Korean Job Discussion Forums

flip ant · Joined: 01 Jul 2004 Location: He's got high hopes!

My new employer is insisting that I fly to Kwangju and not take a train from Seoul to Kwangju. That's fine, but that leaves me a question:

My flight arrives into Incheon at 6:45 PM and the last flight of the day from Gimpo to Kwangju leaves at 8:20 PM. Is this enough time to make the transfer between airports and make that flight or should I plan on staying in Seoul that night?

Anyone with experience with all of this and willing to give some advice would be appreciated.

keithinkorea · Joined: 17 Mar 2004

Thats a pretty tight schedule. Incheon is a bit of a way from Gimpo airport, I'm sure it can be done but it is tight. You dont have any time if for some reason you get delayed at the airport, there is some terrorism worries here at the moment, customs might decide to search you, traffic could be really bad, it could be anything.

I'd talk to your boss and sort out a place to stay in Seoul, the fact is that after a long flight if you're anything like me you'll be a little 'dazed' . Perhaps he wants you to start working the next day (quite normal here) and needs you there early.

You can easily get a room in a comfortable yet basic motel in Seoul for 40 dollars if you miss the flight.

Good luck on the connection. Not tried it myself but the connection does sound a bit optimistic.

Dalton · Joined: 26 Mar 2003

I don't remember the exact times but somehow an hour and 40 minutes just doesn't seem to be nearly enough time to clear customs, get your stuff, catch a bus to Incheon and board another plane. What's the bus schedule to Incheon for instance?

I would suggest staying at a love motel in Incheon and catching a flight the next morning. You should be able to make it to Kwangju before the school opens? Tell him your travel agent says it's impossible to make the connection and (if you've worked here before) you can handle teaching the next day after the flight from Incheon and a good nights sleep.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Two things that make things faster. When you get to your home airport, ask the desk person to tag your bags 1st class so that they'll come off the plane faster (most airlines have no problem with this). Then ask for a seat closest to the exit door. You'll get off first, get through customs quick, and get your luggage in record time.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

I'd say its doable. I've gone from on the plane to out the front door at Incheon in under 10 minutes a few times. Buses to Gimpo leave all the time, take 30-40 minutes max. Catching domestic flights is easy, no fuss or check-in time limits, easy as catching a bus.

In your boots I'd give it a shot & if I missed the connection, I missed it. No biggie. Theres motels a short taxi ride from Gimpo.

Swiss James · Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Location: Shanghai

Make sure you fill in your Arrivals immigration card before you touch down too, nothing worse than getting to the front of the immigration line, realising you've messed up, and having to go all the way to the back again.

hippie · Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Location: Bucheon (pending)

The line at immigration itself can take 20-30 minutes if it is crowded. Here's what you can do to help you if it's crowded and the lines are moving slowly:

There are separate lines for foreigners and for Koreans. The lines for Koreans move very quickly, and when they are empty, those lines will open for foreigners.

Get in the line for foreigners that is closest to the line for Koreans. Keep an eye on the Korean line, and when it opens for foreigners, try to be one of the first ones to move over.

Good luck

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

Why don't you take the airport bus from Incheon to Gwangju?

flip ant · Joined: 01 Jul 2004 Location: He's got high hopes!

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

shifty · Joined: 21 Jun 2004

I had the same quandary. I elected to take the bus, but regretted it as the time was enough. Just march along boldly, without being anxious. Immigration is quick and Incheon to Kimpo about 30 min.

My boss was thrilled ... thrilled with my stupid bus decision.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

It is one thing I hate about being in Gwangju since they opened Incheon airport. I used to just fly Gwangju>Gimpo>home. It's just too much of a pain to change airports in Seoul.

In the airport, at a desk in front of the doors at arrivals, you can buy a ticket for the bus to Gwangju. It's about W33,000. It takes 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic, with one pit stop. The bus is much more frequent than it used to be. Of course I assume you will be picked up in Gwangju but even then the Express Bus Terminal is much more convenient than the airport.

The last time my boss gave me a ticket Gwangju>Gimpo, I refunded it and took the bus.