Seoul airport codes decoded: SEL, ICN and GMP
Search results often reduce “Seoul airport code” to ICN. Travelers actually need three different identifiers: SEL for the Seoul metropolitan area in some booking systems, ICN for Incheon International Airport and GMP for Gimpo International Airport.
What is the Seoul airport code: SEL, ICN or GMP?
There is no single airport-specific code that safely identifies every “Seoul airport” itinerary. SEL is used as a Seoul city/metropolitan code in some reservation searches, while each physical airport has its own IATA and ICAO identifier.
| Code | Type | Official airport / meaning | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEL | City / metropolitan code | Seoul-area search grouping | Broad flight searches where the booking system supports city codes |
| ICN | IATA airport code | Incheon International Airport | Tickets, baggage tags, flight status, airport transport |
| RKSI | ICAO airport code | Seoul/Incheon International | Aviation operations, weather, flight planning and technical systems |
| GMP | IATA airport code | Gimpo International Airport | Tickets, baggage tags and Gimpo flight searches |
| RKSS | ICAO airport code | Seoul/Gimpo International | Aviation operations and technical systems |
ICN vs GMP: choose the airport on your ticket, not the city name
Incheon is the main international gateway for Seoul and the airport most long-haul visitors use.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
Gimpo sits much closer to central Seoul, carries heavy domestic traffic and also serves selected regional international flights.
Best clue: GMP baggage / flight codeA booking engine may return both ICN and GMP when you search SEL. Open the exact flight details before choosing transport or hotel.
Best clue: operating airport fieldIncheonGMP
GimpoSEOUL
Why the difference matters
- ICN and GMP are separate airports with different train, bus, taxi and parking systems.
- An ICN→GMP connection is a landside airport change, not an airside terminal transfer.
- Codeshare marketing airline names can mislead terminal assumptions; check the operating carrier and flight number.
- Hotel “airport shuttle” service may serve only one airport.
- Seoul Station City Airport Terminal is an ICN-focused service for eligible AREX Express passengers, not a substitute for Gimpo check-in.
Open these official pages before leaving for the airport
These links are intentionally placed after the explanation. They are more reliable for travel-day changes than copying “live” numbers into a static article.
Seoul airport code IATA and ICAO explained
Passenger-facing codes
IATA codes are the three-letter identifiers travelers most often see on tickets, flight boards and baggage tags: ICN and GMP.
Operational codes
Korea’s Ministry of Land public aviation data identifies Incheon as RKSI and Gimpo as RKSS.
Country
Both airports are in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and serve the Seoul metropolitan region.
Official airport names
Incheon International Airport is in Incheon, west of Seoul. Gimpo International Airport is at 112 Haneul-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Search results may call both “Seoul airport,” which is why the code matters more than the city label.
Codeshare flights: use the operating airline and exact flight terminal
A codeshare can display one airline’s flight number even though another airline operates the aircraft. Incheon explicitly warns that terminal assignments can differ because of codeshares and airline circumstances.
Find “operated by” on the ticket
Do not use the marketing airline logo alone to choose Terminal 1 or 2.
Match the flight number in the official airport search
Confirm the current terminal and check-in area on travel day.
Recheck after schedule changes
A rebooking can change the operating carrier, airport or terminal while the itinerary still says “Seoul.”
Incheon Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Gimpo terminal guide
Incheon Terminal 1
The current official broad list includes Jeju Air, T’way Air, Eastar Jet, Air Premia, PARATA AIR, Aero K and other foreign airlines. The separate Concourse is reached by shuttle train for assigned gates.
Incheon Terminal 2
The current official broad list includes Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Seoul, Air Busan, Delta and other airlines. Individual flight assignments still need same-day verification.
Gimpo Domestic Terminal
Use for the large domestic network from GMP. Gimpo’s official site provides live domestic security-process estimates and parking status.
Gimpo International Terminal
Selected international routes use a separate international terminal. The free landside shuttle links it with the domestic terminal.
