Hello from Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN), as I continue my review trip to South Korea and Japan (okay, I fell a little behind in publishing this due to the amount of news the past couple of days, but let’s continue full steam ahead)!
In this post I wanted to talk about Incheon Airport, South Korea’s largest airport. If you look at lists of the world’s best airports, Incheon pretty much always ranks, typically in the top three (for example, Skytrax ranks it as number three, not that I put much weight on those results).
I’m curious — does everyone else love this airport, or am I the only one who thinks it’s kind of overrated? Let me first share my thoughts on Incheon Airport, and then I also want to acknowledge how highly subjective airport opinions can be.
In this post:
Why Incheon Airport doesn’t impress me much
I don’t want to suggest that Incheon Airport is bad. Quite to the contrary, it’s a solid airport. I just don’t think it’s anywhere close to being the best in the world, personally. I don’t mind transiting the airport, but it’s not an airport I’d voluntarily spend more time in than I have to.
Incheon has two terminals, and they do offer very different experiences. Terminal 1 is the old terminal, and to me, is totally unremarkable. It’s clean and sterile, but the architecture isn’t amazing, and I don’t think there’s any “wow” factor to it.
Meanwhile Terminal 2 is the newer terminal, as it opened in 2018, and it has gorgeous design and architecture. However, architecture alone typically doesn’t give an airport great scores. I mean, several airports in China have amazing architecture, yet don’t make the list of world’s best airports.
What don’t I love about Incheon Airport?
- It’s not the airport’s fault, but the lounges are pretty lousy, and I’d say Korean Air’s are among the worst hub lounges you’ll find of any well respected airline
- For those without lounge access, the food and drink options aren’t impressive, with few sit-down options; there are some basic food courts and Dunkin’ locations, but not much beyond that
- I’ve consistently experienced long immigration lines at Incheon; this time around, I had to wait for almost an hour
- I don’t think the terminals are well designed in terms of passenger flow, getting between gates, and crowding in the central parts of the terminal, due to there not being enough “spokes,” especially in Terminal 2
Again, let me emphasize that I’m not trying to trash the airport. I think it’s solid. I just don’t think it’s the best, and it’s the highest rated airport that I’m not interested in spending more time in than I have to.
Now, to be balanced, let me state some things I believe the airport does well:
- The airport is quite clean, including the bathrooms
- There’s free Wi-Fi that’s easy to connect to
- While perhaps a bit of a gimmick, it’s cute how there’s a Korean culture zone, where you can even try on clothing and see performances
- There’s “transfer lounge,” which has some comfortable seating, and a room where you can stretch
For those who do love the airport, I’d love to hear what I’m missing, or how your impression differed from mine.
“Best” airport rankings are highly subjective
I’ve shared what I consider to be the world’s best airports. I don’t claim that anyone else should agree with me, but those are the airports I most enjoy traveling through. I guess what I’m realizing is that the airports on my list are also places that I really enjoy spending time, regardless of whether or not I have lounge access.
For example, at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), you can drop me off at the Sky Bridge and leave me… forever. Just let my family know where they can find me, please. 😉 The airport also has beautiful architecture, so much natural light, and some of the world’s best lounges, like Cathay Pacific’s The Pier Lounge.
At Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), The Jewel is simply on a completely different level. Even airside, the airport has everything from a movie theater, to a butterfly garden. I’ve also never waited at immigration, there are some world class lounges, etc.
Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) has improved so nicely in recent years, and is probably now my favorite airport. The design is amazing (like The Orchard), the lounges are phenomenal, the shopping is endless, and the variety of sit-down restaurants and cafes is basically unrivaled.
People could easily transit any of the above airports and have a vastly different experience or impression. For example, Doha Hamad is a heavily banked hub, and if you’re passing through with a short connection during one of the busiest periods, and you end up arriving at and departing from a remote stand, you’d understandably probably not be very impressed.
Similarly, if you’re just briefly transiting Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, you’d probably wonder what all the fuss is about.
Bottom line
I’ve traveled through both terminals at Incheon Airport in recent months, and while they’re pleasant enough, I don’t really want to spend more time at either airport than I have to. Terminal 2 has much nicer architecture than Terminal 1, but still, I find the airport lacking when it comes to amenities that really give it the edge.
What’s your take on Incheon Airport — do you think it deserves to be ranked among the top three in the world, or is it a bit overrated?
Ben, when you visit ICN next time, please try Seoul Station City Airport Terminal. You can check-in and clear passport control at the city terminal in Seoul Station, take AREX train to ICN, and clear the security screening lane dedicated to the city airport terminal passengers. It's the only way to clear security screening at ICN in 5 minutes.
