Budget-conscious travellers or tourists who need to make a connection on a long-haul international flight may want to consider a stopover option offered in a popular tourist destination.
South Korea's Incheon International Airport (ICN) is offering stopover packages for travellers who plan to stay for a night or a day en route to their next destination.
Tourists can enjoy a host of discounts and free perks in the airline's hub city, Seoul, which is also the capital and largest city in the country. Some of the free tours may also be booked right at the airport).
The travel bonus is offered through the Korean tourism board and provides discounts to major attractions, accommodations, and tours in the country's major cities.
South Korea's international airport was ranked the best airport in the world for 12 consecutive years, so it's worthwhile to explore its facilities, too.
You must have a valid visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to join the transit tour regardless of reservation. The process to get a K-ETA is quick and can be completed online in advance of travel. Find out more information about registering for the travel document.
Free transit tours at the Korea ICN airport
Travellers can either book a tour online in advance of travel or book them at the airport.
To book online, visit the "transit tour" section of the ICN Airport website. There are a variety of free tours that range in length and visit cities like Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon and cater to a variety of tastes.
There are a few 30-minute tours that you can take in the airport that you don't have to leave the airport to do, such as the Hanbok Experience where you "wear hanbok (traditional Korean costume) to become a king, queen, or scholar of the Joseon dynasty."
There are also several free tours that leave the airport, including a five-hour tour of the Gyeongbokgung Palace for $3, a five-hour tour of the Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park for $4, or a tour of the Jeondeungsa Temple for $2.
Travellers must visit the Transit Tour Registration desk on the first floor after immigration clearance.
Self-guided stopover: One-night and two-day self-guided tours
Travellers can also take advantage of some self-guided tours for longer stopovers in the country that are part of the K Stopover program. They do not come with an English-speaking guide, as travellers go on their own journey via a recommendation.
Each of the tours comes with overnight accommodation in a hotel, access to the airport lounge, an airport duty-free voucher, some local travel insurance, and the Korea Tour Card.
The Korea Tour Card comes with an array of perks, such as significant discounts on popular tourist attractions, entertainment, restaurants, and local experiences. The card also provides tourists with convenient access to subways, buses, and taxis.
All of the self-guided tours are based on groups of at least two people except for the Jeonju Hanok Village tour, which requires at least 10.
- Seoul : Past & Present (Gyeongbokgung & Cheong Wa Dae) $90 per person
- Seoul : K-Culture (Hongdae) $90 per person
- Seoul : City (Gangnam) $90 per person
- Gyeonggi-do : Tradition (Suwon) $85 per person
- Gyeonggi-do : Theme Park (Yongin) $85 per person
- Incheon : Shopping (Songdo) $80 per person
- Incheon : History (Open port street) $50 per person
- Jeollabuk-do : Jeonju Hanok Village $10 per person **This tour needs a minimum of 10 people**
Stopover tour two: One night and two-day or two-night and three-day package tour
Travellers to Korea who stay for at least one night can currently take advantage of special rates for package tours. The following tours include accommodation in typically four-star hotels, one or more meals, a vehicle, and an English-speaking guide. These tours require a minimum of 10 people to move forward.
- Past & Present (Seoul) Tour: One night and two-day $22 per person
- Natural scenery (Gyeonggi-do + Seoul): One night and two-day $19 per person
- Magical Healing Peaceful Tour (Gangwon-do + Seoul): One night and two-day $10 per person
- Time-Travelling 1,000 Years of Korea (Seoul + Gyeongbuk + Chungbuk): Two night and three-day $37 per person
Find cheap Vancouver flights to Seoul via Korean Airlines.
