From Incheon Airport to Myeongdong 2024 | Complete Transportation Guide (from a Local!)

Getting from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong is simple if you understand all the different methods of transport available to you in Korea.

I’ve been back and forth from Incheon Airport to Seoul, around 10 times in the last month, so you can be sure that the information in this transport guide is current and fully updated for 2024.

How will you get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong? © Minseong Kim (CC BY-SA 4.0)

There are 5 different ways to travel between Incheon Airport and Myeongdong – each with their own pros and cons. They are, in a nutshell: AREX Express Train, AREX All-Stop Train, airport limousine bus, taxi, or private transfer.

I’ll cover each of these in detail in this guide, as well as provide tips on Korean transit cards, and luggage delivery.

Incheon Airport to Myeongdong

Most visitors to South Korea, land at Incheon International Airport, before making their way to different parts of the country.

Myeongdong with its pulsing energy, central location, food, and shopping streets, is one of the most popular places to stay in Seoul for visitors from all over the world.

Myeongdong is one of the most popular places to stay in Seoul.

The first thing travellers usually need to do upon arrival in Korea, is figure out the best way to get to Myeongdong from Incheon Airport.

The transport option you choose depends largely on your traveling conditions. Are you traveling with children? What’s your arrival? Do you have a lot of luggage? Are you on a budget?

I’ll make it easy for you, and recommend the best options for getting between Incheon and Myeongdong, in each of these situations.

On the streets of Myeongdong © Sarah Mak

READ NEXT: Where to Stay in Myeongdong | The 15 Best Hotels for Every Budget

Incheon Airport to Myeongdong | AREX Express Train (Seoul Station)

The AREX Express is a nonstop train that connects Incheon Airport and Seoul Station. It’s important to note that the AREX Express train goes direct to Seoul Station ONLY, without making any stops along the way.

Seoul Station in located in central Seoul.

If you choose to take the AREX Express train to Seoul Station, you’ll have to transfer to another subway line, take a bus, or grab a taxi to reach your final destination in Myeongdong. Seoul Station and Myeongdong are only 2 subway stops apart though, so it’s not a huge undertaking.

The AREX Express is probably the FASTEST way to get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong. Unless there are unforseen delays, you can expect to be in downtown Seoul, within an hour of boarding the train.

The AREX train departs from the Incheon Airport Train Terminal on Level B1 © Ken Eckert (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Head down to the B1 levels of both Terminals 1 and 2, and follow the signs to the Incheon Airport Train Terminal. This is the boarding point for all AREX trains (both Express and Non-Stop).

Purchase tickets at the kiosk (or scan your mobile voucher if you pre-booked), then board the AREX Express Train. It’s super comfortable with pre-assigned seating, free wifi, power, toilets, and ample space for bags and luggage.

Seating on the AREX Express is pre-assigned © Nesnad (CC BY 4.0)

Once you arrive at Seoul Station, you’ll have to transfer from the TRAIN station to the Seoul Station SUBWAY station (line 4), to jump on the subway to Myeongdong Station (also line 4).

I know it sounds really complicated, but it isn’t. Everything will make sense once you’re on the ground. Don’t worry! It takes about 10 minutes to walk between the train station and the subway station.

Some walking is required to use the AREX train lines © Doo Ho Kim (CC BY-SA 2.0)

If you plan to take a taxi directly from Seoul Station to Myeongdong, head outside and find the taxi stand. Make things easy by having the address and phone number for your final destination written out in Korean for your taxi driver.

RECOMMENDED FOR: almost everyone, except for those with mobility issues, tons of luggage, or big groups

AREX Express Train | Schedule

The AREX Express runs at 40 minute intervals, from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station. For a full schedule, check here.

Incheon Airport to Myeongdong | Transport Fares

You can expect to pay the following fares for transport, depending on if you take public transport or a taxi to Myeongdong.

• AREX Express (9,500) + subway or bus (1,400) = 10,900 won
• AREX Express (9,500) + taxi (around 7,000 won) = 16,500 won

The vibrant streets of Myeongdong are a quick taxi or subway ride away.

Incheon Airport to Myeongdong | AREX All-Stop Train

If you’re on a real budget, taking the AREX All-Stop commuter subway from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong is the cheapest option.

This train costs just 4,150 to 4,750 won and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a transfer required at Seoul Station. There are 14 to15 stops between the 2 stations, depending on which terminal you depart from.

You can buy single journey tickets at the train station, or use a Korea Tour Card / T-Money Card (most convenient and cheaper).

The AREX commuter train stops at every station © Doo Ho Kim (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Keep in mind that this is a commuter train, and as such it can get incredibly crowded at certain times of the day. Do not be fooled by all the empty seats on the subway at Incheon Airport. It WILL fill up and become very crowded, the closer you get to Seoul.

