5 Easy Ways to Get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong

Getting from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong is simple if you understand all the different methods of transport available in Seoul. However, I get that it can be really confusing if it’s your first time visiting the city. There’s just so many options, it can be overwhelming… never mind, navigating everything in a foreign language.

But don’t stress. I got you covered.

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

In this total transportation guide, you’ll learn:

• how to get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong via bus, taxi, express train, all-stop train or private car
• which transport cards are useful for getting around
• the best transport choices for families, large groups, and those on a budget

Incheon Airport to Myeongdong

Most visitors to Seoul, land at Incheon International Airport, before making their way to different parts of the city. Myeongdong with its pulsing energy, central location, and shopping streets, is one of the most popular places to stay in Seoul for visitors from all around the world.

Myeongdong is a popular place to stay in Seoul © Camelpress, Korea Tourism Organization,

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

Whether you choose to take a taxi, bus, all stop subway, express train, or private car depends largely on your traveling conditions. Are you traveling with children? Do you have a lot of luggage? Are you on a budget? Are you a large group?

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

On the streets of Myeongdong © Sarah Mak

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.

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 at no extra cost.

You can buy one at a kiosk in any subway station, or find them in any convenience store. Just ask at the counter.

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 42 attractions, 35 discounted attractions, and 28 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.

From Incheon Airport to Myeongdong by AREX

AREX stands for Airport Railroad. It connects Incheon and Gimpo Airports to various points in Seoul.

It’s important to understand that there are 2 different train services available on the AREX line. An Express Train, and an all-stop commuter train.

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

AREX Express Train

The Express train does not travel directly from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong. It goes direct to Seoul Station, without making any stops along the way. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to get between these 2 locations. It does NOT STOP at Gimpo Airport, so don’t make the mistake of taking the AREX Express Train if you’re transferring airports.

If you leave from Terminal 1, it takes a total of 43 minutes to reach Seoul Station. From Terminal 2, it takes 51 minutes. The cost for a one-way adult ticket is 9,000 won, but you can avoid queueing for tickets and get a small discount by booking AREX tickets in advance online.

Remember that a 1 way, 1 time Express Train ticket is included with the Discover Seoul Pass.

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

The Express Train has very comfortable pre-assigned seating, free wifi, power, toilets, and ample space for bags and luggage. Trains begin running from Terminal 2 at 5:15AM and make a stop at Terminal 1 at 5:23, before arriving at Seoul Station at 6:07AM.

AREX Express Trains run every 40 minutes, with the last train departing from Terminal 2 at 10:40PM.

If you’re traveling in the opposite direction, from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport, the first train leaves at 6:10AM, and the last train departs at 10:50PM.

Seoul Station in located in central Seoul.

Getting from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong via AREX Express Train

To get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong via AREX Express train, you’ll have to transfer at Seoul Station.

This is super simple, as Seoul Station and Myeongdong are only 2 stops apart, on the same subway line 4. However, keep in mind that you’ll have to transfer from the Seoul Station train to a Seoul Station subway. These are NOT the same and in separate areas, so you’ll have to walk for about 10 minutes to get between the 2 stations.

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

If you have a lot of luggage, or are traveling with children, it might be more convenient to exit the train at Seoul Station directly, instead of making the trek to transfer to the subway. A taxi to your hotel in Myeongdong takes around 8 minutes and costs around 4,000 won.

To make things easy, be sure to have the address and phone number for your final destination written out in Korean for your taxi driver.

Good for: almost everyone, except those with a lot of heavy luggage, or anyone with mobility issues

Getting from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong via the All-Stop Train

If you’re on a real budget, taking the all-stop commuter subway is the cheapest option. This train costs just over 4000 won, and takes around 80 minutes to get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong Station, with a transfer required at Seoul Station. There are 13 stops between the 2 stations.

You can buy single journey tickets at the train station, or use a Korea Tour Card / T-Money Card.

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.

If you have tons of luggage, it might be wiser to  travel from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong by splurging a little for the AREX Express Train, taking the bus, or having your luggage delivered directly to your hotel.

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

Good for: budget travelers, backpackers, and people traveling without a lot of luggage

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

Incheon Airport to Myeondong via K-Limousine Bus

The KAL Limousine bus is a good option for getting from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong 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. 😉 Free wifi, water, and under-bus luggage storage are included with your ticket.

The KAL limousine bus is extremely comfortable © Minseong Kim (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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. Check route details here.

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

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 an English speaking driver and dropped off right in front of your hotel. Each private car accommodates up to 7 people, so this is actually the best and most economical option for large groups.

Good for: large groups, anyone who wants ideal comfort and convenience and families

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: The 7 BEST Areas for Travellers to Stay in Seoul

Regular Taxi from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong

The approximate cost of a regular midsize taxi between Incheon Airport and Myeongdong is 60,000 to 70,000 won. 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 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 might be difficult to fit into a regular mid-sized sized taxi in Seoul.

You can take a taxi if you arrive late at night © Doo Ho Kim (CC BY-SA 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 from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong

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 6,500 won, and of course, the overall fare is higher than a regular taxi.

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.

Good for: large groups and those arriving late at night

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