Introduction
We welcome all of you who finally came to Korea after flying for a long time. This document contains everything you need to know when you get off at Incheon International Airport(ICN), or even before your flight to Incheon International Airport leaves. When you enter the airport's arrival hall for the first time without a tour guide, you may be embarrassed by the larger and more complex size of the airport.
The first thing you need to know is to check whether the terminal you landed in is Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. In 2018, Incheon International Airport had a second passenger terminal through an expansion project and the distance between the two terminals is quite far.
In fact, Incheon International Airport boasts the world's third-largest annual tourist capacity, with 100 million Korean and foreign tourists coming and going. The signboards are well prepared in English, Japanese, and Chinese, but it is not easy for new visitors to understand the airport's structure. But don't worry. From now on, let's find out what is and where you need to go together.
Types of Arrival Terminal at Incheon International Airport
First of all, you are free to use all public transportation, such as the subway, bus, or taxi, from Incheon International Airport to other areas no matter which terminal you get off at. Concourse in the middle will be explained later. You only need a little more time to find your luggage and transfer to Korean public transportation when you get off at Concourse. Just remember this!
Terminal 1 and 2
Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport depends on which airline you are on board. You can easily check it on your flight ticket, but cross-checking is recommended. Please refer to the table below.
| Airline name | Terminal name |
|---|---|
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Terminal 2 |
| Garuda Indonesia | Terminal 2 |
| Korean Air | Terminal 2 |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal 2 |
| Xiamen Airlines | Terminal 2 |
| Air France | Terminal 2 |
| Chinese Airlines | Terminal 2 |
| Jin Air | Terminal 2 |
| All other airlines | Teminal 1 |
Concourse
Foreign tourists on the flight arriving at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 can use the immigration desk at Terminal 1, and if they arrive at Terminal 2, they can use the immigration desk at Terminal 2.
However, it can be a little embarrassing if you arrive at the boarding building instead of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. In this case, all foreign tourists who arrive at the boarding building must go to Terminal 1 for immigration. This is because the immigration process for those who get off at the boarding building takes place at Terminal 1.
After getting off the plane, follow the information sign. Take the shuttle train to Terminal 1. The shuttle train runs every 5 to 10 minutes, and you simply follow the sign.
Just follow the "Shuttle Train" sign on the information sign. Terminal 1 is the only destination for the shuttle train that people who arrive at the boarding area can take, so don't worry about getting confused. If you're still having a hard time, just get off the plane, enter the Concourse, follow where people are traveling, and take the shuttle train. As I said again, there is only one Shuttle train destination from the Concourse: Terminal 1.
Arrival procedures at Incheon International Airport
When you came into the building after exiting the plane that landed at Incheon International Airport, all you have to do is walk with people in the right direction. It will be very easy if you familiarize yourself with the following in advance. Welcome to Korea!
Disembarking the Plane
Once your plane has landed and reached the gate, follow the cabin crew’s instructions to disembark. Immediately after exiting the plane, look for airport signs. Follow signs that say "Arrivals" or "Immigration." The procedure below is almost the same at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
After disembarking, enter the terminal building and look for signs that say "Arrivals," "Immigration," or "입국" in Korean. Follow these signs, which will guide you to the immigration area. You may need to take an escalator or elevator to a lower floor.
Immigration
Once you reach the immigration area, line up according to your status. There are usually separate queues for foreigners, Korean nationals, diplomats, and aircrew. Join the appropriate line. You'll probably get an arrival card on the plane and it says "입국신고서" in Korean. Of course, it's written in English, too. Keep it well and submit it at the time of immigration. If you lost your arrival card on the plane, there is usually an extra one near the immigration desk that you can fill out on the spot.
- Documents Required: Passport, completed arrival card
- At the immigration desk, submit your passport and arrival card. The officer may ask you some questions, so be prepared to answer.
- After the officer completes the process, your passport will be stamped, and you can proceed.
Baggage claim
After clearing immigration, follow the signs for "Baggage Claim", "Baggage Reclaim" or "수하물" in Korean.
On the picture, (1) is your flight number. (2) is your departure location. (3) is the direction and number of the baggage belt you need to go to find your luggage from your plane.
- Find your baggage belt: Look at the monitors or displays for your flight number. Next to your flight number, you will see the corresponding baggage belt number.
- Go to the indicated baggage belt and wait for your baggage to arrive. Collect your baggage once you see it. Incheon International Airport has a large number of passengers, so it can take up to 20-30 minutes for your luggage to come out.
Customs inspection
With your baggage, follow the signs for "Customs" or "세관" in Korean.
- Submit Declaration: If you have items to declare, fill out the customs declaration form and submit it to the customs officer.
- The criteria for what you need to declare to customs are well written on the arrival card you received on the plane, so you can refer to it to decide whether to declare it or not. In most cases, you don't have to worry.
To exit
Congratulations. Your Korea trip begins now! After clearing customs, follow the signs for "Exit", "Arrivals Hall", "출구" in Korean. Exit the customs area to reach the arrivals hall where you can find transportation options or do anything. Both terminals offer a variety of facilities, including information desks where you can ask for help if needed. And the aiirport staff who speak multiple languages are available to assist you, so do not hesitate to ask for help if you encounter any issues.
Now, you have to experience Korea's public transportation to go to Seoul or other provinces of Korea. Get more information on this website!
Incheon International Airport map
Sometimes a map of the airport that comes with written instructions can make you comfortable. Below are maps that show where you need to take a route for each of Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the boarding area. See this map, which is very concise and intuitive, too!
Concourse
(In writing)
Terminal 1
(In writing)
Terminal 2
(In writing)