How to Maximize an Extended Layover in Seoul
You will need a 7+ hour layover if you want to go into the city as you’ll need a minimum of 2-3 hours for your round trip transportation. If you have a shorter layover however, you can still escape the airport to get a Korean experience nearby.
Visa Requirements
If you are from the United States or Canada you do not need a Visa to enter Korea. You will need to go through passport control upon leaving the terminal, so make sure you have that time built into your schedule.
What to do with your luggage
If you haven’t checked a bag (good for you) you will find that many museums and cultural sites have free lockers on site that you are able to store your personal items in while visiting.
Exiting the airport
Getting to and from the airport is the hardest part of sightseeing during your layover in Seoul. The airport is an hour by train and by car into the city center. The train will be the most cost effective way to get into town.
To learn more about what you need to know about taking the train from the airport check out this guide.
If you choose to avoid the trains, Uber works in Seoul or you can take a taxi, which will cost $50-60 USD one way.
Getting around Seoul
From the Seoul Station you can take the subway (or get a taxi) to your preferred destination. If you plan to use the subway, you will need to have cash on hand, because like the all-stop trains these machines do not take credit cards. You will need cash to purchase and load a cash card. The price will vary based on the distance of your desired stops. From Seoul Station to Anguk Station was 1500 won or $1.15 one way.
If you are not good with walking, maps, or subways in large cities I would strongly encourage you to use taxis. I have been taking NYC subways since I was 10 and have used transit throughout the largest cities in Europe. However, when you add an extra language barrier to find which platform you need, that makes things even more challenging.
Note: Google maps will work for transit directions but will not work for walking directions. Very weird. Apple maps however does work in Seoul for walking directions.
What to do in Seoul
To best maximize your layover in Seoul I recommend heading to the Jongno District of Seoul. Here you will find cafes, museums and the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Visit a cafe in Seoul
Seoul has a huge cafe culture within the city. These range from your standard western cafe to your quirkier eastern themed cafe. In Seoul you can even find a sheep themed cafe with live sheep in residence. In the Jongno District there are a number of cafes within walking distance of the Anguk metro station.
Visit a museum during your layover in Seoul
You can find about a dozen museums In the Jongno District ranging from art, history and Korean culture. Many of these have free or low cost (2000 won / $1.50 USD) admission prices.
I personally recommend visiting the Seoul Museum of Craft Art.
Visit cultural sites
You will find many wonderful examples of historic Korean architecture and culture in this area. The most prominent options are the Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
All have incredibly ornate buildings and expansive grounds. The admission prices are very low ranging from 1000-3000 won ($0.76 - $2.30 USD). Many even offer (limited) free walking tours in English. With limited time during your layover in Seoul you’ll likely only be able to visit (1) of these sites. You should plan to give yourself at least an hour to be able to go beyond the entry gates and go deeper into the palace grounds.
What is everyone wearing at the palace?
When visiting the various palaces it is not uncommon to see locals and foreigners alike donning a Hanbok (traditional Korean garments). At the Gyeongbokgung Palace you can forgo the admission fee if you are wearing a hanbok. Keep in mind, renting a hanbok will cost more than the admission, but you have another unique way of experiencing Korean culture first hand.
Near the southern entrance of the Gyeongbokgung Palace you will find dozens of hanbok rental stores. These rentals start around 15000 won ($11.40 USD) for 2 hours. Different stores offer different services from what style of garment is worn to add ons services such as hair and photographers.
Can western tourists wear a hanbok?
Yes! You’ll see people of all ethnicities donning these garments while taking photos at the palace. So long as you are being respectful to the culture, setting and the garment it is absolutely ok for non-Korean visitors to rent a hanbok for photos. Here are two highly rated hanbok rentals located near the palace.
Go to a traditional Korean spa or jjimjilbang
It is also standard for many of these spas to have food available and sleeping rooms. So if you happen to have a long overnight layover, this can be a great low cost way to have somewhere to quickly crash for the night or a few hours.
If you have a shorter layover (4-5 hours) there is a spa near the airport located in the city of Incheon called Cimer.
Heading back to the airport
Once you've had time to enjoy exploring during your layover in Seoul, make sure you still give yourself ample time to return to the airport. You should plan no less than 3 hours from Seoul to 1) travel back to the airport and 2) go through passport control and security. You will need a minimum of an hour for transportation.I recommend 2 hours for passport control and security to ensure there is enough time to get to your gate and grab any food, snacks or duty free items along the way. The bonus of your layover is you’ve already checked in and any luggage is taken care of. All you have to do is get to the gate prior to your boarding time.
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