South Korea is a well-connected travel hub in East Asia, making it easy for visitors to enter the country through multiple international airports. Whether you’re heading to bustling Seoul, scenic Jeju Island, or cultural cities like Busan, there’s an airport that suits your travel plans.
In this guide, we’ll cover how many international airports there are in South Korea, where they are located, nearby hotels, and the top attractions to explore from each.
How Many International Airports Are in South Korea?
South Korea has seven international airports:
Incheon International Airport (ICN) – Incheon
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) – Seoul
Gimhae International Airport (PUS) – Busan
Jeju International Airport (CJU) – Jeju Island
Cheongju International Airport (CJJ) – Cheongju
Yangyang International Airport (YNY) – Gangwon Province
Muan International Airport (MWX) – South Jeolla Province
1. Incheon International Airport (ICN) – Incheon
City: Incheon (about 1 hour from Seoul)
Why choose it: South Korea’s largest and busiest airport, offering the most international connections.
Nearby Hotels:
Grand Hyatt Incheon – Luxury choice within minutes of the terminal.
Paradise City – Integrated resort with casino and spa.
Best Western Premier Incheon Airport – Affordable and convenient.
Top Attractions Nearby:
Songdo Central Park – Modern waterfront park.
Chinatown Incheon – Korea’s largest Chinatown.
Muuido Island – Beaches and hiking trails.
2. Gimpo International Airport (GMP) – Seoul
City: Seoul
Why choose it: Closer to downtown Seoul than Incheon, great for domestic flights and some short international routes (Japan, China, Taiwan).
Nearby Hotels:
Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport – Connected to the terminal.
Mayfield Hotel Seoul – Elegant hotel with golf course.
Top Attractions Nearby:
Hongdae – Trendy youth district.
Gyeongbokgung Palace – Historic royal palace.
N Seoul Tower – Iconic city view point.
3. Gimhae International Airport (PUS) – Busan
City: Busan
Why choose it: Gateway to South Korea’s second-largest city and southern coast.
Nearby Hotels:
Air Sky Hotel – Close to the terminal.
Crown Harbor Hotel Busan – Near the port area.
Top Attractions Nearby:
Haeundae Beach – Famous beach for swimming and nightlife.
Gamcheon Culture Village – Colorful hillside village.
Jagalchi Fish Market – Fresh seafood heaven.
4. Jeju International Airport (CJU) – Jeju Island
City: Jeju City
Why choose it: Only international airport on Jeju Island, serving as a gateway to one of Korea’s most beautiful vacation spots.
Nearby Hotels:
LOTTE City Hotel Jeju – Central location with ocean views.
Grand Hyatt Jeju – Luxury stay with casino.
Top Attractions Nearby:
Hallasan Mountain – Hiking and nature.
Seongsan Ilchulbong – Sunrise Peak.
Jeju Loveland – Unique outdoor sculpture park.
5. Cheongju International Airport (CJJ) – Cheongju
City: Cheongju (near Daejeon and Chungcheong region)
Why choose it: Less crowded and closer to central Korea.
Nearby Hotels:
Grand Plaza Cheongju Hotel – Comfortable and near city center.
Hotel If – Budget-friendly.
Top Attractions Nearby:
Cheongnamdae Presidential Villa.
Suamgol Mural Village.
Sangdangsanseong Fortress.
6. Yangyang International Airport (YNY) – Gangwon Province
City: Yangyang
Why choose it: Perfect for travelers heading to Korea’s eastern beaches or Seoraksan National Park.
Nearby Hotels:
Sol Beach Yangyang – Resort-style stay.
Naksan Beach Hotel – Ocean view rooms.
Top Attractions Nearby:
Seoraksan National Park – One of Korea’s most scenic hiking spots.
Naksansa Temple – Coastal Buddhist temple.
Hajodae Beach – Peaceful seaside escape.
7. Muan International Airport (MWX) – South Jeolla Province
City: Muan
Why choose it: Good for travelers exploring Korea’s southwest coast and islands.
Nearby Hotels:
Top Hotel – Close to the airport.
Hanok Hotel Youngam – Traditional Korean stay.
Top Attractions Nearby:
Mokpo Maritime Museum.
Yudalsan Mountain Park.
Jeollanam-do coastal islands.
Final Tips for Choosing Your Arrival Airport
For Seoul & Northern Korea: Incheon or Gimpo.
For Southern Korea: Gimhae (Busan) or Muan.
For Jeju Island holidays: Jeju International.
For nature and mountains: Yangyang.
For central Korea sightseeing: Cheongju.