The AREX All-Stop Train to Myeongdong is the cheapest option © Lee Beomsu, Korea Tourism Organization

If you arrive at rush hour or have tons of luggage, it might be wiser to travel from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong by splurging a little for the AREX Express Train, or taking the limousine bus instead.

If you’re a backpacker traveling light, and want to experience some local flavour, this is a great option for you.

RECOMMENDED FOR: budget travelers, solo travelers, backpackers, and people traveling light

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Incheon Airport to Myeondong | K-Limousine Bus

The K-Limousine bus is a good option for getting to Myeongdong from Incheon Airport, if you have heavy luggage, or want the convenience of being dropped off close to hotels in the area.

If you’re tired from a long flight, this is a good bet as the bus has super comfy, wide, business class style seating that reclines almost flat. I’ve had some of the best post-flight naps of my life on this bus.

The K-Limousine bus is extremely comfortable © Minseong Kim (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Free wifi, water, and under-bus luggage storage are included with your ticket.

K-Limousine Buses run on 4 separate routes, so be sure to check exact information before boarding the bus. To get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong hotels, you’ll likely have to take bus number 6701 or 6702.

Good for: travellers with luggage, a mid-range budget, and families

K-Limousine Bus Tickets and Schedule

If you haven’t booked your K-Limousine Bus Tickets in advance, here’s all the info you need to buy tickets on-site.

From Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Myeongdong

• Tickets can be purchased at the K-Limousine Counter, next to Gate 4 on the 1st Floor, or at the Outdoor Airport Bus Ticket Booth.
• The bus stop is just outside of Gate 4 on the 1st floor.
• The first bus leaves from Terminal 1 at 6:15.
• The last bus departs at 22:25 with service running at 25 to 35 minute intervals.

From Incheon Airport Terminal 2 to Myeongdong

• Tickets can be purchased at the Bus ticket office near the Transportation Center on Level B1.
• You can catch the bus at stops number 18 outside of level B1.
• The first bus leaves from Terminal 2 at 5:55.
• The last bus departs at 22:05, with service running at 25 to 35 minutes intervals.

Airport Bus Tickets and Schedule

Here’s all the info you need to buy tickets and hop on the regular airport bus from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong.

From Terminal 1 to Myeongdong

• Bus 6001
  • The bus stop is just outside of Gate 5 on the Arrivals level. Line up at Stop #5B-2.
  • The first bus leaves from Terminal 1 at 5:30. The last bus departs at 23:10, at 20 to 30 minute intervals.

  Bus 6015

  • The bus stop is #5B-1, just outside of Gate 5 on the Arrivals level.
  • The first bus leaves from Terminal 1 at 5:40. The last bus departs at 23:00, at 30 minute intervals.

Terminal 2 to Myeongdong

• Bus 6001
  • You can catch Bus 6001 at Stop 29 on level B1.
  • The first bus leaves from Terminal 2 at 5:40. The last bus departs at 22:50, with service running at 15 to 30 minute intervals.

  Bus 6015

  • You can catch Bus 6015 at Stop 28 on level B1.
  • The first bus leaves from Terminal 2 at 5:20. The last bus departs at 22:40, with service running at 15 – 30 minute intervals.

Incheon Airport to Myeondong via Private Car

If you’re traveling with children, a large group, or arrive late at night, a private car is undoubtedly the best and most comfortable option for getting from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong, quickly and safely.

A private car from Incheon Airport to Myeondong is ultra relaxing © Ming-yen Hsu (CC BY-ND 2.0)

You’ll be whisked away by a professional driver and dropped off right in front of your hotel. Private cars can accommodate up to 7 people, so this is actually the best and most economical option for large groups.

RECOMMENDED FOR: large groups and families, late arrivals, those with lots of luggage

Incheon Airport to Myeondong via Taxi

If you’re traveling with a small group, have children, or arrive late at night, and don’t want to book a private car, you can take a taxi from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong.

If only we could all take a helicopter to Myeongdong

Just follow the signs in the airport to the taxi stand and queue for one. You won’t have to wait long for your taxi from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong. Taxis in Seoul are very affordable, relative to other developed countries.

There are regular, jumbo and international taxis. However, there are a few things you should know before deciding if a taxi is actually your best option.

READ NEXT: 49 Awesome Indoor Activities in Seoul for Rainy Days

Incheon Airport to Myeongdong | Taxi

The approximate cost of a regular midsize taxi between Incheon Airport and Myeongdong is 50,000 to 70,000 won, depending on traffic.

Keep in mind that for standard taxis, there’s an extra 20% surcharge between midnight and 4AM, and you’ll be responsible for any toll charges that occur along the way.