Incheon transfers: Terminal 1, Concourse and Terminal 2
International transfer passengers follow the green Transfer signs, complete transfer security when required and move to the correct departure area. If a terminal or Concourse change uses the secure-side shuttle train, the platform is on B1.
Secure shuttle train
Applicable official transfer routes publish boarding about every five minutes. Some routes warn that once you board toward the other transfer area, you cannot simply reverse direction, so verify the departure gate first.
No onward boarding pass?
Boarding-pass issuance depends on the airline. Official transfer instructions say a transfer desk near the gate may be able to issue one; use your itinerary and operating-airline details.
Landside T1 ↔ T2 shuttle
The free public shuttle boards T1 3F near Gate 8 and T2 3F near Gates 6–7, generally every 10–20 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 11:20 p.m.
Where to ask for transfer help
| Terminal | Level | Transfer-guide location | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | 1F | Between Exits 1–2, desks 19–20 | Registration / arrival-side help |
| T1 | 2F | Near immigration, east side | Transfer routing questions |
| T1 | 3F | Near Gates 25 and 29 | Gate-side transfer help |
| T2 | 1F | Near Exit 5, next to tourist information | Registration / arrival-side help |
| T2 | 2F | Inside transfer gate, near security | Transfer security/routing |
| T2 | 3F | Near Gates 231 and 268 | Gate-side transfer help |
Entering South Korea at Incheon: e-Arrival Card, immigration, baggage and customs
Check whether an e-Arrival Card applies to you
Korea’s official e-Arrival Card service is free and allows a declaration within three days before arrival. The official navigator checks whether a traveler with a visa, K-ETA, residence card or none of those documents needs to submit.
Since May 6, 2026: expect a verification-code step
The Ministry of Justice introduced a verification-code entry step for user authentication when the e-Arrival Card is submitted. Keep access to the email/contact method used for the declaration until submission is complete.
Immigration and identity checks
Follow the appropriate immigration line and keep your passport plus required entry documents ready. Incheon states foreign nationals age 17 or older are generally subject to fingerprint and facial-recognition collection during immigration inspection.
Collect checked baggage before customs
Find the carousel on the airport display after immigration. If a bag is missing or damaged, contact the operating airline or baggage handler before leaving the controlled baggage-claim area.
Customs, animal and plant quarantine
Food, plant and animal products can trigger declaration or quarantine requirements. When a declaration applies, complete it before leaving the controlled arrivals process.
Incheon security and Korea-specific packing rules
Incheon traveler guidance commonly recommends reaching the airport around three hours before an international departure, but your airline’s document-check, check-in and bag-drop cutoffs remain the controlling deadlines.
Liquids and Korean gel foods
For international carry-on, liquid/gel containers are generally limited to 100 ml each inside one transparent 1 L bag. The airport specifically treats foods such as kimchi, gochujang and doenjang as liquid/gel items for cabin-baggage screening.
Power banks stay with you
Power banks are not normal checked-baggage items. Capacity, terminal protection and quantity rules can vary by regulation and airline, so check the current airport restricted-item page plus the operating airline before packing.
Food for young children
The airport provides an exception for the amount of milk, water, juice and similar food needed during travel for children under six. Screening staff may still inspect the items.
Smart screening does not mean “no security rules”
Current airport guidance says laptops/tablets do not need to be separately removed in all T1/T2 departure halls using the newer screening configuration. Always follow the checkpoint officer because lanes and equipment can differ.
Incheon Smart Pass, self check-in and self bag drop: what each service actually does
These are three different tools. Smart Pass uses registered biometric identity for designated airport touchpoints; a self check-in kiosk creates a boarding pass; self bag drop accepts eligible checked baggage. One does not automatically make you eligible for the others.
Smart Pass departure lanes
Registered Smart Pass passengers can use dedicated departure-hall lanes regardless of airline. Users must be at least 7 years old; travelers under 14 need parental consent. Keep the physical passport and boarding pass with you.
