Gimpo International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Gimpo International Airport GMP

South Korea

Gimpo Airport, located approximately 15 km from Seoul's city center, is the main hub for domestic flights and some regional routes to Japan and China.

It is often the most convenient option for those flying within the country or to Tokyo Haneda.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

How to get to Gimpo International Airport

Seoul city center is about 15 km from the airport: transfer takes approximately 22 minutes by AREX train, the fastest and most economical option.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Seoul in approximately 30-40 minutes.

By Train

Metro lines 5 and 9, along with the AREX train, connect directly from the airport to downtown Seoul.

By Bus

Some limousine buses connect the airport to specific areas of Seoul.
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Tips Lines 5 and 9 of the subway are the most economical option (1-2 USD): the express line 9 reaches Gangnam in about 33 minutes.

Average travel time to GMP

Train22 minutes (AREX, KRW 1,550) or lines 5/9
Shuttle busService available (limousine bus)
Taxi / Private hire30-40 minutes (KRW 14,000-35,000)

Parking near Gimpo International Airport

The terminal is flanked by a multi-story parking structure.

Rates are in line with the standards of a metropolitan hub.

How to get to Seoul from GMP

By Train

The AREX (all stops) reaches Seoul Station in 22 minutes for 1,550 won; metro lines 5 and 9 offer direct connections to the city center.

By Bus

Some limousine buses connect the airport to specific areas of Seoul.

By Taxi

A taxi to the city center (Myeongdong) costs approximately 14,000-35,000 KRW, about 40 minutes with normal traffic; the meter starts at 4,800 won for the first 1.6 km.

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Car rental at Gimpo International Airport

Not all car rental brands are represented; only some have a desk.

Required documents: license, passport, credit card, and typically an International Driving License.

 

Hotels near Gimpo International Airport

Gimpo is Seoul's domestic and regional airport, on the city's western edge: different from Incheon International (ICN), which handles intercontinental flights about 50 km away. Metro lines 9 and 5 both stop at Gimpo Airport station, along with the AREX train, which reaches Hongik University, in the Hongdae district, in just 6 minutes with a single intermediate stop. Those arriving on a domestic flight and wanting to stay close to the airport find chain hotels in Magok, the tech district just to the east; those aiming for central Seoul can choose between Hongdae, Myeongdong and Seoul Station, all reachable with no line changes.
At the airport

At the airport (Lotte Mall Gimpo)

The Lotte City Hotel is linked to the terminal, the metro station and the mall by a covered walkway: about 5 minutes on foot, without ever going outdoors.

Best for: Early-morning domestic flights or one-night layovers, when you want to stay connected to the terminal without stepping outside.

Pros
  • Walk to check-in from the terminal, handy with heavy luggage or in case of rain
  • The Lotte Mall Gimpo Airport, attached to the hotel, stays open late for dinner or last-minute shopping
Cons
  • Only the mall, offices and car parks around: to go out in the evening you still need the metro towards downtown
  • Room rates are higher than the area average, due to the unique location linked to the terminal
See more hotels in this area
Airport area

Magok

Metro line 9 links Magongnaru, the district's station, to Gimpo Airport in a couple of stops; by car it's just 10-15 minutes.

Best for: Business trips with a flight from Gimpo and those who prefer a modern, quiet district to a hotel attached to the terminal.

Pros
  • A newly built district with the Seoul Botanic Park right next door, handy for a walk before an evening flight
  • International chain hotels (Accor, Marriott) at lower prices than downtown
Cons
  • Few independent restaurants or bars: the area is mostly offices and department stores
  • The historic centre of Seoul still requires 30-40 minutes by metro
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Hongdae

The AREX train links Gimpo Airport to Hongik University in 6 minutes, with a single intermediate stop (Digital Media City).

Best for: Those who want nightlife, bars and independent shops a few steps from the hotel and a direct link to the airport with no changes.

Pros
  • The fastest link to the airport among all the central districts, thanks to the AREX
  • Bars, cafés and shops open late just steps from the station
Cons
  • Weekends and evenings crowded with students and tourists, with queues at the most popular spots
  • Rooms are generally smaller than in Magok, due to land prices in the district
See more hotels in this area
Near the airport link

Myeongdong and Seoul Station

The AREX train in "all stop" mode reaches Seoul Station in about 22 minutes; from there Myeongdong is one metro stop on line 4, or a 10-15 minute walk.

Best for: Those who want the Myeongdong district, with its shops and street food, and a direct train with no changes to Seoul Station.

Pros
  • A single train to get from the airport to Seoul Station, with no changes
  • Myeongdong remains among the most central districts for shopping and street food, open late
Cons
  • Reaching the heart of Myeongdong from Seoul Station still requires a metro change or a walk
  • A touristy, crowded area, especially on weekends: room rates higher than in Magok or Hongdae
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport is the primary hub for South Korean domestic flights and some regional routes, including a connection to Tokyo's Haneda Airport.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area offers Korean cosmetics and electronics.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport offers a few but present lounges for business clientele.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The free Wi-Fi network is active in every terminal zone.

Families & Children

Beyond family assistance services, the terminal provides play areas for children.

Terminal guide

The terminal, small in scale compared to Incheon, primarily handles domestic flights and some regional routes to Japan and China.

For flights, it is recommended to arrive with at least 1.5–2 hours' notice (domestic) or 2.5 hours (international).

Map of Gimpo International Airport

Map of Gimpo International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Gimpo connected to the Seoul metro?

Yes, directly via lines 5 and 9, as well as the AREX train (all-stop service), which reaches Seoul Station in 22 minutes.

Q. Is it true there's a golf course near Gimpo airport?

Yes, Gimpo Golf Club stands right next to the airport area, one of the rare examples in the world of a public golf course adjacent to a major active international airport.

Q. Does Gimpo serve international flights?

Mainly domestic flights, plus a few regional routes to Japan (including Tokyo Haneda) and China.

Q. Is Gimpo or Incheon more convenient for Seoul?

Gimpo is closer to the centre (15 km versus 48 km) and is generally preferable for those flying domestically or on short regional routes.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Seoul

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