Seoul Between Planes - Sightseeing?
 

KAL from HCMC gets into Seoul very early a.m. and flight doesn't continue to the US until late afternoon. Can we enter S. Korea and see downtown Seoul, or do regs prohibit it? Never faced with quite this situation before, and much prefer to use the wait time profitably, not just hanging out at at Inchon Airport. Any ideas or advice? Many thanks, in advance.

You can certainly go into Seoul provided you have enough time. You can also take a transit tour of the DMZ or anther tour for transit passengers.

http://english.tour2korea.com/03Sigh...6&oid=1925

Not sure what nationality/passport you carry, but most western europe/US citizens shouldn't require a tourist visa. So legally should be ok.

How much time you'll actually have depends on how much time you have between the flights. Inchon airport is quite far from central Seoul, about 1-1.5hrs by the limousine bus. With the need to be back at the airport 1.5hrs before departure, I would definitely do a day trip if you have 6hrs or longer.

Very helpful responses - thank you very much.

I would not recommend goign to the DMZ because you might struggle to get back to the airport on time.
I would personally play it much safer and pop into down town Seoul for a few hours. Go for a walk around in one of the main areas such as Kangnam, also called Gangnam.
You might get some more ideas from http://www.seoulkoreaasia.com/attractions.htm

Elected to remain at Inchon Airport ... all 11 hours! But at least we were in their Business Class lounge! Quite a boring airport, actually.

A tad boring, but have you ever seen a cleaner airport?? They really need to expand their selection of Duty Free beverages...enough with the Cognacs and other brown liquors! Have you ever seen so many super-premium brandies in one place? Could we get even one more vodka on the shelf to bring the total to three? What about liqueurs to present to the stay-at-homes? (The soju did not go over so well last time!)

I did notice some interesting food shops where you could watch the process of making noodles and sweet potato candy. AND, their prices on European Luxury goods are very good, in case you are in the mood for an Hermes watch! So now you have killed one more hour, if you walk slowly!

Also, there are massages available someplace at the airport..

I, too, spent my time (only about 5 hours) in the lounge...

CiaoLeone,

A kind of shame, as you probably had enough time to venture into Seoul proper. (I've been hooked on Red Mango frozen yogurt since my last visit.) Oh, well, the next time... You probably needed some rest after HCMC.

ekscrunchy, with 6hrs, I would also stay at the airport.