ICN-Spot1
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July 10, 2014Seoul Incheon Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on October 21, 2025
Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea and the main international gateway for its capital Seoul. In 2001 Incheon replaced the older Gimpo International Airport, which is now mostly used for domestic and regional flights. In 2017 Incheon handled more than 62 million passengers. It also became one of the largest cargo hubs in the world, ranking 4th in 2017. This of course is mainly due to the largo cargo operations of local carriers Korean Air and Asiana.
These two airlines also generate most of the schedules passenger traffic. Though they operate more flights from Gimpo, you will also find most of the local low-cost carriers here like Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Jin Air or T’way Airlines. Due to the location you will also find a few Chinese and Japanese carriers here, most notably JAL, ANA, Air China, China Southern and China Eastern. Of course you will also see some of the well-known larger airlines like Cathay, KLM, Singapore, Etihad, Emirates, Delta, Air Canada or Thai.
A very helpful tool for your spotting days is the official airport website, which gives you information about all the flights (even cargo!) and also accurate ETAs.
Most of the locations are only or better used with 33/34 operations. This runway direction is best for your visit.
Written by Jan Seba, Ryan Wang, Gerhard Schütz, Travair and Ng Wai Ping. Last change: April 2025 (Spot 9 added)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 15R/33L | 3.750 m (12.303 ft) |
| 15L/33R | 3.750 m (12.303 ft) |
| 16R/34L | 3.750 m (12.303 ft) |
| 16L/34R | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Main Terminal | Mostly local carriers |
| Satellite Concourse | Mostly foreign carriers |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not required |
| Car/Public Transport | A car is not required and four locations are at the terminals. The spots outside can be reached using a mix of buses, taxis and on foot. For taxis, make sure the driver uses the taximeter, as they will try to rip you off with high prices if you simply jump in. It is advisable to prepare some maps at home to show to the taxi driver. Make sure the maps have the written name (in Korean!) of the location (or streets) where you want to go. Do not expect taxi drivers to speak English. Though some of them know one or two words it will never be enough so that you can explain where you want to go. |
| Restrooms | Inside terminal buildings/restaurants around the airport. |
| Drinks/Food | Inside terminal buildings and in the business area south of the airport |
| Hotels | South of the airport there are a few hotels and apartments, which are convenient for spotting. Another good Option is the Hotel Ora, next to the runways 16/34. Rooms 807 and 808 on the eight floor offering a wonderful sight. |
| Season | Weather is best in spring starting from March to May. October is also fairly good. Try to avoid the summer as it gets very rainy and the sun altitude is also very high. |
| Security | Plane Spotting in Korea is not always tolerated due to national security concern. Please be low profile at all time at most spots. There’s more and more reports about people calling cop against spotters due to inappropriate behavior around multiple airports and airbases in Korea. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General | Usually the outer runways are for arrivals whilst the inner runways are for departures. |
| 15R/33L | Departure runway for passenger traffic. |
| 15L/33R | Landing runway for passenger traffic and also main cargo runway, both for landings and departures. |
| 16R/34L | Landing runway for passenger traffic. |
| 16L/34R | Departure runway for passenger traffic. |
 |
Spot #1 – Bike Road – 33R Arrivals Morning |
|---|---|
| WHERE | The spot is along a bike trail that runs parallel to the 33R approach. Best to get there by car (taxi) and park at the “Sky Garden” parking lot (fee applies). From the park continue on the way northwards and after a few more meters you will reach the bike road running parallel to the runway. In general you can stay anywhere here. You can go by bike from the hotels/terminal/Metro too, which takes at least 20 minutes. From the Metro Station “Paridise City” take the small foot- and cycle path next to the golfing range towards the sea. Then turn left and go straight for a kilometer until you will go below the airport road and reach the Sky Garden Park. You could stay there but the angel is not the best from here so continue on the bike road until the final position. Temporary Update April 2025 due to constructions works: Spot #1 cannot be reached via the entry of the bike-path indicated. It has been closed and the only way is to make a long detour. Still by following your nose towards the runway you may find a way to get there. |
| WHAT | This is the morning location for arrivals on the eastern RWY 33R. As you are in a field you can vary your location according to your preferences regarding angle and distance. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from sunrise until approximate 10 AM. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. Don`t block the bike road and stay on the side on the fields. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Just below 100mm for a B773 and 180mm for an A320. |
Biketrail to the Aviation park and spots 1 and 2.
