Seoul Incheon International Airport Passenger Reviews and Customer opinions

Airline Reviews

Airline Seat Reviews

Airport Reviews

Just left my contribution to Heathrow's collection of damning reviews so I thought I should balance things out by leaving some praise for what I consider the best airport in the world. What's so good about it? Well for a start despite its sheer size its ridiculously easy to find your way around, I don't think you could get lost in here its just so well laid out and with clear signage exactly where it needs to be. The whole place is also spotlessly clean. Queues at immigration last only a few minutes at most, if queues start forming more desks open, simple eh? Security is breeze, they really don't like queues in South Korea! Staff are polite and courteous, most only speak basic English but they will do their best to help you should you need it. Flights depart on time, delays are very rare. Good selection of shops and decent prices. Excellent transport links to Seoul or the nearby Gimpo airport which handles mostly domestic traffic. In short this is what a major international hub should be and its everything LHR or CDG are not.

I flew to Seoul back in September from Changi International Airport all the way to Seoul Incheon International Airport via Korean Air. Getting through immigration when arriving was quick and easy. The place is roomy, and has a ton of options for dining and shopping, especially in the main concourse area. I didn't even manage to explore the whole airport. Too large, too many options. But what I did see, I liked. Despite the vast size and scale of the airport, it was very clean, and staff were very friendly and helpful as well. While it is a little far from downtown Seoul, the experience at the airport itself is outstanding.

The terminal was clean, queuing time was acceptable, and there are enough facilities, so the marks won't be so low. However, first of all, the terminal was like a greenhouse. It was so hot no matter which location I was in. Airport staff were not friendly. It's not the standard of service from a first-class airport. Systems in the airport were very confusing, and not efficient. Although we arrived at the airport 3 hours before departure time, we had only 1 hour and 15 minutes to relax in the departure hall. We had to walk through so many escalators which are unnecessary. Eventually we were back to the same level, but we had already passed around six escalators. Overall, the airport is very disappointing.

Both arrivals and departures were quick and simple. Had the opportunity to have a good look around as our flight was delayed and my partner and I were very impressed. The airport offers free wifi and shower rooms for travelers. Toilets were also very clean. Food stores had both Asian and Western influences. Duty free stores had nice range of products and prices were good. Whilst we were waiting for our flight a line of performers walked past giving a small performance wearing traditional costumes which was delightful. This airport is miles ahead of many airports we've traveled through both in service efficiency and facilities.

One of the easiest airports to transit that I've ever used. Every staff member encountered was courteous, helpful and professional. From stepping off arriving plane, through security, and checking in at transfer desk all of about 15 minutes. All shops take a variety of currencies, including US dollars. Everything well signed and super clean. Plenty of staff around to answer any questions. This airport can actually be a relaxing experience.

Quality airport with excellent airport staff. Immigration and security is thorough - organized and efficient. Once on the main concourse in less than 10mins there are plenty of multicultural food stores and very clean toilets. Water stations with filtered water were available in convenient locations both in arrivals and departures which were highly appreciated. Surprised by the free shower facilities which were modern and very clean and free wifi also offered. Duty free outlets are the best in the world and there are so many premium brands. Definitely the best airport I have experienced.

Everything was done very quickly from baggage collection to security and airport staff are very friendly and prominent to assist travelers. Toilets are clean and there are plenty of food outlets. Best part is the duty free shopping in the departures area with so many high end brands. The airport overall is modern and innovative with high efficiency.

Visited this airport again after around 10 years. I was impressed. The airport is now very modern, comfortable and big. Very convenient, and clean. Efficiency is high, with not long queuing times even compared to some top airports like Singapore and Hong Kong. Ground crew are generally nice as well. The best thing about the airport is the design of the terminal.

Spacious, quiet and efficient is our experience of Incheon on two occasions Dec/Jan 2012-3. Distances to walk are relatively small, signage is good. Best is the superb rest and relaxation area with a wide range of good facilities all close together and close to gates: free shower, easy to access massage, loungers to snooze on, on site day hotel, children's play areas. Internet access. There was also free cultural activity to participate in which our 6 year old enjoyed. Only downside was a limited range of Western food outlets.

Superb in every respect- clean, orderly and efficient. Staff everywhere were courteous and a far cry from the TSA staff here in the US! Have also transited through this airport and found it to be well organized. Definitely recommend this airport.

