Seoul Gimpo Layover Guide (GMP)

What are you looking for in GMP?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) is an international airport located in western Seoul, South Korea. It’s situated about 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Seoul. The airport first opened in 1939. Seoul is South Korea’s capital and largest metropolis, known for its vibrant culture, advanced technology, and dynamic economy. The city offers a rich history, modern skyscrapers, and a wide array of leisure, shopping, and culinary experiences for travelers and residents alike.

Can you leave Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers may leave Seoul Gimpo Airport during a layover if they satisfy South Korea’s visa-free entry requirements or secure a C-3 transit visa. Eligible nationalities with layovers under 24 hours commonly waive visas. Confirm your passport’s status and apply for a visa in advance if necessary prior to departure. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Gimpo Airport Observation Deck Enjoy panoramic runway views and live flight operations from the spacious Observation Deck at Gimpo Airport, perfect for photography and plane spotting enthusiasts. Bring a camera and relax with coffee. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Walk inside Terminal 1, Level 4)
• Heo Jun Museum Discover traditional Korean medicine history at the Heo Jun Museum, showcasing interactive exhibits, artifacts, and healing garden displays honoring the legendary royal physician. Explore medicinal herb collections and educational workshops. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 10 min)
• Gochon Garden Stroll through serene Gochon Garden featuring traditional Korean landscaping, pond reflections, and seasonal blooms. Enjoy peaceful walking paths, pavilions, and a tranquil atmosphere just minutes from the airport. Bring water. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 15 min)
• Lotte Mall Gimpo Airport Shop international brands, browse Korean cosmetics, and dine at diverse restaurants in the expansive Lotte Mall directly connected to Gimpo Airport Terminal. Catch a quick movie at the cinema. Enjoy. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Walk from Terminal 1)
• Gimpo Traditional Market Wander through lively stalls selling fresh produce, local snacks, and handmade crafts at Gimpo Traditional Market. Experience authentic street food flavors and friendly vendor interactions. Try seasonal specialties on site. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 10 min)
• Korean Cultural Experience Centre Participate in traditional Korean cultural workshops, including hanbok dressing, tea ceremonies, and calligraphy, at the in-terminal Gimpo Cultural Experience Centre for an immersive layover activity. Book sessions in advance online. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Walk inside Domestic Terminal)
• Hangang Park Gaehwa Rent a bicycle and pedal along the scenic Hangang River at Gaehwa Hangang Park, admiring riverside landscapes, bridges, and passing boats for a refreshing outdoor escape. Helmets provided onsite. Enjoy. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus 6000, approx. 15 min)
• Gyeyang Sanseong Fortress Climb historic stone walls of Gyeyang Sanseong Fortress on Gyeyang Mountain, offering panoramic views of Gimpo city and surrounding wetlands amid lush forest trails. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 20 min)

Things to Do in Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Seoul Gimpo Airport offers domestic and international lounges including the Mugunghwa Lounge and Hanatour Lounge near Gate 27. Facilities include comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, workstations, Wi-Fi and shower rooms. Access is available via airline status, lounge passes or paid entry at the door for enhanced pre-flight comfort. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While Gimpo lacks an on-site hotel, several accommodations are within a five-minute drive including the Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport and Orakai Hotel Seoul. Complimentary shuttle services connect select properties and the terminal. Hotels feature soundproof rooms, fitness centers, business facilities and 24-hour front desk support for overnight stays convenience. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Designated rest zones in both domestic and international terminals feature reclining chairs, sleeping pods and quiet rooms. These spaces offer charging stations, free Wi-Fi and ambient lighting. Access is complimentary with valid boarding pass, while private sleep suites and nap rooms are available for rent near Gates 17 and 25.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Gimpo Airport provides complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all terminals. Simply select the “GMP_FREE_WIFI” network and accept terms for two-hour sessions, which can be renewed. Ethernet ports are available in business lounges. Mobile charging stations and power outlets are located at seating areas, gates and food courts for uninterrupted connectivity everywhere.

SIM/eSIM Card: Tourists can purchase prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans at kiosks operated by KT Olleh and SK Telecom in the arrivals halls of both terminals. Packages include data and voice valid for one to thirty days. Activation is instant and English support is provided. Prices vary by duration and data. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed taxi stands are located outside each terminal exit. Options include regular, deluxe and jumbo taxis. Fares to central Seoul start at around ₩15,000, increasing with distance and tolls. Credit cards and T-money cards are accepted. Travel time varies between 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and route conditions.

Train: Seoul Gimpo is served by the AREX commuter line, linking Gimpo Airport Station to Seoul Station in approximately 25 minutes. Trains run every 10–20 minutes from 5:30 to 23:20 daily. Tickets can be purchased at automated kiosks or via the Korail app for discounts and passes. (more info)

Bus: Multiple airport limousine and local bus routes stop at designated bays outside both terminals. Limousine buses connect Gimpo to major districts such as Gangnam and Myeongdong, while local buses serve suburban stops. Tickets are sold at counters or onboard with T-money cards. Schedules vary by route. (more info)

Shuttle: Select hotels and corporate offices operate complimentary shuttle buses to and from Gimpo. Shuttle pick-up points are on the first floor arrivals area, clearly signposted. Schedules vary by provider, typically running every 30 minutes between 06:00 and 23:00. Reservations may be required; contact your hotel concierge for details and timings.

Car rentals: Major rental agencies including Avis, Hertz, Lotte and KT&G have counters on the first floor of both terminals. Drivers must present an international or Korean driver’s license, passport and credit card. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs and vans. Pre-booking online is recommended for availability and preferential rates options. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Gimpo Airport offers multi-level short-term and long-term parking garages adjacent to both terminals. First 30 minutes are free; thereafter rates start at ₩1,000 per 10 minutes, with daily maximums. Payment is accepted via credit card, T-money or cash at automated booths. Accessible spaces are clearly marked near terminal entrances convenient.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage services are provided by the left luggage office in the arrivals hall of both terminals. Fees are charged per item per day. Additionally, secure coin-operated lockers of various sizes are located near Gates 11, 21 and baggage claim areas. Operating hours generally align with airport opening times daily. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks