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Take a Mini Vacation in the Best Airport for a Long Layover

If you are a frequent flier, chances are you’ve been stuck somewhere in the world during a long layover.

If you aren’t able to leave the airport for a day tour before you continue on your journey, it’s time to figure out what you can do to pass the time. One of the best airports in the world for enjoying your time using airport facilities is Incheon International Airport (ICN) near Seoul, South Korea.

If you’re flying between the U.S. and Southeast Asian and Oceanian destinations on a trans-Pacific flight and there are two legs of your flight, try to make Seoul Incheon your stopover airport. Perhaps due to its popular use as a layover hub, Incheon features a great deal of cozy and productive spaces for you to rest, regroup, refresh, and get some work done during your time there. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Incheon.

Watch a Movie

If you slept through your in-flight movie, you can take in a film on the big screen. Incheon features two CGV cinemas with 245 seats, offering plenty of space for traveling movie buffs. Plus, they have flavored popcorn available in butter, caramel, cheese, garlic, and onion. You can check out the theater schedule and reserve tickets in advance, but you can also just walk up and buy a ticket for whatever’s playing. You’ll find the CGV in the center of Transportation Center 1BF, Terminal 1.

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Work out in Augmented Reality

Head back to Gates 268 and 231 in Terminal 2 to the Digital Gym, a space decked out with virtual exercise machines. The provided digital devices allow passengers to get moving with jumping, stepping, and dunking activities. For example, the Jumping Challenge station involves a trampoline that interfaces with a screen, which lets you know what to do as you bounce. It’s a great way to release some pent-up energy before getting back on a plane.

Hit the Spa

If you aren’t able to commit to a full spa rundown, visit one of the Shower Rooms. These are perfect for a quick clean-up before you board again.

When you’re done with your workout in the Digital Gym, you might need a place to clean up and wind down. Open 24 hours per day, Spa on Air is a wonderful place to relax and rejuvenate before your next flight. Spa on Air offers a selection of massages and spa treatments as well as a dry sauna and shower room. You can also take advantage of the on-site resting room and lounge, and for those pesky traveling emergencies, there is a shoe repair shop as well. Spa on Air is located east of Public Area 1BF in Terminal 1. Alternatively, if you aren’t able to commit to a full spa rundown, you can visit one of the Shower Rooms located near the Digital Gym and NAP Zone stations. These are perfect for a quick clean-up before you board again.

airport garden
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Take a Walk in a Garden

If you need to stretch your legs after a long flight, Incheon is a great place to take a walk. Besides the high-end shopping opportunities, Incheon features a variety of indoor gardens which are designed to relax and calm busy travelers while offering the vibe of an outdoor park. Visit the flower and rock gardens, the cactus garden, water gardens, and pine tree gardens; they’re open 24 hours per day.

Play a Round of Golf

If you have the time and the par, at Seoul Incheon you can hop on a free shuttle on-site that transports passengers to the nearby Sky 72 Golf & Resort. To get there, take the shuttle from the Arrivals Hall on the third floor and get off at the International Business Complex. It’s only a five-minute ride to the Complex and an easy, well-advertised walk to the golf course.

Once you’re there you’ll find an impressive 72 total holes and, there are plenty of courses to choose from. Even if you don’t have the time or means for a full round and caddie, you can always practice your swing at the onsite driving range or enjoy the fitness center and sauna at the resort.

airport bed 1
Incheon International Airport/Facebook

Head to the NAP Zone

Incheon features a number of reclining couches in spaces called NAP Zones which can be found in both Terminal 1 (Gates 25 and 29) and Terminal 2 (Gates 268 and 231) as well as the central concourse. If you struggle to sleep on long flights (or if running around the airport has tired you out), these are great spots to snag a sofa, stretch out and get some good shut-eye.

Feel Better

If the first leg of your journey was rough enough to make you ill, you can see a doctor at Seoul Incheon. Inha University Hospital locations are available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and they generally operate during business hours. For less severe or pressing issues, feel free to visit one of the numerous pharmacies throughout the airport.

What are your favorite activities to pass the time at Incheon? Let us know in the comments.

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