Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dsmoore]

We are flying out to Incheon in 3 days, whoo hoo!

We will need to get ourselves to a hotel for a few nights in Seoul. What is the best way to do this from Incheon airport? Is there a specific mode (bus/train/taxi) to look for?

We are also considering how much to pack for the year, and part of that consideration is in actually getting our bags from the airport to the hotel, etc. We would prefer not to be too overloaded to where we can't carry everything, but we have 2 little ones, so enough stuff for 4 people is adding up! Are drivers/bell hops available to assist along the way? While I'm at it, what is a good tip for these guys?

[hugekebab]

[blackjack]

If you do want to head into seoul then there are a large number of shuttle buses that are cheap. When you walk out of the arrival area just walk straight ahead and out the class doors.

Ignore the taxi drivers who approach you and try to "assist" you. The buses are much cheaper. You buy a ticket from the booths just outside the airport, they will direct you to the right place.

here is a link to the bus timetable

http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/IABIe.cfm

If you have two little ones, it may be easier to take a taxi. Get one from the taxi rank and ensure they use the meter, don't try to bargin with them and you don't need to tip (however if they help load bags in the back and are nice then it doesn't hurt).

If you are staying in a hotel then some have free shuttles, just do a google

[schwa]

hugekebab's suggestion might be a good idea for your first night or two. After the long flight you & your entourage will need to decompress & Airport Town is right there, easy to get to, & a nice lite introduction to the feel & smell of Korea. But 4 days would be boring.

Hopefully someone pipes in with a suitable downtown location for you. Most of us dont have need of a family suite but they must exist outside the overpriced western-name chains. If you havent been to Seoul before it can kind of overwhelm.

If you spend a night near the airport, no need to fib about connecting flights -- your hotel will be happy to drop you off again at the airport to get into the city.

Buses are the most economical transport from there & go everywhere. Once you've lined up accommodation downtown your hotel or the hotel info desk at the airport will steer you to the right bus. With 4 people & gear you might also consider the ease of a taxi. Pricy though, could run you $75. Be a bit cautious -- some taxi drivers there will try to gouge you. Info desk people there are trustworthy, get advice from them.

Everything will go fine. I see on another thread you're heading over to Gangwon's orientation in Naksan. I'll see you there!

cheers

[CentralCali]

Why isn't your emploper picking you up and paying for your accommodations when you arrive? If it's because the employer says you must attend unpaid orientation, you're getting shafted at the outset.

[dsmoore]

Thanks for the great advice, one of my underlying questions was whether or not we should even try to make it in to Seoul right away or stay near the airport. That sounds like a much better plan to help ease into things, then move on to Seoul after a day or two.

hugekebab, if you could PM the hotel that would be great.

Good to know about tips, that is one of those things that are awkward if you don't know what to expect going in.

No worries CentralCali, we aren't getting shafted out of accommodations or someone to meet us. We actually made the decision to come 3 days early because we were able to get the flight tickets considerably cheaper, and thought it would be nice to have a few days to adjust to the time change rather than jumping right into things the next day. The employer will pay for our 4th night in the hotel and arrange to pick us up to head to Gangwon-do.

Cool schwa, my wife will be the one actually teaching, so she'll see you there!