19+ Best Day Tours in Seoul from Incheon Airport

South Korea’s capital, Seoul, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landmarks, and super-fast transportation system. But whether you’re on a quick trip or planning your layover tour from Incheon Airport, there’s a wealth of attractions you can visit for free.

You can even arrange tours to Seoul from Incheon Airport. Some will come with free tour guides and transportation, and others with private arrangements made ahead of time. To make the most of your time, most tour operators arrange pick-ups and drop-offs at Incheon Airport, providing seamless transportation options. 

During your trip, you can experience the rich history and colorful culture of Seoul with guides sharing their insights and expertise. Depending on the kind of activities you’re interested in, both free and paid Incheon Airport transit tours are available. 

Airport Shuttle

The airport shuttle bus is a free service connecting both terminals of the Incheon Airport. This will help you save time walking around, especially if you're unfamiliar with the place and the language. The airport's official site even provides an airport shuttle route that you can reference while you're there. 

There are also airport limousine buses that takes you directly to major hotels and tourist areas in Seoul; a great option if you want to have a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Third-party sites like Klook and kkday are also quick ways to secure a spot as well as enjoy private package services. 

Train to Seoul

Another way to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport is by train. The AREX Line, also known as the Airport Railroad Express, offers 2 types of services: the Express Train and the All-Stop Train.

The Express Train takes 45 minutes and goes directly to Seoul Station, while the All-Stop Train stops at various cities connected to Lines 2, 5, 6, 9, and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line.

To ride the Express Train, you need to buy an Express Train pass from the service stations located in both Terminals 1 and 2. As for the All-Stop Train service, you can buy a T-Money card from any convenience store found within and outside the airport.  

You can also enjoy the free Wi-Fi and assigned seating, just like riding the KTX (Korean Train eXpress). Also, if you have flight tickets from Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines, T'way Air, or Eastar Jet with a departure date within 7 days, you can get an Express Train Pass discount.

Taxi to Seoul

Taxis are good if you want to have a private and direct mode of transportation. Taxis in Korea can get expensive, but I recommend using them between 12am to 5am when the trains and shuttles have stopped operating. Moreover, taxis offer a door-to-door service and you can easily find them outside the airport.

Fares vary depending on the type of Korean taxi you're taking. White, silver, and orange taxis are ₩2,000 (~$1.50USD) cheaper compared to the black Deluxe Taxis. A taxi ride from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul will cost you around ₩80,000 (~$60USD) at minimum.

Take an orange taxi if you have trouble communicating in Korean. Most orange taxi drivers are fluent in languages like Chinese, Japanese, and English. Third-party services like My Korea Cab and Viator can make it easier for your to book taxi services from Incheon Airport to your destination. 

DMZ and JSA Tours

Any of the several companies running DMZ and JSA tours will take you the closest you can get to North Korea. The quick bus ride north will generally be with fellow tourists who wish to understand the divide and maybe get a glimpse into one of the most sheltered countries in the world. 

During the tour you’ll get to know more about the history of the Korean War (known domestically as ‘The Great War’), enter the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and physically be inside the famous Joint Security Area.

You can also see a bit of North Korea from the Dora Observatory. Just make sure to be on your best behavior while on this trip, as this is technically an active war zone.

K-Pop Tour

Seoul is the birthplace of K-Pop, and fans from all over the world flock to Seoul with the hopes of diving into the world of K-Pop idols like BTS.

This K-Pop tour takes you to a variety of entertainment agencies and stores; if you're lucky, you may even see some celebrities. Other tours have you join a K-Pop dance class and record a song, if you have extra time or a particularly long layover.

Namsan Tower and Han River Cruise

Seoul is known for its breathtaking panoramic sky view, so I highly recommend visiting places that let you appreciate it better. Ride a cable car to Namsan Tower and visit the observation deck.

You can even grab a flavorful coffee before trekking to the very top while enjoying the city's stunning view. Don’t forget to swing by the Han River Cruise at night for another breath-taking view of the cityscape.

