Upon Arriving at Incheon Airport

There are things you need to settle before you exit the airport.

1. Wi-fi / Data

These are the top 3 telecommunication companies in Korea. For easier understanding, it is similar to Singtel, Starhub and M1. They can be found the moment you exit after you collect your luggage. You can easily purchase your preferred plan on the spot and you will not be able to get things like wi-fi egg once you leave the airport from other branches in the city so please settle it before leaving the airport. They are competitively priced so there is no point comparing and the coverage is very good for both as well.

*One thing to take note is that you need to return the wi-fi egg to the same collection point. i.e. If you rented the wi-fi egg from Incheon Airport, you have to return it at Incheon Airport. This will make you re-consider leaving straight back to Singapore from Jeju Island.

a. Option 1: Wi-Fi Eggs (Direct)

Last checked, wi-fi eggs, which are the size of your palm, is charged at 8,000 won per day. Don't be alarmed at the price because you can connect up to 4 people at a time. This means the cost is cheaper and in fact, you can share with more than 4 people but just that only 4 people can be connected at any point in time. These wi-fi eggs from the three telcom can be rented directly at the airport.

**Also, you are required to place a deposit using a credit card so please bring one.

b. Option 2: Wi-Fi Eggs (Reserve Online)

If you want to be better prepared, you can also reserve one online prior to your travel and pick it up at the Incheon Airport upon arrival. Click on the link above to find out more. The price is cheaper than buying it directly but I personally have not tried this option.

c. Option 3: Data (4G)

Travelling alone? Or in a pair? No worries! You can also purchase a sim card for yourself at the aiport, at the exact same place at the wi-fi collection place. They are slightly more costly at 35,000 won for 2 weeks but you can always hotspot your friends.

d. Option 4: Free

If you don't use your phone that often and think you can survive on public wi-fi, I won't say you're wrong! Korea has always been one of the most connected countries in the world which means you can enjoy a wide coverage of public wi-fi.

Sadly, most of them which belong to shops are locked but it also means that if you wish to use wi-fi, you can always buy a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe to obtain the wi-fi password. It is usually printed in the receipt or near the counter where you order.

You may see unlocked wi-fi from the above 3 telcoms but you will not be able to use them unless you make a payment at the payment page they direct you to.

Many subway stations have recently been trying to provide REAL free wi-fi and they are usually named similar to "Public wifi @ Seoul".

There is also this public wifi called "iptime" you can leverage on.

2. Transport Card

It is not a MUST for you to purchase this at the airport but if you plan to take public transport to your place of stay, then you will have to buy the card and top-up with some money first.

Tmoney covers the whole of Korea so I recommend you purchasing this. Look out for cards with the logo at the corner like shown in the picture. This card can be used for buses and subways so you do not have to purchase any other cards. If you like a card with characters, go to a nearby convenient store and ask for "Tmoney card" at the counter. They will pass it to you and no, the card is not free but according to my memory it is 4,000 won. You can top-up the card with some money at the counter as well with no extra charge. If you want a default card, you can purchase it through the machine at the subway station. Just follow the instructions on the screen. The design for both characters and the default one changes every time.

*Other transport payment methods will be shared under Transport: How to pay for public transport in Korea