It’s one of the best airports in the world - I wish I was stuck here longer

The airport

Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul’s main airport.

The flight

Korean Air KE401 from Seoul to Sydney.

Incheon International Airport … plenty to amuse during a stopover.Credit: iStock

The arrival

One of the largest and busiest airports in the world, Incheon International is located more than 50 kilometres from Seoul’s city centre, connected by airport bus and rail links. Although Uber technically exists in South Korea, it’s nigh-impossible to book a ride in the app (I try several times during my week-long trip and cars are never available). A metered taxi ride will run you upwards of $75-100. Today, I’m in Incheon on a flight from Tokyo. With bags booked through to my final destination, Sydney, all I have to do is follow the signs for transfers and explore what the airport has to offer.

The look

Opened in 2001, Incheon International is modern, spacious and well-designed. Aviation authority Skytrax crowned it the third-best airport in the world this year and the most family-friendly.

In designing the Passenger Terminal Complex, Fentress Architects took inspiration from the aerodynamic shapes of aircraft and the gentle lapping of waves on a shore, while the roof bears a passing resemblance to that of a traditional Korean temple. Inside, there’s abundant natural light. In short, it’s no chore to spend time here.

Luxury brands, spanning Bulgari to Tiffany.Credit: iStock

Check-in

I check in for today’s two flights (Tokyo-Seoul, Seoul-Sydney) at Narita Airport, so I already have my boarding pass for the Sydney flight. I arrive at the gate as the boarding process begins for economy passengers.

Security

After disembarking the flight from Tokyo, I head to the transfer area where my hand baggage is scanned and passport procedures take place. The line is long, but it moves swiftly after two extra lanes are opened.

Food + drink

Food culture seems to be a national obsession in South Korea, and it comes as no surprise that the dining choices at the airport are many and varied. Fuel up on Western comfort food from the likes of Shake Shack, or try healthier Asian and Korean classics (kimchi, bibimbap) from the food court.

Retail therapy

The duty-free options are abundant, including standalone counters for high-end brands Le Labo and Diptyque. There are special promotions on everything from Clinique to Gucci, as well as popular K-beauty brands. If you’ve left souvenir shopping to the last minute, you’re in luck. There are small boutiques selling Korean tchotchkes and sweet treats (look for Choco Pies, a local favourite). At 7-Eleven, I buy water and snacks for the flight.

Endless ways to pass the time … a string quartet plays a live set at Incheon.Credit: iStock

Passing time

Consistently voted one of the best airports in the world, you may end up wishing your layover was longer, as I did. In any case, arrive at least three hours ahead of your flight to enjoy the facilities and entertainment, which include a spa and beauty salon, museum, cultural displays, live music, art exhibitions, digital gym and seven themed gardens. There’s Wi-Fi, naturally, and several pay-for-play airport lounges and nap zones.

If you’re on a long layover and you’re inclined to take a chance on Lady Luck, hop on the train from the airport to Paradise City Casino. Departing every 15 minutes, the journey takes six minutes.

The verdict

Top marks for dining, shopping, entertainment and modern, ergonomic design. Points deducted for the long, expensive taxi ride from Seoul’s city centre.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer travelled as a guest of Korea Tourism Organization.