that saves the most hassle: check your terminal, fill in the e-Arrival Card, get data and a T-money card, then head into Seoul. On the way home, come back about 3 hours early and do tax refunds before check-in.