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A handful of practical decisions before you fly will transform your Incheon experience. The first is the K-ETA electronic travel authorisation: citizens of most EU countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many others are currently exempt until 31 December 2026, requiring only a valid passport. From January 2027, the K-ETA (free, approved within 24 hours at eta.go.kr) will become mandatory for exempt-country visitors.

Check your nationality's current status before departure. At the airport, the T-money card should be your second purchase (after a local SIM or eSIM — available at ICN arrivals). Load KRW 30,000-50,000 and it works on every Seoul metro line, Incheon bus, ferry to Muuido, and most convenience store purchases. The AREX express to Seoul Station costs KRW 9,500 and runs every 5-10 minutes from Terminal 1 B1 and Terminal 2 B1; the standard all-stop train is cheaper (KRW 4,750) but takes 66 minutes.

Currency: the Korean Won (KRW) is the only widely accepted currency. ATMs in GS25 and CU convenience stores, plus 7-Eleven, accept most foreign cards with a flat fee; Wise and Revolut cards minimise conversion costs. 1 EUR ≈ 1,450 KRW in mid-2026. Tipping is not customary in Korea and can cause confusion — the price you see is the price you pay, including at restaurants and taxis.

The tourist helpline 1330 operates 24 hours in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian, and can assist with emergencies, translation, and travel information. SIM cards and eSIMs from Korean operators (KT, SK Telecom, U+) are available at every airport terminal; a 30-day unlimited data SIM costs KRW 30,000-50,000. Korean pharmacies (Olive Young) stock basics including motion sickness tablets and sunscreen at very reasonable prices.