Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft do not work in South Korea; Korean ride-hailing apps do exist, but you might need a valid Korean phone number to use them. If you have a local number, download Kakao T, a popular app that's available in English.
Taxis are abundant and scandalously cheap compared to other world capitals, with the meter starting at 2,200 won and fares rarely exceeding 10,000 won for standard hops.
The taxi fare from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong is approximately 60,000-70,000 won (approximately 50-60 USD) for a regular taxi and up to 100,000 won (approximately 85 USD) for a deluxe taxi. However, the cost of a taxi can be significantly higher than expected because the fare is based on a meter system.
Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected in South Korea, unlike in most countries in Europe and in the United States. The general rule is the service should be exceptional at all times, and with no expectation of extra pay. Tipping in South Korea can be considered rude and frowned upon.
It is the exact same price for a regular Taxi. If your check card is set up with Kakao Taxi (Kakao Pay), you can use the 1,000W “priority service” to “jump the queue but I don't know anyone who actually uses that. Kakao Black is the fancy car that definitely costs more.
Train (AREX)Express Trains depart every 20 to 40 minutes from Incheon Int'l Airport and take approximately 40 minutes. All Stop Trains leave every 5 to 10 minutes and take just under 60 minutes to get to Seoul Station. The Express Train costs KRW 9,500 each way, while the All Stop Train is KRW 4,150 - 4,750.
Kakao T is South Korea's answer to Uber, and it has been quickly gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike. With its easy-to-use app and affordable rates, it's no wonder why Kakao T is becoming such a popular choice for transportation in South Korea!
The simple answer is yes, the water is potable. Tap water in Korea is safe to drink. But, if you fill up a glass of water from the sink and start to sip it in front of most Koreans, you might get some weird looks.
The best way to get from Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul Station is to bus which takes 46 min and costs ?18,000. Alternatively, you can train, which costs ?4,200 - ?6,500 and takes 1h 1m.
South Korea's capital city, Seoul, was named the world's ninth most expensive city for expatriates in terms of living expenses, an international survey showed.
The cost of living for expatriates in Incheon as at July 2023 is high in comparison to other places in the world, with an overall Cost of Living Index (COLI), for all 13 basket groups, of 80.11 (New York =100).
Incheon is cheaper than Seoul in terms of accomodations, transfers, sightseeing tours, etc. You can also find pocket-friendly aternatives in the city to plan your meals.