Smart Pass self bag drop
Current Smart Pass guidance limits this feature to passengers on Jeju Air, T’way Air, Jin Air and Air Seoul. Gate use is also limited to participating airlines/gates and can expand over time.
Self check-in kiosks
The airport lists supported airlines in both terminals with kiosk availability generally 24 hours up to one hour before departure, but visa-required routes, codeshares and passengers traveling with infants can be restricted.
When you should go to a staffed counter
- Visa or document verification is required.
- You have special/oversized sports baggage.
- You are traveling with a pet or unaccompanied minor.
- You require staff assistance or airline medical support.
- Baggage exceeds the free allowance or needs payment.
- Your codeshare itinerary is not accepted by the kiosk.
AREX Express vs All-Stop Train from Incheon Airport
AREX is the simplest rail backbone between Incheon Airport and central Seoul. Choose the train based on destination, not just speed.
| Train | From T1 to Seoul Station | From T2 to Seoul Station | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express | Approx. 43 min | Approx. 51 min | Fast non-stop ride to Seoul Station |
| AREX All-Stop | Approx. 59 min | Approx. 66 min | Hongik Univ., Digital Media City and local transfers |
Which station should you target?
Seoul Station
Choose Express or All-Stop; useful for KTX, Line 1/4 and central Seoul.
Hongik University / Hongdae
Use the All-Stop Train because the Express does not stop there.
Hotel not near AREX
Compare airport limousine bus against rail + subway/taxi transfer, especially with large luggage.
Seoul Station City Airport Terminal: check in before reaching ICN
Eligible passengers using the AREX Express can complete selected airport formalities at Seoul Station B2 before taking the train to Incheon.
Check-in and baggage drop
Published hours are 5:20 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Airline eligibility applies.
Terminal 1 cutoff
City check-in closes 3 hours before the flight for T1 departures.
Terminal 2 cutoff
City check-in closes 3 hours 20 minutes before the flight for T2 departures.
Departure immigration is also offered during published hours. This is not universal remote check-in: you must meet the airline, ticket and AREX Express conditions.
ICN to GMP or GMP to ICN: build a real airport-change buffer
Incheon and Gimpo are separate airports. The nonstop rail/bus travel itself can be roughly 30–40 minutes in favorable conditions, but that is only the vehicle time.
Gimpo Airport to central Seoul: subway, AREX and taxi
Gimpo’s biggest advantage is city access. Gimpo Airport Station connects AREX, Seoul Subway Lines 5 and 9, and the Gimpo Gold Line.
| Destination | Published standard-taxi estimate | Time estimate | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hongik University | KRW 15,000 | 40 min | Rail is often competitive |
| Seoul City Hall | KRW 22,000 | 60 min | Traffic can materially change fare/time |
| Myeong-dong | KRW 20,000 | 50 min | Metered route estimate |
| Gangnam Station | KRW 28,000 | 60 min | Allow for congestion |
| Incheon Airport | KRW 45,000 incl. toll estimate | 40 min | Airport-change option; rail is usually more predictable |
These are official airport planning estimates under uncongested conditions, not guaranteed taxi quotes. Tolls and traffic can change the actual fare.
Gimpo domestic ↔ international terminal shuttle
Gimpo operates a free landside shuttle. Current airport guidance lists passenger-terminal-only service from roughly 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at about 12–15 minute intervals, plus a broader route via the cargo area from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
International Terminal stop
Board at stop No. 5.
Domestic Terminal stop
Board at stop No. 8.
Incheon and Gimpo parking: rates, peak times, discounts and live availability
The airports use different parking systems. Compare the lot tied to the airport/terminal on your ticket rather than treating “Seoul airport parking” as one product.
Incheon International Airport parking
| ICN lot type | First 10 min | Published base | Small-vehicle daily max | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term | Free | KRW 1,200 first 30 min; +600 / 15 min | KRW 24,000 | Pickup, drop-off, shorter stays |
| Long-term | Free | KRW 1,000 / hour | KRW 9,000 | More than one day |
| Reserved | Free | KRW 1,000 / hour | KRW 9,000 | Preplanned parking where available |
032-741-7700. Use the live T1 page for short- and long-term space counts.
