Planning your trip to Seoul and wondering how to get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong? You’re in the right place!
There’s no one-size-fits-all method—whether you care most about budget, comfort, or convenience, there’s an option that’ll suit your style. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to make that journey, with honest pros and cons so you can choose what works best for you.
1. (Subway Connected) Airport Railroad
The first and most economical option is the Airport Railroad (AREX). Incheon Airport has a subway station directly connected, providing easy access to downtown Seoul. Follow the signs at the airport to Incheon Airport Station and take the AREX regular train to Seoul Station. Once at Seoul Station, transfer to Subway Line 4 (light blue line) and get off at Myeongdong Station.
This is the cheapest option and avoids traffic congestion. However, it can be quite crowded, especially during rush hours, and might be inconvenient if you’re carrying lots of luggage. Additionally, if you’re new to Korea, navigating the unfamiliar stations and signage could be challenging, so I wouldn’t personally recommend this for first-time visitors. If you’re already familiar with Korea’s subway system, this could be a practical option.
Tip: Prepare your transportation card in advance for smoother travel!
Additionally, there is a faster AREX Express train available. It saves about 10-15 minutes, costs approximately 9,500 KRW—about twice the price of the regular train—and requires seat reservations.
- Travel time: Approximately 1 hour
- Cost: About 4,750 KRW (regular train)
2. Airport Limousine Bus
The second option is taking the airport limousine bus, which is actually my top recommendation! It’s also a popular choice among locals in Korea.
There are several ticket counters throughout Incheon Airport where you can buy a limousine bus ticket. Simply go to the counter and tell the staff your destination—they’ll recommend the correct bus or one that passes through your stop. There are also self-service kiosks available, and you can change the language to English, Japanese, or Chinese for convenience.
The buses run according to a set schedule, and buses typically depart every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the route. If you’re staying at a major hotel in Myeongdong or nearby, the bus might even drop you off right in front of your hotel.
Your luggage will be safely stored in the bus’s luggage compartment by the driver, and the seats are wide and comfortable, with great air conditioning and heating. No transfers needed, just a smooth ride directly to your destination. However, keep in mind that if there’s heavy traffic, the travel time may be longer than expected.
- Travel time: About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Cost: Around 17,000 KRW (based on routes to Myeongdong)
Tip: If you plan to take the limousine bus back to the airport later, it’s a good idea to buy a return ticket in advance. In the city, ticket counters are harder to find, and mobile booking can be a bit tricky for foreigners.
3. Taking a Taxi
The third option is taking a taxi. As soon as you step outside Incheon Airport, you’ll see a long line of taxis waiting. You can hop in one of those, or you can use a ride-hailing app like Uber or KakaoTaxi to call a car.
Personally, I don’t recommend taking one of the taxis waiting at the airport. They’re often more expensive than ride-hailing options, and unfortunately, there have been cases of drivers trying to overcharge foreign tourists. Plus, unless you speak Korean, explaining your destination can be a bit stressful since many drivers aren’t fluent in foreign languages.
If you use a ride-hailing app like Uber or KakaoTaxi, the vehicle might take a few extra minutes to arrive since it won’t be waiting right at the curb. But the price is usually a bit cheaper than airport taxis. KakaoTaxi is widely used in Korea, so it’s easy to get a cab anywhere in the country using the app.
However, registering a payment card in the KakaoTaxi app can be frustrating for foreigners—many international cards don’t work, or they might get declined. On the other hand, Uber is often more convenient for international travelers since you can use the same payment method you’ve already registered abroad. You don’t need a Korean bank account or local credit card.
The downside is that there aren’t a lot of Uber vehicles in Korea, so matching with a driver might take time or even fail after several attempts. Still, the ride is direct, comfortable, and you can input your destination in the app—so there’s no language barrier to worry about.
- Travel time: Around 1 hour (depending on traffic)
- Cost: Typically between 60,000 and 90,000 KRW
4. Renting a Car at Incheon Airport
While renting a car might sound convenient, it’s generally not recommended for most travelers heading to Seoul.
Incheon Airport does have rental services through major companies like Lotte Rent-a-Car, SK Rent-a-Car, and Hertz, located at the Rental Car House near the terminals. You can get there using a free shuttle bus that runs every 5–10 minutes.
However, driving in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan areas is extremely challenging. Traffic congestion is common, streets can be narrow like alleys, and illegal street parking often makes driving even more difficult. On top of that, finding parking is a major headache in most areas.
Unless you’re traveling with lots of luggage or heading to remote areas outside Seoul, public transportation or ride-hailing apps are much more efficient and stress-free.
- Travel time: Around 1 hour to Myeongdong (depending on traffic)
- Cost: From 70,000 KRW per day, not including gas or tolls
Summary Table
| Convenience | Value for Money | Things to Note | |
| AREX Subway | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cheapest option, but requires transfer and can be crowded |
| Limousine Bus ✅ Recommended | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Direct, comfortable but possible delays from traffic |
| Taxi / Ride-hailing | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Direct and easy, but costly and some language/payment issues |
| Rental Car | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | Not recommended |
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