So, i remember pre-travel worries of what to expect, where to go, how long to expect etc. Oh the questions that roll through your planning obsessed brain. My dear husband said, no one needs to know this stuff, theyll figure it out when they get here. WRONG! I mean, sure you could, but it would've made me feel better to have known what to expect when arriving in Seoul.
We flew Delta. It was a 13.5 hour flight from the US to the Incheon Airport in South Korea. They provided us with some great amenities. Earbuds, sleeping mask, ear plugs, small pillow and a blanket. There is also a great assortment of movies, TV shows and music to listen to... for free! They also gave us two meals and a heavy snack. There were multiple choices for each meal. If you have specific diet needs such as low sugar, vegetarian, etc. You can request those by contacting delta, or on their app. Here are some pictures:
On the flight you will also receive two forms to fill out. I believe one for immigration for each person and a form for customs that is one per family. (This is me attempting to remember using my jetlagged brain.) Below are what the forms looked like. You'll turn these in once you arrive at the incheon airport and go through immigration and customs.
Next, when you land make sure to listen to the flight attendant announcements for the baggage claim carousel number. (Note: After you go through customs you'll need to know that number to claim your baggage, if you don't hear it, don't panic. It's also listed on a screen near the baggage claim area. Just make sure you know your flight number.) Back to where I was. When you get off the plane look for signs that say immigration. (Like the one below)
You'll follow these signs for a bit. As you get closer to immigration, you'll want to follow the signs that say foreigners.
You'll go through this, and hand them one of the forms that you received and filled out on the plane.
For detailed instructions on going through customs and immigration visit this website. It's super helpful.
Once you have cleared immigration and customs you can retrieve your baggage. Just follow the signs toward baggage claim. Be ready to wait patiently. My advice to fresh travelers, put something that makes it easy to identify. The more bold and obnoxious the better. I was pretty jealous of the person that had the neon floral designed bags.
After this you will get into the main part of the airport. (The non secure part) when you come out there are a few things we did.
1.)We exchanged some of our USD for Korean won, though airport rates aren't the best rates. I've heard banks in town are much better. We just felt better having some Korean money on us. Note: many places accept credit cards.
2.) Get a T Money card. You can get them at the little convenient store right as you walk in the main part of the airport. We put $20 on each card. Mine and my husband's. This is how you pay for the subway. The subway is very easy to use and the best and most affordable way to travel in Seoul. It also works for the buses, including the limo bus service.
3.) Get a wifi egg! This thing has been amazing. We found ours at area six in the main part of the airport. There may be others, I don't know. (The parts of the non secured area in the airport are designated by numbers on signs.)
Leaving the airport. There are about three options.
1.) Taxi. Many people prefer this, but it's pretty expensive.
2.) Limo bus. You put your luggage under the bus and ride it to a stop. The buses are numbered according to what area you are going to.
3.) Subway - we took the subway. You will follow the signs that say airport railway. It's called the AREX.
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