It's a nice clean and modern airport, but doesn't offer much if you. I couldn't find anywhere to lay down, plug in a laptop, or go on the Internet for free. It was just lots of electric shops. I don't care there I was only there for an hour. You go through customs as you do anywhere else, but then before you board at the gate staff search everyone's bags. Overall its a good airport, I've been to worse, but been to better.

This is by far the best transfer airport I have experienced. You get off of the plane; go through security again, a standard practice when you enter a new country and you are upstairs in the main terminal in less than ten minutes. I have been through most major airports in the world, and I have never seen this done any better. With a two hour layover, we managed to find our gate, use the free showers, eat, and then use the free wifi at the gate while we waited to board. This airport puts US airports to shame.

Large and clean airport, not much to do or see though, just shop after shop after shop, and not many seats to sit down, or beds etc if you have a long stop over. Doesn't compare to Singapore airport which is my favourite! Not much else to say really. One thing which was odd I thought was they search your bag before you board at the gate.

An excellent airport if you are not transferring. The idea of transfer passengers to go through another security check after they land is extremely inconvenient, time-consuming, and downright unnecessary; too few transfer-security spots, too few attendants, and considering that Seoul aims for a major transfer hub, it makes absolutely no sense. Once that hurdle is over, the departure areas is spacious, lots of amenities, shopping/eateries alike, people speak English and service is good.

Beautifully designed, very clean, but the "throughput" side of handling transit passengers has not been thought through very well. The very size of the facility and the near necessity of switching airlines when transiting through Seoul make it necessary to handle large volumes of passengers descending on the transit gates and security. Unfortunately, the transit arrangements are awful - some of the worst I have seen internationally. Every time I come through Incheon there are 1 or 2 security teams at the transit security checks, so when 300 people show up at once off an arriving flight the lines immediately form for 1+ hour waits. Its like it never occurred to anyone in Security that a lot of people might show up, even though this has been going on for the 2 years I've been flying thru Incheon, especially now that the direct Singapore - Newark flight has been cut. I've tried commenting on this directly to some of the Security personnel however they are all government types and couldn't care less, especially if its close to break time or the end of their shift.

I have arrived and departed ICN now 5 times in last year and I can say that it's the best of the "big airports" I've ever been to. The airport is very clean, the staff friendly and helpful and everything is well organised. You find everything you need and the connection to downtown Seoul is better than before, since the new Airport Express Train opened (costs now only 8000KRW).

My first experience was shortly after a typhoon and delays at transfer counters were over 3 hours (there was just no management of the queues). At 9pm I needed to send an email to let my hotel know I would be very late but no Internet terminals available as all had closed - by 9pm at an international airport. No international sockets to plug PC into and had to buy adapter plug. But of course no plugs near seats so ended up sitting on floor near a wall. On return several days later I had purchased a the transit hotel stay for my long layover of 9 hours. After the first experience with huge delays I decided to get my ongoing boarding pass early and then relax. I went from main terminal to terminal A, got the pass but then found out your cannot go back - no one was on duty when I left the main terminal to let me know this was the case. So missed out on my prepaid pass and all the other great experiences at the main terminal (sleeping on airport benches is no fun). Overall a disaster in every respect and I will avoid in the future if at all possible.

Thank goodness we flew though this Airport to and from Manila. On our return home I needed urgent medical attention. When we found out that this airport has a small emergency medical centre, with excellent medical facilities, it was a great comfort. They managed to sort out the health problem I had within 2 hours. Then, I was taken to a small lounge to recover fully before getting back on the plane to London. Great service, just when I needed it.

Only used the concourse terminal during a transit. I had 2 hours to kill and I found that there is nothing to do. The shops and restaurants options were limited. I asked an airport staff how to get to the main terminal and he said that it was not possible. It is not a good airport for transit unless you're flying with Asiana or Korean, which operate from the main terminal.

