an almost but not quite nomadic life: 20 hour layover in Incheon

Voted number 1 airport 8 years in a row, maybe a 20-hr layover in Incheon wouldn't be much of a bad idea.

I arrived at the airport about 5:00 am, and there's not much activity, shops were still closed and while there were few plane arrivals, the first departures for the day were still few hours away.
I sought out the rest area, and found a long bench to lie down. After an hour, i browsed the internet (the airport provides fast and free wifi) for airport hotel options and decided that the best thing to do, was to book in a transit hotel. For 78 USD, and from 7:30 am, i had a room for six hours.

inside the transit hotel room

I managed to get some needed zzzzs, and by 1pm was able to check out. I looked out for the desk of the free korean transit tour desk and passed the immigration. I was told before that South Korea do not issue transit visa for Filipinos (unless final destination is US). I made sure I'd be able to go out so I applied visa during my vacation in the Philippines. I was informed by the immigration officer though that a visa was not required for the transit tours BUT, since i already had one, it had to be used.

Anyway, i was able to avail two Korea Free Transit tours. The first one with an hour duration, which turned out to be more like a drive around the reclaimed (is)land where the airport was located. Inspite of the bad weather, it was still interesting especially our tourguide was quite enthusiastic. The story of how Incheon airport came to be mirrored the success of South Korea.

Incheon International Airport Sky Deck

the mini tour bus

With Mr. Lee, the tour-guide

The second was supposed to be highlight of Seoul tour, with a visit to at least one of Seoul's palaces but again due to the weather we did not arrive in the city in time to enter one, the other palace was closed as well as it was Monday.

the Tour Bus. This was taken from the middle row where I was seated.
Like the first tour, there'd only be two tourists on this trip.

A much appreciated freebie.

With Hila, the other tourist with Seoul's South Gate as backdrop

one of many seoul shops we'd pass by

This was not my first time in Seoul, I spent few summer days years ago in the city but it's a different Seoul, when its blanketed with snow.

the canal that recycle the waters of Han river

We had a filling dinner and after quick shopping stops, headed back to the airport.

enjoying korean beef stew with Hila

I still had some time to kill before my flight, so i had a snack and looked around a bit more. I passed the immigration and did some shopping inside the airport's numerous shops.