Is Seoul DIY?

[txflood33]

We will be on the Millennium in March and one of our ports is Incheon/Seoul. We are trying to figure out if this port can be a diy.

 

It look slike Incheon is about 20-30Km from Seoul. Are there cabs available at the port? Are the cabs safe in South Korea? Are there issues a tourist may not be aware of....the road in between Incheon and Seoul has gridlock traffic and if you don't know when to head back to the ship you may be late. Is there a train?

[Milhouse]

We haven't cruised into Seoul but have visited four times (once during a free layover guided tour and three times on our own) and can provide a few bits of info from our experience, which combined with other cruiser comments who have sailed into Incheon/Seoul will hopefully give you enough of a picture to make a decision.

 

Incheon is relatively far from Seoul.  I'm not sure where the port is but it's a long trip from ICN airport to heart of Seoul.  We've taken an express bus which can get bogged down by traffic once you get closer to Seoul.  And there is an airport express train (AREX), one direct between ICN and Seoul Station and another version that makes multiple stops along the way.  You may want to see if the one with making multiple stops has a station near the port.  Seoul Station is a central location to start your sightseeing.

 

Taxis can be a challenge in Seoul because of language.  We've taken a taxi a few times after the subway had shut down for the night and had mixed but no really bad experiences (though we had read there are some bad apples like in any city; longhauling customers).  The non-great experiences were due to having difficulty in explaining to the driver where we wanted to go since the drivers didn't speak english.  We typically showed them where we wanted to go on Google Maps and some got really close while the others got us within a few blocks.  There are International taxis where drivers speak English (or another second language).  However, we had difficulty tracking one down, though our experience could be due to time of night.

 

If you have a more ambitious itinerary, you'll likely want to grab a taxi or jump on the subway (which is fairly extensive) or a bus to optimize time from site to site vs walking.  I'm not sure if it'll be worth it for just a port day but a T-money card (re-loadable tap card) plus google maps (which will tell you which subway/bus line and exit to take)  makes getting from point A to B easier.  T-money cards can be used for taxis, subway, bus, and convenience stores.  Buses can be easier than taking the subway because it can be a trek from the exit/entrance to the tracks and some of the sites can be in between stops but some of the bus stops can be confusing too.

 

It shouldn't be a problem in March but if you do arrive during a hot spell, there are many places you can get caught without access to shade (where sun protection like a hat or even an umbrella would come in handy).  

[edinburgher]

Several useful sites for you to read for info on where you are docked, transport etc.

 

We like whatsinport which has extensive worldwide port listings, but there are others.

 

And the DESTINATION section here on C.C. lists some, but not all ports too. This is one which is listed:

 

https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/ports/newport.cfm?ID=575

 

If unsure where to find it, go to the top of the page and use the RESEARCH dropdown.

[txflood33]

thanks for the info...I appreciate it

[mking8288]

OP,  have a look at this on TripAdvisor - pretty much validates what others said already, with a little more specfic about ground transportation at the Icheon Int'l Cruise Terminal.  

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294197-i8161-k10242107-Help_with_Exact_way_to_go_from_Cruise_Terminal_to_Seoul-Seoul.html

 

First, what is on your must do sightseeing list - whether it's DIY or guided tour, or via ship's Shorex ??  It might help to narrow things down & come up with a short list.

 

1. Most taxi drivers in SK do not speak English, int'l taxis for "foreigners" at ICN airport are available, priced higher & probably much harded to find at the port, in town, etc.  Airport's help/visitor's desk helped us write down our hotel's name, address for us to show the taxi driver ... dispatcher/supervisor on duty outside at the taxi stands speak a little English, the rest of them will just smile, wave & point.  

 

2.  Use/setup offline mode with Google Translate - you will find it handy & useful.  Download & save offline Google Maps.  WiFi are widely available all over SK, super fast - like 5G speed, amazing speedy & free at the airport - cafe use might require a purchase, coffee is like $4 USD (high standard of living).

 

3.  Traffic in SK is horrible, miserable but orderly - friendly - no horn honking, but slow as in moving gridlocks.  Patience & allow extra time are the keys to getting around, buses & taxis aren't any faster - different subway/trains (local, express & high speed options - depending on where, when = how ... transfers probably needed and signage can be confusing, not as visitors friendly as in Japan, Taiwan or Singapore, etc.)   If you need help/directions - ask the younger/college age generation for best chance ... older folks most likely willing to but unable to assist.

 

4. Cruise terminal is near the ICN (Int'l) Airport and at least 75 to 90 minutes to downtown/city centre - depending on time/day/traffic conditions - AM rush hour starts early, ends late & start up early for the afternoon rush, into the mid evening - probably 1.5 to 2 hours each way, at least via taxi, bus or "private transfer".   Based on the M's schedule that I'm reading, your actual time in exploring & seeing things in Seoul is about 5 hours, no more than 6 hours - subtracting 4 hours of transfer time - pick & choose what you want/like to see carefully, lunch on the go / quick bite ... same for light dinner, to get back to ship with the evening rush.

 

5.  Cosmetics & skin care products are excellent buy & priced low/nice - DW loved them all.  Everything else - shopping wise is expensive, except at authorized duty-free shops (know your "home" prices ... )  Get some SK Won (KRW) or dollars handy/available for fares, small purchases - credit cards widely accepted everywhere.  Tipping is NOT expected nor required in general.