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Getting around in Seoul

Once you’ve made it through immigration, and have a WiFi connection and some cash, it’s time to head into the city and start your adventure!  Check out your options below to help you get all around Seoul….

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Airport Transfer

Contact your hotel directly to find out if they offer a transfer service into Seoul.  

Train  AREX is a railway line that connects downtown Seoul with Incheon International Airport. There are two classes of train available: 1) All Stop Train – Stops at every station; and 2) Express Train – Runs non-stop between Incheon Int’l Airport and Seoul Station. Express Trains depart every 20 to 40 minutes from Incheon Int’l Airport and take approximately 45 minutes to reach Seoul Station. All Stop Trains leave every 5 to 10 minutes and take just under 60 minutes to get to Seoul Station. The Express Train costs KRW 9,500 each way, while the All Stop Train is KRW 4,150 – 4,750.

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Taxi/ Ride Share

You can pre book an Airport Taxi directly through Booking.com.  Confirmation is immediate. If your plans change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time.  You’ll be met on arrival and taken to your vehicle. The driver will track your flight, so they’ll be waiting if it’s delayed.

CITY TAXI:  With taxis on every street in the city, catching a taxi in Seoul is usually quite simple and fast. The easiest way to get one if you are in a rush is to hail one off the street, though many people also use Kakao Taxi to book one via their smartphone app. There are also taxi stands in some busy commuter areas, but those are not common around most of Seoul.

*Unlike in America or Europe where Uber and Lyft have exploded in popularity, taxis rule the roads in Seoul and are also a cheaper option! 

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train

The Airport Railroad (AREX) Express Train is a quick and convenient way to travel between Seoul Station and Incheon International Airport.

The express line train runs nonstop between the 2nd floor basement of Seoul Station and Incheon International Airport and travel time is around  43 minutes nonstop from Terminal 1 and about 51 minutes from Terminal 2, with a brief stop at Terminal 1. (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). The regular All Stop Train takes 53 minutes and stops at ten major subway stations along the way.

The seats on the express line train are much more comfortable than the seats on the All Stop Train, especially arriving tired after a long international flight.

There is overhead storage for smaller, carry on sized luggage. There is also room for larger sized luggage at the ends of each train car.

Adults : 9,500 won
Children : 7,500 won
Seniors (Korean citizens): 7,500 won

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Metro

The Seoul Metro system is convenient and one of the best in the world with over 20 lines!  Look for covered staircases with yellow train logos to find the nearest subway entrance.

 If you plan to use the subway less than five times, it’s better to buy a single ticket with cash, otherwise tourists can purchase a T-Money Card to top up with enough cash for the day or their entire trip. T-Money Cards can be purchased in convenience stores around the city or at any subway station. They require a minimum of ₩2000 to activate and can hold up to ₩20,000. Plus, each ride is cheaper with the T-Money Card.  On my most recent 5 day trip, I purchased a minimum ₩2000 T-Money Card and had no need to add any additional funds.

Now that you have a full understanding of how to enter, exit, and navigate Seoul, you can focus on exploring and discovering!  Keep checking my blog posts and follow the Wunder.lustre Instagram feed for the latest adventures, and more tips on finding beautiful architecture and design around the globe!