Shopping Tours

Retail therapy is incredibly fun, especially if you join Seoul market tours in areas like Dongdaemun, Insadong, and Myeongdong. These places are the best locations for getting discounts on clothing, cosmetics, and souvenirs. Some market tours take you to street food hubs with Korean dishes like soondae, hotteok, and tteokbokki.

Seoul Theme Park

Everland is an amusement park in Seoul that offers endless fun for visitors of all ages. With thrilling rides like heart-pounding roller coasters and exciting water slides, there's something for everyone at Everland. 

If you need a break from the excitement, the park offers various shows, parades, and performances to keep you entertained. From dazzling fireworks displays to captivating live entertainment, there's always something for both adults and kids. 

Seoul Aquarium Experience

Joining the COEX Aquarium tour offers a chance to observe and explore the fascinating world underwater. Located in Seoul, this aquarium provides a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. 

As you wander through the exhibits, you'll encounter a diverse range of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and graceful stingrays. Once you’re done exploring, hit up the mall food court for both Korean and international dishes.

Traditional Seoul City Tour

If you’ve never been to Korea, one of the fantastic ways to get to know the capital is by joining the Traditional Seoul Tour. This tour lets you see the classics like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palace, and then shop in the lively markets of Insadong and Namdaemun.

It's is a nice option for those without much time, but still want to get a taste of what the country has to offer.

Traditional Korean Village

A good way for you to get a glimpse into the past is to visit a living traditional Korean village. The Bukchon Hanok Village is a neighborhood that has maintained its traditional architecture and culture.

Here you can wander through well-preserved hanok houses, join free activities hosted by locals (such as crafts, games, and food tastings), and view performances showcasing classical Korean music, dance, and theater.

Temple Stay Program

Temple stay programs have become much more popular across Asia in recent years. They’re basically day tours that let you appreciate the slow and steady culture of Buddhist monks and develop a greater appreciation of how they approach life and wisdom.

These tours aim to provide a meaningful experience as you join their daily meditation and prayer activities, as well as develop the headspace to recover and recharge.

Palace Tours

Seoul boasts of 5 historical palaces, each with its own unique story and architectural style. Aside from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, visitors can also visit the lesser known Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung palaces. 

The royal palaces in Seoul offer the opportunity to explore halls that host royal ceremonies, appreciate the beauty of traditional Korean architecture and its intricate details, and delve into the rich history of Korea’s royal heritage during the Joseon Dynasty.

Museum Visits

Seoul has numerous museums that showcase the nation’s history, art, and culture. If you only have a short visit, I highly recommend the National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial of Korea. 

Aside from being free, these museums provide a captivating journey in an of themselves where visitors can explore collections of ancient artifacts and artworks and read more about the history and significance of the Korean War within the two Koreas.

Museums also allow you to understand why Korea has a vibrant and rather progressive culture. Other fun museums in Seoul include the Kimchi Museum, The Liquor Museum, and the Beautiful Tea Museum.

Korean Street Food Tour

One of the best ways to get to know a new culture is to eat their food. This Seoul Food Tour takes you to the best gastronomic spots in town to give you a richer knowledge of Korean food and how it’s made, experienced, and loved by locals.

The best part is, you get to try things other than kimchi, and tease your taste buds with some things unique to Korean cuisine.

Korean BBQ Tour

Having a long layover gives you enough time to discover the delightful world of Korean BBQ. Treat your taste buds to the amazing flavors of marinated and grilled meats, perfectly complemented by famous Korean side-dishes.

The KBBQ Dinner Experience tour takes you to try the incredible delights of authentic Korean cuisine, perfect for food enthusiasts who want to make the most of their time in Seoul. For halal food tours in Seoul, you may need to arrange stops ahead of time.

Korean Seafood Tour

Noryangjin Market is the ultimate seafood lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of fresh and intriguing seafood options (like the delicacies of penis fish and live octopus - seriously).

This bustling fish market in Seoul is known for its skilled vendors who know how to clean and cook seafood to perfection, whether you prefer it grilled, steamed, or raw.

The best part is that as you eat, you get to observe the local food culture and see lively interactions between foreigner-friendly vendors (just don’t be disruptive of their business interactions). 

Secret Korean Cuisine Tour

This Korean food tour is all about immersing yourself in the authentic, off-the-beaten-path dining experiences that are otherwise hidden from Google and even Naver.

