Traveling from Gimpo International Airport to Myeongdong with Ease
Welcome back to our travel adventures! We’ve been sharing our journey from the US to Tokyo, Japan, Seoul, South Korea, and Taipei, Taiwan. In our previous post, we gave you the inside scoop on how we plan to navigate our way to and from Haneda Airport to our Disney hotel. Today, we’re diving into our plans for getting from Gimpo International Airport to our cozy hotel in the bustling heart of Seoul, Myeongdong.
Our chosen mode of transport? The convenient and comfortable Private Transfer. Sure, it’s the most expensive option, but sometimes, it’s all about making life a little easier. Traveling with a family of four, three suitcases, a double stroller, and two backpacks can be quite the task, so we decided to treat ourselves. For around $60 USD one way, we’ll enjoy a hassle-free ride.
Why Private Transfer?
- Convenience: After a long flight, the last thing we want is stress. With Private Transfer, the driver will be waiting for us right at the baggage claim. No need to search for a taxi or navigate public transportation.
- Space: We booked a mini-van to ensure all our baggage, backpacks, and stroller fit comfortably. No squeezing into a crowded taxi or worrying about storage space.
- Direct Arrival: The icing on the cake is that we’ll be dropped off right in front of our hotel. No need to drag our luggage and tired little ones around trying to find our accommodation.
Now, you might be wondering why we didn’t go for the other options. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Taxi: While we used a taxi in Seoul during our last visit in 2019, the experience wasn’t ideal. Our driver was friendly, but the lingering smell of cigarettes and the dated condition of the taxi left us wanting more.
- Airport Limousine Bus: With our load of luggage and two little ones in tow, we didn’t fancy the idea of walking or transferring to get to our hotel. We wanted a smooth, uninterrupted journey.
- AREX and Subway: Once again, the prospect of walking and transferring with our luggage and kids didn’t quite fit the bill. We were looking for maximum convenience.
- Uber: While we considered Uber, the options weren’t entirely clear, and it seemed that the Uber Premium Black service might have limitations at Gimpo Airport. We didn’t want to take any chances on a potentially unpredictable ride.
So, there you have it, our travel plan to get from Gimpo International Airport to Myeongdong. It might be the most expensive choice, but the ease and comfort it offers are well worth it for us. We are using Jina Travel through Klook for booking this service. We found it to be the most affordable of several other sites and having the best reviews. Traveling with kids can be unpredictable, so it’s nice to have some things planned out in advance. If you are new to the Klook App use code “BetterOnApp” for 5% off or try this Klook Halloween seasonal code “USSPOOKY8” for 8% off! (expires 10/31/2023)
In case Private Transfer is not for you, here are the some options from most expensive to the most affordable:
Private Transfer
Private car services or private transfers tend to be the most expensive option, costing approximately $60 to $120 USD or more. The journey typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Uber
Uber is available at Gimpo Airport, and passengers can book their taxi through the platform on their mobile devices. The pickup point may vary depending on the type of Uber service:
- Standard Taxi Service: Uber often partners with local taxi companies to provide a standard taxi service. Passengers can expect pricing similar to regular taxi fares, with a duration of 30-45 minutes to Myeongdong.
- Uber Premium Black: Passengers using Uber Black can typically be picked up at Gate 1 for the international terminal or Gate 6 for the domestic terminal at Gimpo Airport.
- International Taxi: International travelers may have the option to use an International Taxi service, with a designated pickup point at Gate 3 in the international terminal.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is the next most expensive option, typically costing around $30 to $50 USD or more. The journey duration can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it’s usually around 30-45 minutes. There are four different types of taxis at Gimpo Airport:
- Regular Taxis: The basic fare for regular taxis is 3,800 Korean Won (~$2.8 USD) for the first 2 kilometers. There’s an additional 20% charge during the night shift, from 00:00 am to 04:00 am.
- Premium and Jumbo Taxis: The basic fare for premium and jumbo taxis is 5,000 KRW (~$3.7 USD) with no extra charge for night shifts.
- International Taxis: These taxis offer services in English, Japanese, or Chinese. The fare is the same as regular taxis. You are required to book your trip in advance through the Seoul Foreign Language Taxi Service website.
Airport Limousine Bus
The airport limousine bus service is a relatively affordable option compared to taxis and private transfers, with an approximate cost of $10 to $15 USD. The journey may take around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
AREX (Airport Railroad Express)
The combination of the AREX train and subway is a cost-effective option, with an estimated cost of about $5 to $10 USD. The journey typically takes around 45-60 minutes.
Subway
Taking the subway, specifically Line 9 and Line 4, is usually the least expensive way to get from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong, costing around $3 to $5 USD. The journey duration may take around 45-60 minutes, depending on transfers and wait times.
Please note that these are approximate costs and durations, and they can vary depending on factors like exchange rates, time of day, traffic conditions, and any changes in transportation fares. Be sure to check the most up-to-date information when you arrive at Gimpo International Airport.
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