Tuesday 21 July 2015

Incheon -South Korea

Transit Passengers Delight 


Overview


I) Quick Facts :
  1. Name                                        - Incheon International Airport.
  2. IATA Code                                - ICN
  3. Location                                    - Incheon,Jung District
  4. Country                                     - South Korea
  5. World Rank                               - 2
  6. Established                               - 29/03/01
  7. Passenger Airlines Operating      -71 Airlines
  8. Hubs for                                    - Asiana Airlines,Easter Jet,Jeju Air,Jin Air, Korean Air
  9. No. of Destinations                    - 134
  10. No. of runways                          - 3
  11. Length of runways                     - Ranges between 3.75 km to 4 km
  12. Passenger handling                    - 45.51 million
  13. Aircraft movement                     - 0.29 million
  14. Total Boarding Gates                 - 76
  15. Operating Schedule                    - 24 hrs X 7 days a week
  16. Ownership                                   - State owned


                                                 Exploring Incheon Airport 


     The airport lives up to its rank as the second best airport in the world. This is the gateway to many destinations in East Asia.It is the 8th busiest airport in the world consisting of a main terminal with an built up area of 0.59 million Sq.M & a Concourse which is interconnected by an underground  train shuttle.The sign boards are written in Korean & English.There is a colour code which is  assigned to distinguish between the main terminal where every signboard is in blue & the concourse where it is in red.

    The airport has duty-free shops ,a food court,various airline lounges & a priority pass lounge which can be accessed by eligible passengers & a Transit Hotel.Access to relaxation areas are free with laid back seating & comfortable cushioning . Passengers can avail locker facilities for cabin bags ,have a shower ,browse the internet & have an automated massage in the massage chairs for free.The toilets & showers are reasonably maintained ,the net connection is good but the massage chairs needs maintenance as the upholstery is coming apart. Massage parlours which charge for their services are an option for the weary traveller.Currency exchange counters are present at various locations were exchanges to local currencies & a host of other currencies can be done. The current local currency exchange rate is $ 1 = KRW 1100.Designated Smoking zones are available at various locations at the airport for smokers.

    The airport entertains the restless passengers through musical shows,cultural shows & walks at fixed timings at different locations in the airport.People can also explore art exhibits & the cultural museum that are located within the airport.Vegetarians will find it hard in a carnivorous country like Korea where the concept of Vegetarian food is non-existent & is meant for the very poor who can't afford meat.

      The information desk is very helpful & can answer most of your queries.People having more than 3 hrs of layover can avail transit tours which vary in durations between 1 hr to 5 hrs & would cost an Indian passport holder $10 for a transit visa to enable you to avail the tour. The tours start from 07.00 hrs onwards till 15.00 hrs & depart every hr.

     International transfer process is quick & efficient.Ensure you follow transit regulations in order to have a hassle free transfer.The airport is 48 kms from Seoul & is connected by busses,trains & taxis.The location of the airport is on the land reclaimed between Yeongjong & Yongyu islands. 

                                       Musical Show                               Song Schedule

                                       Internet Zone                                      Relaxing area

                                   Massage Parlour                                   Massage services

                              Cultural Walk                          Airside view                              

If you are interested you could read the other trip related blogs:


Source/Links :

1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incheon_International_Airport
2) http://www.cyberairport.kr/contents/pa/en/c/2/33/PA_C_2330.jsp
3) http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/worlds_best_airport.html