I am a frequent business traveller and find this one of the most annoying and inconvenient airports. I just completed a return trip from Bangkok to Ulaanbaatar via Seoul. The return KE flight from ULN arrives at 04.00. . My connecting flight to Bangkok was at 09.35, so I had 5.5 hours at Incheon. The flight from ULN is only 3 hours so I had only about hours sleep and needed some more. The first time I did this trip I went straight to Terminal A from where Thai flights depart. However on arrival at the Asiana Business lounge I found a sign saying that it did not open until 6 am. I decided I would take a hotel room. However there are no transit hotel rooms in Terminal A (only in the Main Concourse) and once you are there you cannot get back to the Main Terminal. I was therefore forced to lie down on a row of to wait for the lounge to open. I do not believe I should have to do this at my age (60) especially when flying Business Class. I decided I would go to the transit hotel in Concourse A to get a few hours sleep. (Even in the Main Concourse the Asiana Lounge does not open until 5 am). However, I needed a boarding pass (cannot be issued in ULN) so I asked at an information desk and was told that I get one at Transit Desk C which opened at 5 am. This meant that, although I was checking into the transit hotel at 04.15 and was desperate for some sleep, I could not go to sleep until I had obtained the boarding pass. At 5 am I went to the Transit Desk but was told that boarding passes for Thai flights could be issued at the Transit Desk F in Terminal A (not the information I was given previously). However, if I went to Terminal A for my boarding pass I would not be able to get back to the Transit Hotel – backward trips not allowed for departing passengers. I was therefore forced to take the risk of not getting my boarding pass (and confirmation that luggage had been checked through) until just before the flight. I slept until 08.15, rushed to terminal A at 08.40 and got boarding pass about 50 minutes before flight departure. An airport should be judged on how it handles unusual travel arrangements, not by the masses or travellers who pass through with uncomplicated plans.

Been travelling through this airport 10 times in past 10 months and always feel welcomed by both customs and security staffs with great facilities both inside and outside of immigration. The downside of this airport is that there is only ONE VAT/GST claim place and it was a nightmare to see a such a long queue. Didn't bother to claim as I would have to wait easily 30 minutes.

I've been using this airport at least 20 times for the past 12 months, and I have to say it is a real pain. Extremely far from the city, only one "express" train that goes to the former city centre and takes almost an hour (excluding the escalators). At the departure, the security check is very unfriendly, understaffed and not aware of the latest regulations, making you usually wait for ages. At the arrival, if you are Korean you will have to wait about 30 seconds at the immigration. If you are not, you will have to queue usually for at least half an hour. As much as possible, avoid check-in luggage, even if you are in business / Gold, etc. And finally, unless you are flying with a local airline, you will be directed to the Concourse, with a slow and inconvenient train, and where the only reasonable place is the KAL lounge.

Fast, friendly, efficient check-in, security, Spotless departure lounges and restrooms. Wide variety of fairly priced restaurants and shops, Many well-organized ground transportation options, Korean cultural displays. I keep hoping my flight will be delayed so I can spend more time there, but departures always on time despite rainy weather.

Transit only, twice in June. Big, bright and busy. However, as with Hong Kong, once you've seen about three or four shops you've seen them all, as there a multiple outlets for the same stores. Very hot, sticky and uncomfortable throughout terminal and in KAL lounge. Some toilets not clean.

If you arrive at Main Concourse but are in transit and leaving from Terminal A you cannot get boarding card at Main Concourse. There is no train link back from Terminal A to Main Concourse for departing passengers. This means you cannot use the Transit Hotel unless you are prepared to risk getting your boarding pass just before flying. There is no transit hotel in Terminal A.

Excellent in all respects both to arrive and depart. The facilities are spotless, well organised and varied. The prices at most of the food outlets and shops are reasonable. Access from all around Seoul and neighbouring towns and cities is straightforward with the huge bus network that seems to run nearly all day long. The staff are friendly and helpful. Free WiFi and places to relax. Easily one of the best airports in the world.

A pleasure to both arrive and depart. Speedy, friendly customs and immigration. Bright, roomy, departure lounges. Spotless restrooms. Easy connection to/from downtown Seoul via AREX (airport railroad). Large number of shopping and fast food options. Korean cultural experience.

Nice, roomy, clean and tidy. A long schlep from city as no handy train link. Good but not sure why better than HKG or even Changi. Miles ahead of any USA or European airport.

Had a 14 hour layover in Incheon. Stayed at the Transit hotel for the night. It was clean and very comfortable. The airport itself is nice and clean with very nice staff. Lots of food choices. I did not need WON and USD and credit cards were readily accepted. One complaint about this airport is why you are not allowed to bring in bottled drinks into flights even if they are purchased past security. This is allowed in all other countries I have been to (including the US) and yet it's not allowed here?

