More about Seoul (Incheon)
Why go to Seoul (Incheon)?
It's a convenient port location for Incheon International Airport, and it offers clean, modern facilities
The port is in Incheon, around 90 minutes from Seoul, with no sights in the immediate vicinity
It offers good transport connections to the sights of Seoul and the Demilitarized Zone to the north
Seoul (Incheon) Cruise Port Facilities?
Incheon is a fairly basic cruise port at present, more used to container shipping and ferries, with a new international passenger terminal scheduled for completion in 2014. The existing terminal does, however, include a caf?, Internet cafe, ATM and tourist information desk. There are also banks and Internet cafes at Incheon subway station, about 15 minutes away.
Good to Know?
Kimchi. This ubiquitous foodstuff makes an appearance at every meal and is considered so important that Korean astronauts were sent into space with a freeze-dried version. Chilli-spiced fermented vegetables (cabbage, most commonly) may sound unappetizing, but give it a go -- it's a refreshing side dish.
Getting Around?
By Bus: Buses making routes around Incheon include Nos. 3-1, 17-1, 23 and 24.
To get to Seoul, take an intra-city bus from Incheon inter-city bus terminal (Gwangyo-dong) into Seoul which takes around 90 minutes. You will need to change at Inha University Hospital Station to bus No.3-1. You'll probably find it easier, as a tourist, to take the subway; it's also more reliable, as Seoul traffic can be very slow at times.
By Subway: Seoul has an extensive underground system that is relatively easy to use. You can take a taxi or bus from the port to the Dong-Incheon subway station (Line 1), 10 to 15 minutes away. From there, it will take about an hour and 20 minutes to get to the Seoul city center. Look out for Express trains that don't stop at every station. The rechargeable T-money Card, available from subway ticket counters, can be used to pay for public transport and some Seoul taxis.
By Taxi: Taxis are plentiful and metered. It's best to have your destination address written in Korean.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
South Korea's currency is the Won (KRW); visit oanda.com or xe.com for current rates. ATM's are widely available, but you will need to find one displaying symbols for global credit cards like Visa; subway stations are a good bet. More budget shops and restaurants may accept cash only.
Language?
Korean is the official language, but many young people learn English. Seoul locals are friendly and keen to help tourists, so if they can't direct you themselves they will often find you someone who can. It helps to have your destination written in Korean for taxi drivers.
Where You're Docked?
Incheon is set on a peninsula in South Korea's Northwest. It's a 90-minute drive from the capital, Seoul, over the grand Incheon Bridge.
