Gimpo Airport Guide: Japan and China Flights, Transit, and Trains
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Quick answer
Gimpo International Airport sits 15 kilometers (9 miles) west of central Seoul, handling fast regional flights to Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Beijing Capital. The AREX All-Stop train reaches Seoul Station in 22 to 24 minutes for ₩1,750 (approximately $1.25). Passengers should arrive two hours before international departures.
At a glance
Which cities in Japan and China fly into Gimpo Airport?
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) serves as Seoul's city-proximate gateway, situated approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) west of downtown Seoul. While Incheon International Airport accommodates long-haul intercontinental travel, Gimpo handles high-frequency regional corridors designed for fast city-center connections.
Direct international routes at Gimpo serve major hubs across East Asia:
- Japan: Tokyo (Haneda) and Osaka (Kansai)
- China: Shanghai (Hongqiao) and Beijing (Capital)
- Taiwan: Taipei (Songshan)
Flying between downtown-oriented airports like Gimpo, Haneda, and Hongqiao reduces overall ground travel times compared to using outlying international hubs. Arrive at the International Terminal at least two hours before scheduled departure to clear check-in, customs, and security screening.
How do you travel from Gimpo Airport to downtown Seoul?
Rail is the fastest and most dependable way to travel from Gimpo Airport into Seoul. Dedicated city limousine buses (such as routes 6000 and 6021) were discontinued in 2025, leaving subway lines and taxis as the primary transit modes.
- AREX All-Stop Train: Located on basement level B4. Reaches Hongik University Station in 15 minutes and Seoul Station in 22–24 minutes for ₩1,750 (approximately $1.25). Keep in mind that the non-stop AREX Express train does not stop at Gimpo.
- Subway Lines 5 and 9: Located on basement level B3. Line 9 Express offers direct access to Yeouido and Gangnam starting from ₩1,550 (approx. $1.11).
- Taxis: Metered taxi ranks operate outside terminal doors. A ride into central Seoul takes about 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions and costs ₩20,000–30,000 (approx. $14.29–$21.43).
| Transport Mode | Destination | Travel Time | Adult Card Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX All-Stop | Seoul Station | 22–24 min | ₩1,750 (approx. $1.25) |
| Subway Line 9 Express | Sinnonhyeon (Gangnam) | ~30 min | ₩1,550+ (approx. $1.11+) |
| Metered Taxi | Central Seoul | ~40 min | ₩20,000–30,000 (approx. $14.29–$21.43) |
How do you transfer between the International and Domestic terminals?
Gimpo Airport operates two distinct terminal buildings separated by roughly 500 meters: Domestic and International. Moving between them depends on your route:
- Free Terminal Shuttle: Circulates in the public area every 5 minutes. Board at Exit 5 outside the Domestic Terminal, or between Gates 1 and 2 outside the International Terminal.
- Underground Walkway: A pedestrian tunnel on Level B1 of the subway station connects both terminals and the adjacent Lotte Mall complex with moving walkways.
- Transferring to Domestic Flights: If arriving from Japan or China with an onward flight to Jeju or Busan, your baggage will not transfer automatically. You must clear immigration at the International Terminal, collect your luggage, exit to the public concourse, and transfer to the Domestic Terminal to check in again. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for this process.
How do you transfer from Gimpo Airport to Incheon Airport?
If your travel requires transferring from a regional flight arriving at Gimpo to a long-haul intercontinental flight departing from Incheon Airport (ICN), board the AREX All-Stop Train from basement level B4.
- To Incheon Terminal 1: 38 minutes, ₩4,350 (approx. $3.11).
- To Incheon Terminal 2: 45–46 minutes, ₩4,950 (approx. $3.54).
Factor in the time needed to clear immigration and customs at Gimpo, retrieve luggage, take the train between airports, and re-check bags at Incheon at least two to three hours before your international flight.
Questions people ask
Does the AREX Express train stop at Gimpo Airport?
No, the AREX Express train runs non-stop between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station, bypassing Gimpo Airport entirely. Travelers traveling to or from Gimpo must take the AREX All-Stop Train, which serves intermediate stops including Digital Media City, Hongik University, and Seoul Station.
Can luggage transfer automatically from an international to a domestic flight?
No. If you arrive at Gimpo on an international flight and connect to a domestic flight to Jeju or Busan, your baggage will not transfer automatically. You must clear immigration, claim your luggage, exit to the public area, and re-check your bags at the Domestic Terminal.
How much does a taxi cost from Gimpo Airport to downtown Seoul?
A standard metered taxi from Gimpo Airport to central Seoul usually costs between ₩20,000 and ₩30,000 (approximately $14.29–$21.43). In regular traffic, the 15-kilometer (9-mile) ride to downtown destinations takes around 40 minutes.
How long does an international-to-international layover take at Gimpo?
International-to-international transfers within the airside transit zone take approximately 30 minutes. Connecting travelers do not need to clear Korean passport control or customs, but they must undergo a transit security screening before proceeding to their departure gate.