Korea airports to city: ICN, GMP, PUS, CJU
Korea has four airports that matter to travelers, and each has its own quirks. Incheon (ICN) is large, with two terminals and a separate T1↔T2 train. Gimpo (GMP) is small but has a curfew — no flights 22:00–06:00, which limits late-night options. Gimhae (PUS) is south of Busan and a 40-minute train ride to Busan Station, not 15. Jeju (CJU) has two arrival floors with confusingly numbered exits. This tool shows the AREX vs limousine bus vs taxi cost and time for each, and warns about the things most guides skip: the ICN T1↔T2 transfer rule, the GMP curfew, and the late-night taxi surge at ICN.
Airport-to-city calculator
What this solves
Most arrival guides default to "AREX Express" without asking if you're arriving after 22:00, with kids, or with 4 suitcases. The realistic answer depends on hour, luggage and group size. Late at ICN, the AREX Express cuts off before the last flight lands, and you're on the All-Stop or a taxi. At GMP, the curfew means you basically always have a clean AREX or subway. At PUS, the rail link is genuinely good but you must know to take the light rail, not the KTX. At CJU, you have bus 1100 if you're not renting a car. This tool answers the actual question, not the brochure question.
ICN T1 vs T2
ICN has two terminals connected by an inter-terminal shuttle train that runs inside the secure zone for transit passengers, plus a free shuttle bus for landside. The train takes ~15 minutes and is separate from the AREX (which terminates at T1). Airlines are split: Korean Air and T'way use T2; most use T1. Wrong-terminal transfer adds 30–60 minutes.
GMP curfew
No flights at GMP between 22:00 and 06:00. The only flights then are emergency diversions. This means: if your international flight lands late, it goes to ICN. The reverse is also true — late international departures from Korea go from ICN, not GMP. Most domestic-only flights to Jeju leave GMP during the day.
PUS vs Busan Station
PUS is in Gimhae, west of central Busan. The Gimhae Light Rail to Busan Station (transfer to subway line 1) takes about 40 minutes and costs ₩1,800. Direct subway to Seomyeon/Haeundae requires a transfer. Most guides say "15 min" — that's by taxi at 80,000 ₩.
Late-night ICN taxi surge
Between 23:00 and 03:00, ICN taxi queues are short but the 20% night surcharge + toll surcharge makes a Seoul Station ride ₩80,000–₩95,000 instead of ₩70,000 day. International taxis (English-speaking) are same price. The Kakao T app often shows "no cars available" at peak; don't rely on it as backup.
How to read the result
- Per-person cost = total cost / group size. Taxis assume 1 car.
- Times are approximate at moderate traffic; rush hour can add 30–60 min to taxi estimates.
- AREX All-Stop is the cheap train option; AREX Express is faster but pricier.
- Limousine buses serve specific Seoul neighborhoods only — check the route map first.
Limitations
- Traffic on the Airport Railroad Express road (between ICN and Seoul) is unpredictable 17:00–19:00.
- ICN T1 ↔ T2 transfer cost assumes you stay airside; if you exit for a non-airline transfer you must re-clear security.
- CJU airport terminal exit numbers (5 vs 7) refer to arrivals hall exits, not departure; taxi queue is by exit.
- PUS light rail runs only 05:00–23:00; very late flights require bus 1004 or taxi.
- Toll surcharges on Seoul taxis add ₩2,000–₩8,000 depending on distance; we include them.
FAQ
Is the AREX Express worth the premium?
Only for groups of 2–3 with light bags and a tight schedule. The All-Stop takes 15 minutes more and saves ₩3,000+. For 4+ with luggage, a taxi beats both for door-to-door time.
Can I take the subway from ICN to Seoul?
No. The subway network stops at Gimpo. You must use AREX (₩4,150 express, ₩2,750 all-stop) or a limousine bus.
What if my flight is diverted from GMP to ICN?
Check the airline's hotel/transfer policy — most arrange a free coach to central Seoul. Otherwise, AREX from ICN to Seoul Station takes 51 min.
Are international taxis easy to find at PUS?
Yes, but for the same price as a regular taxi; the benefit is the English-speaking driver. PUS is small and easy to navigate.