Landing at Gimpo International Airport (GMP) puts you just 18 km west of central Seoul — a much closer option than Incheon for domestic travelers and visitors arriving on regional flights from Tokyo Haneda, Beijing, Shanghai, or Osaka. Knowing the layout and transport options before you land saves you real time and real money.
Step 1: Clearing Arrivals at Gimpo Airport
Gimpo has two terminals: the International Terminal (T1) and the Domestic Terminal (T2), connected by a free shuttle bus that runs every 5–10 minutes. If you’re arriving on an international flight from Japan or China, you’ll land at T1. Domestic arrivals use T2.
After your flight, follow signs for 입국심사 (Immigration). Wait times are usually 10–25 minutes during peak hours — Saturday evenings and Monday mornings see the longest queues. Korean nationals and registered foreigners with an ARC card can use the automated e-gate lanes on the right side, which cut wait times to under 5 minutes. Foreign visitors queue in the standard lanes on the left.
Baggage claim is on the ground floor (B1). Carousels are numbered and displayed on overhead screens. Lost baggage? Head to the airline’s service counter immediately — most international carriers have desks along the far wall near carousel 4 and 5. After collecting bags, proceed through the green customs lane if you have nothing to declare, or the red lane if you’re carrying goods over the duty-free limit (KRW 800,000 for general goods, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes) — see our Korea customs declaration basics for details.
Step 2: Getting from Gimpo Airport to Seoul
Gimpo sits on multiple public transit lines, and you won’t need a taxi unless you’re heading somewhere off the metro grid.
- Airport Railroad (AREX) — The AREX all-stop train runs from Gimpo Airport Station directly to Hongik University Station (10 minutes, KRW 1,550), then continues to Seoul Station (25 minutes total, KRW 2,050). Trains run every 6–12 minutes from 05:23 to 00:09. This is the fastest and cheapest option for most travelers.
- Seoul Metro Line 5 (Purple Line) — Connects Gimpo Airport to Yeouido (20 minutes, KRW 1,550) and Gwanghwamun (35 minutes). Useful if your hotel is in Mapo, Yeouido, or central Seoul.
- Seoul Metro Line 9 (Gold Line) — Runs to Express Bus Terminal (25 minutes, KRW 1,550) and Sinnonhyeon (Gangnam, 35 minutes). Line 9 has express trains during rush hour that skip intermediate stops — check the platform screen for “급행 (Express)” before boarding.
- Gimpo–Goldline (Light Rail) — Connects the domestic terminal to Gyeyang Station in Incheon. Mainly useful for travelers continuing onward to Incheon city, not Seoul.
- Taxi — Standard taxis (white or silver) start at KRW 4,800. A ride to Hongdae or Mapo takes 20–30 minutes and costs KRW 15,000–22,000 depending on traffic. Kakao T app lets you book in advance and shows the estimated fare. Avoid unofficial taxi drivers who may approach you inside the terminal.
All metro lines accept T-money cards, which you can buy at the airport convenience store (GS25 or CU, located past the exit gates on B1) for KRW 3,000 plus your initial charge. T-money cards also work on city buses and taxis across Korea.
Step 3: Services Inside Gimpo Airport
The international arrivals hall at Gimpo is compact but well-equipped. Here’s what to do and where to find it:
- Currency exchange — Three licensed exchange booths are in the arrivals hall on B1. Rates here are reasonable but not the best — for a full airport money exchange strategy, exchange only KRW 30,000–50,000 here, then use a Kakao Bank or K Bank ATM in the city for better rates. Woori Bank and KEB Hana Bank ATMs inside the terminal accept most foreign cards and charge KRW 2,000–3,000 per withdrawal.
- SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi — KT, SK Telecom, and LG U+ all have desks in the arrivals hall — see this guide to airport SIM, eSIM, and Wi-Fi options for a full comparison. A 5-day unlimited data SIM costs KRW 20,000–33,000. Pocket Wi-Fi rentals run KRW 8,000–11,000 per day and can be pre-booked online for pickup at a dedicated counter near exit 5.
- Luggage storage — Available at B1 near the domestic terminal connector. Prices start at KRW 4,000 for a small bag per day, KRW 6,000 for large bags. Open 06:00–22:00 daily.
- Food and convenience — Past arrivals on B1, there’s a GS25, Paris Baguette, and a 한식 (Korean food) cafeteria. Prices are airport-standard: a kimbap roll costs KRW 1,800–2,500, a bowl of ramen KRW 5,000–7,000. The domestic terminal (T2) has more dining options including a Lotteria, Tous Les Jours bakery, and a Korean BBQ restaurant on the 3rd floor.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival
A few details that catch first-time arrivals off guard at Gimpo:
- The airport metro entrance is on B1, not the ground floor. Follow signs for 지하철 (Subway) after exiting arrivals — it’s a 3-minute walk.
- If connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight at Gimpo, take the free shuttle between terminals. Allow at least 90 minutes for the transfer including re-check-in.
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the terminal building. Designated outdoor smoking areas are on the 1F departure level, outside exits 3 and 7.
- Gimpo has no aerotrain or inter-terminal rail. The only connection between T1 and T2 is the free shuttle bus — it stops directly outside arrivals exit 1 and exit 6.
- If you’re heading to Busan after landing at Gimpo, the most efficient route is Line 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station, then a KTX or express bus — not a domestic connection flight, which takes longer once you factor in check-in.