Flying into Seoul Incheon from Vietnam (Hanoi-Seoul and Seoul-Ho Chi Minh City). Everything works like clock work and no question that this is one of the best run airports. Even the sheer size of the place does not make it impersonal. Flown into the new extension terminal connected to the main terminal by underground train. Passport control just seconds, bags already waiting for us. The same was through check-in. All staff helpful and respectful. Ample transportation opportunities to the city. Tons of shops, places to eat and relax, showers and hotels.

Asiana flights KIX-ICN-PEK and NKG-ICN-KIX and transit through Incheon. Transit can be quite a different story and I agree entirely with your previous correspondents. With over 90 mins for transit on the same airline I barely made the connection. The main transit and security line barely moves with apparently new inexperienced staff there oblivious to the cries from passengers who were missing their connections. I was dreading the return experience. However this time I noticed another transit and security facility only about 100m away that was hardly being used! If you strike this same problem when trying to connect through Seoul Incheon have a quick run down about 100m away on the same pier and see if you can find this other transit area. It works much better and efficiently. Otherwise, it is a fine terminal.

Incheon is a well-designed airport that is easy to get around. The terminal is a gentle half circle with two piers so it is easy to navigate. Moving sidewalks and clear signage make it simple. Lounges are modern, shopping is diverse and high quality, customs and security are very quick. The only knock is that it's a long way from downtown Seoul.

Truly passenger friendly airport; friendly customs officials and luggage quickly on carousel. Numerous information desks with competent staff. They called my hotel for their pick-up shuttle, gave perfect directions to pick-up point. On departure no waiting at check-in, quick security check and airside shopping opportunities galore. Duty free at very competitive prices. Spacious lounges, all in all an excellent experience - Incheon is indeed deserving of its 5-star-rating.

Was departing on a 00.20hrs flight on a weekday. As the airport shuttle from Seoul city took about 1 hr, I intended to arrive at the airport slightly earlier to have dinner and shop. In the end, when I arrived at 9.30pm, I discovered most of the shops, F and B outlets and restaurants in the public area were closed. I checked in, cleared immigration and security. To my horror, there was only 1 outlet serving drinks and sandwiches and another eatery serving hot food and fast food. That's all. Shops were generally closed. When I checked the flight display, there were at least another 10 flights departing! Departing at night from ICN was an entirely different experience.

Always a pleasant airport to use. It is spacious, well designed, shops are well spaced and equipped, they accept both WON and USD. You can get around easy enough with only speaking English. Customs and baggage takes minimal time to be processed. Never have I ever wasted any time in this airport whether I am transferring, arriving or departing.

Excellent in virtually every aspect. Glad to see that the taxi touts are now being kept out of the arrivals area - this was the only problem I found on previous visits. As usual, the terminal is fastidiously clean and extremely spacious, there is abundant seating and bathroom facilities, and the public transportation options are superb. Speak a little Korean and you might even get a smile out of the immigration officers.

Very easy international transit airport. Lots of moving walkways and well-signed. Korean Air transit desk was tucked away upstairs but well labelled. Transit agents were efficient and knowledgeable. Shops took both Won and USD which was convenient for me. Facilities were very clean.

I flew into Seoul in Dec 2011 and flew out in Jan 2012. It is spotlessly clean and efficient. Nice steel and glass terminal buildings with a sense of space. Nice concourse with children's play areas and cultural pavilions with musicians playing soft traditional music. Lastly, lounges with showers and hotel rooms (a godsend for long layovers)! Coming in, it took just a few minutes to clear customs and pick up luggage; leaving, it was just as easy to check in. Now I know why this airport trades places with Singapore and Hong Kong for the title of world's best.

When my son had an unanticipated layover of around 9 hours due to aircraft mechanical issues, he was able to find a reasonably priced meal, a small efficiency 'cubicle' and a shower and get about 6 hours sleep - all for a reasonable price. This was without leaving the secured area of the airport. Helpful staff, clean facilities and very convenient.

Arrival at Concourse A and departure from Concourse A. Fantastic airport - short waiting time at immigration and security control points, fast check-in, good duty free shops, fast luggage handling. On the 4th floor are armchairs for relaxing. Almost all shops are closed after 10 pm at main terminal, but at Concourse A most of shops are open until the last flight.

If you experience any problems submitting comments on the above link, please use our general   Feedback Page