032-741-0260. Use the live T2 page for current floor/lot availability.
Gimpo parking and discounts
For small vehicles in Domestic Lots 1 and 2, current daily rates are KRW 20,000 Monday–Thursday and KRW 30,000 Friday–Sunday and national holidays. Gimpo publishes separate international/cargo rates. Eligible disability and other statutory categories can receive a 50% discount; when documentation was not applied at exit, the airport describes an ex-post claim process within seven days for qualifying cases.
Taxi and pickup at ICN/GMP: send the terminal and use the correct stand
“Seoul airport” is not enough information for a driver. Send ICN T1, ICN T2, GMP Domestic or GMP International, then meet only at the official zone shown by the airport/app.
Incheon taxi pickup numbers
| Taxi type | ICN T1 pickup | ICN T2 pickup | Useful detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Seoul taxi | 5C, 6C, 6D | 7C | Metered; current base fare published by airport |
| Deluxe / jumbo | 7C / 8C | 7D | Higher base fare |
| International / Smart Taxi | 4C | 3C | Foreign-language support; Seoul flat fare option |
| Pre-booked hailing taxi | 1C, 14C | 1C, 10C | Use for a confirmed reserved vehicle |
Gimpo taxi planning
Gimpo publishes terminal-specific taxi maps plus destination estimates. Current no-congestion planning examples include about KRW 15,000 to Hongik University, KRW 22,000 to Seoul City Hall and KRW 28,000 to Gangnam Station for a standard taxi; actual meter fare changes with traffic and tolls.
Landing at Incheon after AREX: night buses, taxis and genuinely 24-hour rest options
Incheon itself operates around the clock, but AREX, airline counters, restaurants and many lounges do not. A useful late-night plan separates transport that still runs from places that are actually open 24 hours.
Official late-night Seoul buses
| Route | Main destination | Adult fare | Child fare | How to board |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N6000 | Gangnam Express Bus Terminal | KRW 17,000 | KRW 10,000 | Ticket booth / machine |
| N6002 | Cheongnyangni | KRW 17,000 | KRW 10,000 | Ticket booth / machine |
| N6701 | Dongdaemun Design Plaza | KRW 18,000 | KRW 12,000 | Booth, machine or supported app |
| N6703 | Gwangnaru area | KRW 18,000 | KRW 12,000 | Booth, machine or supported app |
Departure times differ between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and can change. Open the official late-night page after landing instead of relying on a screenshot or saved timetable.
24-hour sleep/rest options currently listed by ICN
Terminal 1
- DarakHyu capsule hotel: Transportation Center B1, 24 hours.
- Transit Hotel: 4F near Gate 11, 24 hours; airside eligibility applies.
- SKY HUB East: 4F near 11G, 24 hours with a published 21:30–22:00 break.
Terminal 2
- DarakHyu capsule hotel: near the bus-ticket counter, 24 hours.
- Transit Hotel: 4F across from Gate 252, 24 hours; airside eligibility applies.
- SKY HUB West: 4F near Gate 231, 24 hours with a published 21:30–22:00 break.
Before leaving arrivals: connectivity, KRW and the right transport ticket
Do these decisions after confirming your airport and terminal. ICN and GMP both connect to Seoul rail, but an AREX Express ticket, All-Stop/subway fare and airport bus ticket are not interchangeable products.
Get enough connectivity for navigation
Roaming, eSIM/SIM or pocket Wi-Fi can all work. Whatever you choose, make sure you can open the hotel address in Korean/English and receive reservation or authentication messages before leaving the terminal.
Keep a small KRW fallback
Cards are widely accepted, but a small KRW reserve is useful for edge cases. Compare the displayed exchange rate/fees before converting a large amount at an airport counter.
