This article is reviewed regularly by Wego‘s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated August 2024

Key takeaways:

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is South Korea’s main gateway, known for world-class amenities and efficiency

The airport has two terminals serving major airlines

It offers diverse services, including banking, lounges, and travel assistance

Table of Contents

Incheon International Airport overview

Incheon International Airport has rapidly established itself as a global aviation leader since its opening in 2001. Designed to meet the surging demands of air travel, the airport has become a crucial transportation hub for South Korea, serving as the primary gateway to Seoul and beyond. Its strategic location on reclaimed land between Yeongjong and Yongyu Islands has facilitated its growth and development.

Beyond its operational efficiency, Incheon Airport has garnered worldwide acclaim for its exceptional passenger experience. A wide range of amenities, from luxury shopping to world-class dining, have contributed to its reputation as a premier travel destination. Furthermore, the airport’s commitment to incorporating Korean culture and art into its design has created a unique and memorable atmosphere for visitors.

Today, Incheon International Airport stands as a testament to South Korea’s dedication to excellence in infrastructure and hospitality. Its continued success serves as a model for airports worldwide.

Airport code

Incheon International Airport is identified by the code ICN for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and RKSI for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Location

Incheon International Airport is located in Incheon, South Korea. It is situated on an artificially created piece of land between Yeongjong and Yongyu Islands, approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) west of Seoul.

Book cheap flights on Wego

Arrivals and departures

Travelers can check for departure and arrival schedules in detail by visiting Incheon International Airport‘s official website.

For the most current flight information, travelers can also use online travel search engines like Wego. Simply input your departure and arrival cities to view real-time flight schedules.

Arrival procedure

To make the arrival process at Incheon International Airport easier, follow the steps below:

Proceed to the designated arrival terminal (Terminal 1 or 2)
Complete the required health declaration form and pass through the quarantine inspection area
Present your passport and visa (if required) to the immigration officer
Collect your checked luggage from the designated baggage carousel
If you are traveling with animals or plants, proceed to the quarantine inspection area
Complete the customs declaration form and submit it to the customs officer
Proceed to the arrivals hall
Check the available transportation options (bus, train, taxi, etc.) to your destination

Departure procedure

To make the departure process at Incheon International Airport easier, follow the steps below:

1. Check your terminal and proceed to the third floor to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2
2. Get your boarding pass and check baggage
3. Take care of currency exchange, withdrawals, roaming, and insurance before entering the departure area. When you finish, proceed to the nearest departure area
4. Have a general security check
5. Once you enter the duty-free zone after immigration, you cannot return to the public area
6. Proceed to boarding gate 30-40 minutes before boarding

Terminals

As airlines are assigned to specific terminals, double-checking your flight details is essential to avoid any last-minute rush. To help you plan your journey, let’s explore what both terminals offer arriving and departing passengers.

Terminal 1

Before Terminal 2 opened, Terminal 1 was the main hub for international flights at Incheon Airport. It offered a range of services, including self-check-in, duty-free shopping, and various dining options.

Spread over four levels, the terminal was designed for efficient passenger flow. The arrivals level provided easy access to transportation, while the departures level housed check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. A separate concourse, accessible via an underground tunnel, further expanded the terminal’s capacity.

Some of the airlines that operate from Terminal 1 are:

AirAsia
AirAsia Berhad
Air Astana
Air Busan
Air Canada
Air China
Aero Mongolia
Air India Limited
Air Japan
Air Macau
Air Premia
Cathay Pacific
Ethiopian Airlines
Etihad Airways
Finnair
Hongkong Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Japan Airlines
Jetstar Airways
Lot Polish Airlines
Philippine Airlines
Tigerair Taiwan
Thai Airways International
Tianjin Airlines
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Uzbekistan Airways
Qantas Airways
Qatar Airways
Zipair

Terminal 2

Incheon Airport’s Terminal 2, opened in 2018, is a state-of-the-art facility focused on sustainability. It is home to various airlines, including major carriers like Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, and Garuda Indonesia.

Terminal 2 is organized across five levels, each with its own purpose. The basement offers dining options, passenger services, and transportation links. The first floor is primarily for arrivals, while the third handles departures. The remaining floors are dedicated to airline offices, lounges, retail, and airport operations.

Known for its modern design, Terminal 2 provides travelers a spacious and comfortable environment. It offers a wide range of amenities to enhance the passenger experience.

The airlines that operate from Terminal 2 are:

Aero Mexico
Air France
China Airlines
Delta Airlines
Garuda Indonesia
Jin Air
Korean Airlines
Xiamen Air

Services and facilities

Incheon International Airport is renowned for its exceptional facilities that cater to the needs of every traveler. From world-class shopping and dining to relaxation and entertainment options, the airport offers a truly remarkable experience.

General services

Some of the services include:

Convert your money to local currency or other desired currencies
Purchase travel insurance or inquire about existing policies
Free high-speed internet access throughout the airport
Make international calls or purchase local SIM cards
Get assistance with flight information, directions, and general inquiries
Comfortable seating, refreshments, and sometimes additional amenities like spa services
Equipped with changing stations, bottle warmers, and other essentials
Send packages or documents through various courier companies.

Lounge areas

Incheon International Airport is renowned for its world-class amenities, and its lounge offerings are no exception. Whether you are seeking a tranquil escape to relax before a flight or desire a space to work or dine in style, Incheon Airport’s lounges have something to offer every passenger. Here are two from many lounge areas in the airport:

Asiana Lounge caters to the refined tastes of business-class travelers in Terminal 1. Passengers can indulge in a selection of complimentary beverages and refreshments while unwinding in this dedicated space

Matina Lounge offers a broader range of culinary delights in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Passengers can savor a sumptuous buffet, complemented by an array of beverages, including alcoholic options, within this spacious retreat

Finance service

To assist passengers with their monetary needs, Incheon International Airport provides access to a variety of banking services. Among the most commonly found financial institutions within the airport are:

Hana Bank is the leading finance service available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Passengers can access currency exchange, money transfers, deposit consultations, trust services, loans, investment products, insurance, credit cards, and utility bill payments
KB Bank is also present in both terminals, with services focused on providing general banking services, currency exchange, money transfers, and online currency exchange collection services.

To find specific services and their locations, travelers can utilize the airport’s official website. The website offers a detailed directory of facilities, categorized by terminal and area (duty-free or public).