Seoul tours from airport

I have never experienced this, but what a wonderful thing that is offered, especially when tours are catered to how long one has a layover. This is really fantastic!

I remember once I had an overnight layover in Narita Airport (in Japan). My flight was such that from Hong Kong, I flew in to Narita, then had more than 12 hours before my next flight. I slept at the airport. But, it would have been lovely if the airport or other companies offered the option of a tour catered to how long one's layover is.

Yes--a co worker said she did one of the city tours offered by the airport, and I was looking at one that was more countryside/temple. Just wondering if other people had gone on one of these. I guess you have to reserve ahead of time.

I haven’t done one as I was entering the country. My understanding is that they are good. The start point is easy to find at the airport, well marked. If the timing works for you, I would definitely reserve.

My experience in other countries for similar transit tours is that you must stay with the group as the participants haven’t necessarily gone through all the visa or immigration standard procedures.

Currently, there is no K-ETA requirement for Americans. You could, with 13 hours layover, enter on your own. Getting into central Seoul can easily take 45 - 90 minutes depending on traffic and chosen transport method. I, personally, would look seriously at the tour.

I have not but had co-workers whose families/ friends had gone. I don't know specifics but they said good things. I would go for it! I lived in Seoul for 4 years and looked on the page- there would be some that I would recommend more than others (depending on where they're going).

ORDTraveler and Muriel--thank you! This is an experience we really want to do. Since we had scaled back our Vietnam trip due to cost and time, and not included Laos or Cambodia, we are looking at South Korea (or at least the Seoul area) as our "second country" of the trip.

Coffee Girl--thank you for the response! we are looking at the "Tradition" tour

Pete- I think the tradition tour looks best; again, I haven't done these tours but have been to most of these places. The palaces are interesting and Insadong is maybe my favorite neighborhood is Seoul. Very close to Insadong is the Bukchon Hanok Village (an old street with traditional houses and good views), if you have time. I would also consider the DMZ tour (if the DMZ is open- it's often not). The DMZ is pretty fascinating. BUT if I had only time for one, I'd probably do the "Tradition" Tour, too. Enjoy!

I've never been to one. It seems like such a good idea though - that way you can speak with the guide beforehand and get a feel for their personality before committing to the actual tour. 😄 It would give me peace of mind to know that we'll get along okay for the whole day.

I looked at your post again and wanted to clarify that none of the tours really take you out into the countryside, except the DMZ tour (and you'll be on a bus through it). They seem to be fairly evenly split between the greater Seoul area and Incheon. Incheon is a newer, planned city and imho not nearly as interesting. The bridge crossing getting into Seoul is pretty cool.

The Tradition tour will take you into the heart of the city, but a quieter part.

Coffee Girl--Got it--thank you for the clarification. Looks like what we will do.

Pete,
We did the transit tours there in 2014. It was great! Back then we were able to book 2 shorter tours back to back. We had carry on luggage with us and if my memory serves me correctly we took it on the tour bus as it was locked when we were out of it.
J

The tour options are impressive! (especially at the low or free cost!!)

I agree with the above comments. The Tradition Tour is the one I would choose. The Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insa-dong are major tourist sites/sights.