Get ready to explore neighborhoods renowned for their mouthwatering cuisine. They're commonly found in tiny alleys that even most locals haven’t discovered.

Together with your guide, unravel the best-kept secrets of the city’s culinary scene - if you're open to strange foods, this Seoul food tour is perfect for you.

Hiking in Bukhansan National Park

Hiking in Seoul is deeply ingrained in the local culture and is regarded as a cherished pastime by many. It serves as a means for the older generations to maintain their strength and vitality, and foreigners are often amazed at how effortlessly the elderly trek through Bukhansan National Park. 

If you're seeking respite from the fast-paced urban life, grab your hiking shoes and embark on a trail that suits your experience level. Witnessing the enthusiasm of seasoned hikers and the awe-inspiring landscapes will leave you in awe.

Additionally, joining a hiking tour in Bukhansan offers the perfect opportunity to capture breathtaking photos with the majestic mountains as a stunning backdrop.

Biking Along the Han River

While exploring Seoul during your day tour, don’t miss the opportunity to bike along the Han River. All you have to do is rent a bike from the rental station by the entrance, and as you pedal along, enjoy the view of tall trees and colorful flowers.

If you want to rest, there are plenty of food stalls and picnic areas. To add to the ambiance, local buskers often provide lively entertainment, enhancing your experience along the way.

Korea takes the café experience to the next level by serving eye-catching desserts and drinks. These pairings tend to go well with the fascinating ambiance provided by each theme, whether it’s sipping a cup of coffee in a café full of animals, or making pretty artwork while waiting for your snacks.

Visiting any of the cafes below is your chance to step into the world of creativity and imagination that ensures you and your friends make lasting memories in Korea.

Hello Kitty Cafe

Dog Cafes

Dog cafés are awesome locations for tourists to cuddle and interact with friendly dogs. If you want to enjoy quality playtime with a furry friend, be sure to visit popular establishments like Puppy Spoon and Bauhaus.

These cafes have a range of small to large breeds housed in a safe and enjoyable setting for socialization and fun, and they really care for the welfare of each animal. 

Cat Cafes

If you’re a cat lover, joining a Seoul Cat Café tour is a must. Imagine sipping a warm cup of coffee while being surrounded by cats of all shapes and sizes.

These feline friends can tolerate humans, are well-groomed, and can be playful. Book an experience in Goyangi Noriteo and Godabang for a purr-fect time (I had to do it!).  

Sheep Cafe

Sheep aren’t usually animals found in an animal café, but one cozy space in Seoul lets you get to see gentle and fluffy sheep peacefully grazing or wandering around the premises. You are allowed to pet and feed them, and even take selfies with them.

Consider stopping by Thanks Nature café in Korea for a chance to connect with these adorable wooly friends, who’ve been happily bounding around since well before I moved to Korea in 2016.

Time Management

Manage your time effectively by researching beforehand how long it takes you to go from one place to another. Apps like Kakao Map and Naver Map provide time estimations that help you calculate how long it will take you to move from Incheon Airport to your desired destination for your day tour.

Transportation

You can choose from various methods to travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul, such as taking the 45-minute Express AREX line or the comfy airport limousine bus. Both of these options are the fastest and cheapest methods to get you to your destination.

Selecting Tours

To ensure that your experience is worth it, make sure to pick a fun day trip from Seoul that best aligns with your needs and interests. If you're a fan of hiking, go to Bukhansan National Park.

BUT If you love shopping, check out the traditional markets or go for the luxury shops in Dongdaemun and Gangnam. Though If food is more of your thing, try visiting Noryangjin Fish Market or Gwangjang Market.

Free Sightseeing Tours

Incheon Airport offers free sightseeing tour options to transiting passengers - take advantage of these cultural, culinary, historical, and commercial excursions for an enriching experience.

Dress Appropriately

The weather in Seoul can be unpredictable, so bring suitable clothing for various climate conditions and locations. For example, if visiting a temple, make sure that you're dressed appropriately, with sleeves and no visible cleavage. If you are planning to go hiking, gear up according to the weather.