Taxis is one of the only options if you arrive late at night © titicat@flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Taxis in Seoul run on LPG gas, hence a large portion of a taxi’s trunk space is filled with a huge tank for the liquified gas. Don’t worry, it’s not dangerous, but it does reduce how much luggage you can place in the trunk.

If you’re more than 3 people, with 3 large suitcases, it’s next to impossible to fit into a regular mid-sized sized taxi in Seoul.

Trunk space in taxis is limited © Mannyeong Lee (CC BY-ND 2.0)

You should also be aware that not all, but some taxi drivers in Seoul, are not the safest drivers. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask them to slow down if you feel they’re going too fast or driving dangerously.

They will not be equipped with car seats, and unfortunately, they also won’t be too happy to wait for you to strap one in yourself. A taxi is maybe not the best, or safest option for getting from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong for families with young children. 🙁

Good for: 2-3 people traveling together, with a higher budget

Jumbo Taxi

If you’re a large group, you can opt for a Jumbo Taxi, which can accommodate up to 8 people. The base fares for these taxis is 7,000 won, and of course, the overall fare is higher than a regular taxi.

A jumbo taxi is an option for large groups arriving at Incheon Airport.

Don’t confuse the Jumbo Taxi with a Call Taxi. They’ll both be larger mini-van style vehicles, but the Jumbo Taxi is metered, while the Call Taxi fare from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong is negotiated with the driver. Jumbo Taxi will be written on the side of the car in large letters, so it’s easy to tell the difference.

Most taxi drivers speak limited English, so be sure to have your address written out in Korean.

RECOMMENDED FOR: large groups and those arriving late at night

READ NEXT: 21 Brilliant Things to do in Seoul at Night

Incheon Airport to Myeongdong at Night

If you land at Incheon Airport after midnight, your only options for getting into Myeongdong are: private transfer, public taxi, or night bus. In this case, it’s worth pricing out taxi vs night bus, since you’ll likely have to take a taxi to your final destination, no matter what.

The shining lights of Myeongdong at night © Camelpress, Korea Tourism Organization,

Night Buses to Myeongdong

There are 2 night buses with routes to the Myeongdong area: N6001 to Seoul Station and N6701 to Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The fare is 18,000 won per person.

If you are departing from Incheon Airport Terminal 1, N6001 makes stops at: Songjeong Station, Yeomchang Station, and Seoul Station. It runs at 55 minute intervals (approximate), with the first bus at 12:15, and the last bus at 4:40.

From Terminal 2, it’s bus N6002, with service offered ONLY at 1:20 and 4:40.

Incheon Airport is so pretty at sunset © IR Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Bus N6701 makes stops at: Mapo Station, Seoul Station, Euljiro 1(ga) Station, and the DDP.  There are quite a few hotels in Myeongdong clustered around Euljiro 1(ga) Station, so it’s best to check exact locations on Naver Maps before deciding which bus to take. Your final destination in Myeongdong might even be walking distance from the bus stop!

Quick Guide to Seoul Transport Cards

In order to get between Incheon Airport and Myeongdong effectively, it’s best to equip yourself with a Korean transit card of some kind. Since you’ll also need one to get around Seoul, it’s best to grab one right off the bat.

T-Money Card

The most widely used transit card by Seoul locals is the T-Money card. This card is similar to the Octopus Card in Hong Kong, or the Suica Pass in Japan. You can use it to beep in and out of subway stations, board buses, pay a taxi fare, and buy things in a convenience store.

Use a T-Money Card for free transfers between subway stations and buses © Jon Aslund (CC BY 2.0)

If you plan to take the AREX Express or all-stop subway from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong, you’ll need a T-Money Card to make the transfer from Seoul Station to Myeongdong Station.

You can buy a T-Money card in any convenience store, by asking at the counter. There are a few convenience stores on the Arrivals Level of Incheon Airport, so you can get that sorted right away.

If you prefer the convenience of a mobile T-Money card, you can pre-order one here. And if an unlimited SIM that includes a free T-Money Card is more your speed, you can look into that here.

Isn’t my daughter’s Namane card cute?

Advantages of using the T-Money Card

Discover Seoul Pass

The Discover Seoul Pass doubles as a T-Money card and a tourism pass.

It provides free admission to 72 attractions, and 93 discounted experiences. If you plan to see many things over a period of 24, 48 or 72 hours, the Discover Seoul Pass might be the right choice for you.

Entrance into Gyeongbokgung Palace is included with the Discover Seoul Pass.

I’d say that if you’re planning to go to big ticket attractions, like Lotte World Theme Park, or Coex Aquarium, it’s worth planning a Seoul itinerary using the Discover Seoul Pass.

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All clear on how to get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong now? Happy travels!