Buy the ticket for the service you will board
AREX Express uses its dedicated ticket. The All-Stop Train and wider Seoul transit are the better fit for a reloadable transport card. For late-night buses, use the airport’s current ticketing instructions.
Accessible Seoul airport travel: ICN priority lanes, Gimpo Porty Care and documented eligibility
Start with the operating airline for wheelchair/boarding assistance, then use airport services for terminal movement and priority processing. The rules differ between Incheon and Gimpo, and some priority programs require proof at the airline counter before security.
Incheon departure priority lane: who qualifies
| Category | Published criterion | Document / confirmation | Companions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older traveler | Age 70+ | Passport | Up to 3 companions for the priority service |
| Young child | Under age 7 | Passport | |
| Person with qualifying mobility disability | Formal mobility-disability criteria | Disability Welfare Card / applicable proof | |
| Pregnant traveler | Pregnancy | Pregnancy handbook / applicable proof | |
| Airline medical-service passenger | Wheelchair, bed, oxygen or similar airline medical support | Accompanied/confirmed by airline staff |
What the official 59-page PDF means for a traveler
The priority-lane page links to a 59-page Ministry of Health and Welfare disability-assessment standard. That PDF is a formal Korean disability-grading document—not a quick airport self-assessment checklist. Its useful traveler takeaway is that the disability-based priority category is tied to formal mobility-impairment criteria. Bring the documentation the airport lists and verify eligibility at your airline counter rather than trying to interpret medical thresholds at the checkpoint.
Incheon mobility help before security
Accessible taxi
Incheon disabled-call taxi: 1577-0320. Seoul disabled-call taxi: 1588-4388 / international +82-2-2024-4200.
T1 ↔ T2 lift-car shuttle
Free lift-car support is published 5:00 a.m.–midnight for wheelchair users on the terminal shuttle system. Advance reservation is recommended; availability depends on vehicles/staff.
Wheelchair / electric mobility
Incheon lists wheelchair and mobility-support services plus power-assist/electric wheelchair options. For aircraft boarding assistance, still reserve through the airline.
Gimpo Porty Care: subway station to check-in
Gimpo’s Porty Care Service provides a driver-operated e-cart and wheelchair support for disabled travelers, older travelers, pregnant travelers and customers with infants/children. Travelers with a large amount of luggage may also be able to use it. Reserve via +82-2-2660-2478, or apply on site at the Domestic Terminal 1F information counter.
GMP domestic priority security
Eligible disabled travelers who can walk, travelers over 80, pregnant travelers and passengers with a child under 24 months can ask the airline counter for the priority-security sticker. It covers the eligible traveler plus up to three companions and is for domestic departures.
GMP international terminal help points
Wheelchairs are available by the Gate 2 general waiting area on 1F. Help points are in front of Gate 2 on floors 1 and 2, and a traffic-vulnerable self-check-in counter is in front of Counter B on 2F.
ICN rest, lounge and transfer-support strategy: search by terminal and access side
Airport directories are more useful than a static restaurant list because hours and airline access change. First identify T1/T2 and whether you are landside, departures airside or an international transfer passenger, then filter the official facility directory.
Need sleep without entering Seoul?
ICN currently lists 24-hour capsule hotels in the T1 and T2 transportation/public areas plus 24-hour transit hotels inside the secure area. Choose based on whether immigration/baggage collection forces you landside.
Need a lounge overnight?
Some SKY HUB locations are currently listed 24 hours with a short nightly break. Airline lounges often close earlier, so filter by terminal and “24 Hours” rather than relying on brand memory.
Need human transfer help?
Use the official transfer-guide desks: T1 near desks 19–20 / gates 25–29 and T2 near Exit 5 / gates 231 and 268, depending on where you are in the journey.
Lost at Incheon: airline baggage, terminal item, duty-free purchase or train item?