Not many non-Koreans know about this trick. It'll totally change your experience. You can use...
Ben, when you visit ICN next time, please try Seoul Station City Airport Terminal. You can check-in and clear passport control at the city terminal in Seoul Station, take AREX train to ICN, and clear the security screening lane dedicated to the city airport terminal passengers. It's the only way to clear security screening at ICN in 5 minutes.
Not many non-Koreans know about this trick. It'll totally change your experience. You can use city airport terminal when flying Asiana, Korean Air, Lufthansa, T'way, Air Seoul, Air Busan, Eastar Jet and Jin Air. Maybe you can find an award flight on Lufthansa(ICN-FRA/MUC) and use it.
For more info about the city airport terminal, take a look at their website:
https://www.arex.or.kr/content.do?url=&menuNo=MN201503300000000026&contentNo=&clientLocale=en_US&clientDevice=Normal
The security screening lane of ICN got a lot worse than before. The previous government of South Korea was leftist, and they turned all the security staffs to full-time. Consequently, the operating cost of the airport skyrocketed and now they're terribly understaffed. With full-time employees only(but the budget's the same!), the airport can't support the staffing they used to have with contractors and part-timers.
The security staffs are under pressure because of understaffing, and...
The security screening lane of ICN got a lot worse than before. The previous government of South Korea was leftist, and they turned all the security staffs to full-time. Consequently, the operating cost of the airport skyrocketed and now they're terribly understaffed. With full-time employees only(but the budget's the same!), the airport can't support the staffing they used to have with contractors and part-timers.
The security staffs are under pressure because of understaffing, and they're getting more and more rude. The wait time's also a lot longer than before.
Did you get the ICN Smart Pass app?
Clearly not the world's third best airport, more like to an airport to Asian standards.
What I can't stand with this airport, though is its staff - very hostile and unwilling to help passengers. Even Korean McDonald's employees were friendlier than ICN staff.
Also, given that you've mentioned DOH as one of the best airports in the world, I'm not sure if that's really the case.
I mean, it is a good airport, and probably better than ICN. But the airport has some problems - the traffic and the number of passengers are quite far from the airport's capacity, frequent flyer status-accessible lounges are pretty bad, and the gates are just weird - they lock up the passengers...
Also, given that you've mentioned DOH as one of the best airports in the world, I'm not sure if that's really the case.
I mean, it is a good airport, and probably better than ICN. But the airport has some problems - the traffic and the number of passengers are quite far from the airport's capacity, frequent flyer status-accessible lounges are pretty bad, and the gates are just weird - they lock up the passengers in a closed gate area without toilets and water fountain for no reason (unlike the other airports with similar system, DOH doesn't do any security checks at the gate).
At this point, I like AUH Terminal A more than DOH.
I've traveled to ICN many times - both new and terminal. I agree, not great. And the Korean Airline lounges and food are mediocre. I would much prefer to transit at SIN, DOH etc.
Just to let you know they have a renovation planned for Terminal 1. But I agree, it's a bit overrated. I think it's the layout, amenities (or lack thereof).
I personally find Japanese airports to be underrated. They might be minimalist, but they are functional.
I fully agree, had similar thoughts. Though the airport it's not bad, nothing to be excited about. I'd add long security check queues and some parts of the terminal are dim and unpleasent
Definitely overrated. Nothing much at ICN.
@Ben - Unrelated topic. Hope you and family are safe and sound.
It's a DieTeam hub. It shouldn't be rated at all. Stinks of kimchi and Delta.
The way you act like is pretty much the opposite of Tim Dunn, obsessed with United and Star Alliance, mock Delta and SkyTeam every time...
Stinks of kimchi? Maybe it's your upper lip, racist prick.
As a Korean myself I find it more funny than offensive. Very edgy, indeed.
Way overrated. Too much walking for things that should be closer together
Incheon is an average Asian airport; there are quite a few better ones, there are quite a few worse ones.
Changi is the world's most overrated airport. Gate security is terrible, and no it's not faster than centralized security: look at HKG, centralized security means they can invest way more in the machines, and you don't need to take a single thing out of your bag, making the lines go very quickly.
Totally agree about Changi. Also can't stand the carpet. Give me La Guardia Terminal B over Changi any day (but with the same airlines and service inflight flying out of it!)
Changi is also a PITA to get to/from via MRT during rush hour, esp. if you're heading to or from downtown in peak direction. Kind of amazing that Singapore hasn't built an express train to City Hall or Raffles Place.
