Welcome to Korea! As you begin your journey as an English teacher, understanding the public transportation system will make your arrival and transition to your school smooth and stress-free. This guide will walk you through the available transportation options from Incheon International Airport to your final destination across Korea.

Before You Depart
Make sure you have prepared the following:

• School Address in Korean: Carry a written copy for taxis or navigation assistance.
• Navigation Apps: Download KakaoMetro or Naver Maps (Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea).
• Public Transport Info: Check bus numbers and schedules using Naver Maps.
• Cash on Hand: Carry 300,000 KRW as some transportation options may not accept foreign credit cards or Apple Pay.
• Important Documents: Keep your passport and essential documents easily accessible.
• Translation Apps: Install Papago or Google Translate for easy communication.

Upon arrival at the airport in South Korea

• Use Free WiFi: Check routes and directions before leaving the airport.
• Purchase a SIM Card: Available at convenience stores inside the airport.

 

Step 1: Arriving at Incheon International Airport

After you land at Incheon International Airport (ICN), follow the signs for immigration and baggage claim. Once you clear customs, you will enter the arrivals area, where various transportation options are available to take you to your school city.

 

Step 2: Choosing Your Mode of Transportation

1. Airport Limousine Buses

• Direct and comfortable option, ideal if you have heavy luggage.
• Buses run from the airport to major cities, districts, and even remote locations.
• Purchase tickets at the transportation desk in the arrivals area (fares range from 10,000 to 20,000 KRW depending on distance).
• Major destinations include Gangnam, Hongdae, Suwon, Daejeon, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Jeonju.

Important Note:
✔You must purchase a ticket in advance at ticket counters, self-service machines, or online. Both cash and cards are accepted
✔For late arrivals after 10 PM, booking online in advance is recommended, as buses may sell out.

• T1 Bus Boarding Guide

At Terminal 1 (T1), the bus boarding areas and ticket counters are conveniently located on the Arrival Floor (1st Floor). Once you purchase your bus ticket, the platform number will be clearly indicated on the ticket.

• Seoul Buses: Platforms 4–7
• Incheon Buses: Platforms 2–3 and 13
• Gyeonggi Buses: Platforms 8–10
• Intercity/Regional Buses: Platforms 11–12

• T2 Bus Boarding Guide

At Terminal 2 (T2), the bus boarding area is located on B1 (Transit Center), below the Arrival Floor.

• Seoul Buses: Platforms 11–36
• Gyeonggi Buses: Platforms 36–45
• Intercity/Regional Buses: Platforms 1–10

2. Airport Railroad Express (AREX) & Subway

• The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get to Seoul and beyond. There are two types of AREX services:

 

• • Express Train (Non-stop to Seoul Station, 43 minutes, 11,000 KRW)

• • All-Stop Train (Stops at major subway stations, 58 minutes, 4,150 KRW to Seoul Station)

• If your school is located in Seoul or nearby cities, you can transfer to the Seoul Metropolitan Subway at Seoul Station and continue to your final destination.
• Recommended for those staying in Seoul, Incheon, or Gyeonggi Province.

 

3. KTX (Korea Train Express) High-Speed Train

• If your school is located in a city far from Seoul (e.g., Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon), the KTX train is the fastest option.
• From Incheon Airport, take the AREX to Seoul Station and transfer to the KTX high-speed rail.
• Travel times:
  • Seoul to Busan: ~2 hours 30 minutes
  • Seoul to Daegu: ~1 hour 40 minutes
  • Seoul to Daejeon: ~1 hour
  • Seoul to Gwangju: ~2 hours

4. Taxis

• Taxis are available outside the airport, and fares vary depending on distance and time of day.
• Ride-hailing apps like Kakao T or Uber (limited availability) can also be used.
• Best for those with heavy luggage or traveling late at night.

Please note that fares are approximate and can vary. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Incheon Airport Taxi Fare Chart (2025)

Taxi Type	Base Fare (KRW)	Additional Fare	Estimated Fare to Seoul (KRW)
Standard Taxi	4,800	100 KRW per 130-150m	60,000~100,000
Deluxe/Jumbo Taxi	7,000	200 KRW per 151m	70,000~120,000
International Taxi	Varies	Fixed rates by zone or metered with 20% surcharge	Varies

 

T1 Taxi Boarding Guide	T2 Taxi Boarding Guide

 

Step 3: Purchasing Transportation Cards

• If you plan to use public transportation frequently, buy a T-Money or Cashbee card at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or kiosks in the airport.
• These cards can be used on subways, buses, and taxis across Korea.
• Rechargeable at subway stations and convenience stores.

Step 4: Arriving at Your School

• Once you arrive in your city, you may need to take a taxi or a local bus to your final destination.
• Ask your recruiter or your school for guidance on reaching your school from the main transit hubs.

We hope this guide helps make your journey to your new school in Korea a smooth experience. Welcome, and enjoy your teaching adventure in Korea!