The fastest route depends on where the item was lost. Sending every problem to airport Lost & Found can delay recovery.
| What happened | Who handles it | Current contact / location | What to provide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item lost in T1 terminal, Concourse, transport center, curb or parking | ICN T1 Lost & Found | B1, 07:00–21:30; 032-741-3110 / 3114 | Terminal, floor, time, item details |
| Item lost in T2 public/terminal area | ICN T2 Lost & Found | One-stop Public Service, 2F public area; 07:00–21:30; 032-741-8988 / 8989 | Terminal, floor, time, item details |
| Checked bag missing/damaged or item left on aircraft | Operating airline / baggage handler | Airline baggage service | Bag tag, flight, PIR/report if issued |
| Newly purchased overseas/duty-free goods in controlled area | Customs | T1/T2 customs passenger clearance | Receipt, location, description |
| Item left on Airport Railroad | Airport Railroad | 032-745-7777 | Train/time/station/car if known |
| Item left on airport bus | Bus operator | Operator-specific lost property | Route, departure time, stop |
Seoul airport code and connection tools
Which code should I use?
Airport-change buffer checker
ICN parking estimate
Watch: carry-on prohibited items at Incheon Airport
Incheon International Airport’s official traveler-tips page links this carry-on prohibited-items video. It is especially useful before packing liquids, batteries and Korean food products.
Source context: Incheon International Airport, “Departure Tips of Incheon Airport for Novice Travelers,” published October 7, 2024. VideoObject schema is intentionally not emitted because exact video upload metadata could not be verified from the first-party page.
Official Seoul airport contacts and addresses
Incheon Terminal 1
272 Gonghang-ro, Yeongjong-gu, Incheon 22382/23358 area formatting varies by official page.
Airport customer service: 1577-2600
Published service hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Incheon Terminal 2
446 Je2terminal-daero, Yeongjong-gu, Incheon.
Airport code: ICN / RKSI
Gimpo International Airport
112 Haneul-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul 07505.
KAC customer center: 1661-2626
Airport code: GMP / RKSS
Frequently asked questions about Seoul airport codes
What is the Seoul airport code?
Is SEL an airport I can fly to?
What is the Incheon International Airport code?
What is the Gimpo Airport code?
What country is Seoul airport in?
Which Seoul airport is better, ICN or GMP?
How far is Incheon Airport from Seoul?
Does AREX go from both Incheon terminals?
How long does the all-stop train take to Seoul Station?
Can I use a Tmoney card on the AREX Express Train?
Can I check in for my flight at Seoul Station?
How early should I arrive at Incheon Airport?
How do I know whether my Incheon flight uses Terminal 1 or Terminal 2?
Can I walk between Incheon Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?
How often does the Incheon secure-side shuttle train run?
Can I return after taking the Incheon shuttle train to another transfer area?
Do I need an e-Arrival Card for South Korea?
Do I need to declare food when entering Korea?
Can I carry kimchi or gochujang through Incheon security?
Can I put a power bank in checked baggage at Incheon?
How long does it take to transfer between ICN and GMP?
Is there a free shuttle between Incheon and Gimpo airports?
Where is Gimpo Airport Station?
Is there a shuttle between Gimpo domestic and international terminals?
How much is parking at Incheon Airport?
How much is parking at Gimpo Airport?
What time zone does Seoul use?
What is the Korean ICAO prefix for Seoul airports?
Where can I get live flight status for ICN and GMP?
Is Incheon Airport open 24 hours?
Is the Korea e-Arrival Card free?
What changed for the e-Arrival Card in May 2026?
Who can use Incheon Airport priority departure lanes?
Can I use Incheon Smart Pass with any airline?
Where is Incheon Lost and Found?
Are there 24-hour places to sleep inside Incheon Airport?
What is Gimpo Porty Care?
Official sources and update policy
This refresh compares the search-result intent landscape with first-party Incheon Airport, Korea Airports Corporation, Korea Ministry of Justice, Korea government aviation data, VISITKOREA and the official Ministry of Health-linked mobility criteria PDF. Dynamic operational facts are followed by live official pages rather than presented as permanently fixed.