ICN has the rudest employees I've encountered in an airport setting, save for maybe LGA in the 90s.
The nice thing about ICN is that the employees are rude to Koreans too, so at least it isn’t racism
Agree that gate security is a monumental PITA. Just do it centrally, immediately after immigration, and it's over without adding more stress to the already stressful boarding process.
This is a great recent video from Architectural Digest explaining, from an architect's point of view, what makes a great airport.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVK6urfqqsg
Sadly both the Korean Airlines and Asiana lounges at ICN are pretty mediocre. It’s easy to group a lot of the Asian airlines together, but it’s clear the Korean ones aren’t in the same league as the Japanese and Taiwanese airlines, CX and SQ
ICN is the only first world airport that I’ve been where the immigration and security lines cause you to actually have to arrive at an airport 3 hours early. Last time I was there, there were so many people late for their flight and the airport staff had to help them jump to the front of the line. I avoid that place like the plague now.
When you happen to visit Seoul next time, please try Seoul Station City Airport Terminal. You can check-in and clear passport control at the terminal in Seoul Station, take AREX train to ICN, and clear the security screening lane dedicated to the city airport terminal passengers. It's the only way to clear security screening at ICN in 5 minutes.
Even if you're staying in Incheon, travel to Seoul station, check-in and clear immigration at...
When you happen to visit Seoul next time, please try Seoul Station City Airport Terminal. You can check-in and clear passport control at the terminal in Seoul Station, take AREX train to ICN, and clear the security screening lane dedicated to the city airport terminal passengers. It's the only way to clear security screening at ICN in 5 minutes.
Even if you're staying in Incheon, travel to Seoul station, check-in and clear immigration at the city airport terminal and travel back to ICN. It'll actually be a lot faster than taking the normal lane at ICN.
I’m shocked you haven’t gotten yourself an APEC business Travel.Card. Saves huge amount of time at immigration in APEC countries.
I personally agree whole heartedly with you on how shitty ICN is for such a new airport terminal. The KAL are appalling with even better Priority Pass lounges
Possibly lost on Ben, but one of the highlights of flying out of ICN is checking out the beautiful flight attendants making their way to their planes.
Recently departed from Terminal 1 at ICN. Was surprised at slow/inefficient immigration/security (passport/boarding pass line even stopped periodically to allow security screeners to catch up). Food options at OneWorld lounge were also so-so. But overall airport seemed okay.
I like Frankfurt
Actually I love it
Changi airport isn't all that nice. Like, I wouldn't even rank it in my top 5 US airports.
It's not particularly efficient to get through- the layout really only works if you're originating/departing. The lounges are fine but you'll find better ones in... oh, say LaGuardia.
Worst of all though you go through security at the gate, which means you're stuck in a tiny cramped holding pen, and that makes flight delays very not-fun.
I think it's not your position to judge whether it is a gimmick or not. It is culturally insensitive to even suggest it may be a gimmick. Koreans actually have a culture. To the extent Americans do, it's bible thumping gun clingers denying climate change and rolling back womens rights....
I think it's not your position to judge whether it is a gimmick or not. It is culturally insensitive to even suggest it may be a gimmick. Koreans actually have a culture. To the extent Americans do, it's bible thumping gun clingers denying climate change and rolling back womens rights. That's not a gimmick but will spell the end of American democracy if we are not careful.
Oh come of your high horse. Having a culture zone in an airport is a gimmick for people just connecting. You don’t have to be pompous and suggest this is the Koreans ancient sacred ground.
Immigration in the US without global entry is often in excess of an hour. I am not merely blustering. CBP publishes the data themselves on their Airport Wait Times website. Non-US citizens may even face waits of 2-3 hours or more. We are the richest country in the world and this is how we welcome our...
Immigration in the US without global entry is often in excess of an hour. I am not merely blustering. CBP publishes the data themselves on their Airport Wait Times website. Non-US citizens may even face waits of 2-3 hours or more. We are the richest country in the world and this is how we welcome our visitors. Shame on us.
Incheon might not be the world's most cutting edge airport but it is 1000% improper for any American to call any major Asian city airport overrated.
"We are the richest country in the world and this is how we welcome our visitors. Shame on us."
How American of you.
Take a piece about Korea and use it to talk about and condemn a country that isn't Korea.
Next, tell us how you feel about the Marrakesh airport, and do let us know whose airports Moroccans are allowed to criticize.
He's American, criticising his own country, and those criticisms are entirely valid.
Common TravelinPenis L.
Why would you hate facts?