Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Becka]

My partner and I are coming in two weeks (from Canada) to begin a contract in Ulsan at the beginning of March. Our flight schedule has us arriving at Incheon International Airport at about 4am local time, on a Saturday morning, and departing again only a couple hours later from the domestic airport (Gimpo).

I've been browsing the IIA site and noting bus departures from the IIA to various destinations. Looks like nothing runs before 5am.

My questions for all you seasoned travellers are:

Do these buses tend to run on time?
How long did it take you to clear Customs?
Am I overly worried because I'm used to the lousy bus service in my tiny little Canadian city?

And of course, please feel free to impart any other wisdom you may have on this topic. Thanks!

[Hater Depot]

In my experience the buses run on time and there will also be van drivers willing to grossly overcharge you when they aren't running. And it never took me any time to go through Customs as there is no line or anything. Just a sign about no fruits and veggies and a couple of guys in suits who ignore you.

[dulouz]

The buses are fine, clean and reliable. It'll take an hour from debarkation to the bus stop so don't worry about this.

[Swiss James]

I think the 603 starts at 4:40am, which is probably around the time you'll be getting out of immigration and customs.

A bus will take about the same amount of time as a taxi- there are no stops between Incheon and Gimpo, and both the taxi and bus drivers put their foot to the floor like their life depends on it.

[justagirl]

The busses run almost perfectly on time and they're very clean, nice, and professional. They even have a few people who speak English to make sure you're in the right place (if you're lucky to find them---the ticket booth should direct you, or the information booths inside the airport).

Don't hesitate at all to take one of the airport limo busses--they're wonderful! Just know where you're getting off, or tell the bus driver the name of the place so he can point it out to you. He probably won't speak English, but if you sit near the front, he should make sure you get off at the right spot.

[VanIslander]

[sheba]

I caught the bus at 4am on a Sunday morning which was even a public holiday. I wouldnt worry.

[kangnam mafioso]

there are several tenacious taxi drivers who like to hang around outside looking for disoriented foreigners and who will try to persuade you to take a taxi into Seoul for 60,000 won+.

ignore them -- a 10,000 comfortable bus ride should be available.