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- Beginning of the Trail
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- Turn left to the park
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- way along the road
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Spot #2 – Aviation Park – 33R Arrivals Evening |
|---|---|
| WHERE | If you already know the way to spot #1, getting here is pretty easy. Instead of going straight after the airport road, now simply turn left into the park. From here it is advised to continue on any of the walkways in the park in northwestern direction for a couple more meters so that the angle gets better. Unfortunately you have to be a bit further away to reach a “good” angle for your shots. |
| WHAT | This is the evening location for arrivals on the eastern RWY 33R. The park is huge and you can vary your location according to your preferences regarding angle and distance. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from 1 PM to sunset. |
| MISC. | There are a few benches in the park, otherwise take what you need with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Sample images are 130mm for a B744 and 240mm for a B738, but you can also go closer (trading for a worse angle). |
 |
Spot #3 – Sky Deck – 34 Departures & Arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | It is located far from the other spots and not within walking distance. You can either grab a taxi to get there or take bus 306 from the Main Terminal Departure level gate 7. The trip should take around 15 minutes. The top of that building is the Sky Deck.
April 2024: For an unknown reason, signs has been installed forbidden the use of DSLR cameras. Security will tell you to stop if you do so. Deck is pretty useless nowadays! Use of a smartphone camera is fine. |
| WHAT | The observation deck gives you a great overview over RWY 34 and you get the opportunity to take some action shots on the ground with the terminals in the background. But bear in mind that you are extremely far away here, heat haze will be a problem und everything but the heavies will be way too small to take good photographs of. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from 1 PM to sunset. |
| MISC. | Deck closes at 17:30. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 77W = 120mm |
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Spot #4 – Terminal 1 – Main Apron & Connecting Taxiway |
|---|---|
| WHERE | There are some good location inside the Terminal (you have to be airside) to take some shots through the glass. There is no “one location” that can be sued for that. In the main terminal there are some good locations at the end of the two terminal piers facing the northwest. Towards the evening you should move to a location facing the east, so either the eastern pier facing the lineup or the western pier facing the apron between the two piers.Unfortunately the satellite concourse A is only open for passengers with flights from that area, but even if your flight is from there you will have no way to move back to main terminal after you took the underground connection. |
| WHAT | If RWY 33L is used for takeoffs you can get some good shots of the lineup in the afternoon. In the morning or around noon it is best to shoot towards the connecting taxiway, which runs vertical to the runways. Of course you can always take pushback or taxi-in/taxi-out shots at the stands. The windows are only slightly tinted so the colors can be easily corrected during post processing.Whether the satellite also offers good photos could not be tested, but is likely that it is similarly good. |
| TIME | You will find a location to take some shots from sunrise to sunset. |
| MISC. | Of course there are shops, restaurants and restrooms in the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Varies a lot, the United B772 on the front taxiway is 45mm and the Czech A330 on the back taxiway is 110mm. |
 |
Spot #5 – Terminal 1 Observation Deck – Main Apron & Connecting Taxiway |
|---|---|
| WHERE | There is an landside observation deck on floor 4F of terminal 1. Take the escalator to 4F and enter through the restaurant on the right. There are some benches to sit down. Photography is through glass only so be aware of reflections. |
| WHAT | You can see part of terminal 1 and the satellite terminal movements. |
| TIME | Good for morning but beware of heat haze and exhausts. |
| MISC. | Of course there are shops, restaurants and restrooms in the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Air China 738 = 150mm; 744 = 80mm |
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Spot #6 – Terminal 2 Observation Deck – Main Apron & Connecting Taxiway |
|---|---|
| WHERE | The new terminal 2 has a observation deck which is landside, so no secuirty checks are necessary. Get off the free shuttle from terminal 1 and walk straight and pass the checkin counters. You will see the observation deck sign. Take the escalator to the top floor and the deck is on the right. It is free of charge and behind tinted glass but you can’t really stand close to the windows as somehow they design the air-con vent on the floor, and there was signs warning that the metal cover may come loose. |
| WHAT | Terminal 2 is used exclusively by Korean Airlines and his SkyTeam partner airlines like KLM, Delta and Air France. The sight is limited to the ramp infront of you and the taxiway which connects the runways. |
| TIME | Not the best place for photography as you are facing the sun almost the most time of the year. Depends a bit on the angle you prefer but best from late afternoon till sunset. |
| MISC. | Of course there are shops, restaurants and restrooms in the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-200mm |
 |
Spot #7 – Restaurant – 34L/R Departures & Arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | The restaurant 해송쌈밥 is a good alternative to the famous Sky Deck. It is at the same road and even offers a bus stop. Once inside the buildling, take the elevator to the third floor, The coffee on the 3rd floor (4th since you counted ground floor as 1st) has glasses; but once you order your coffee, you can tell the barista that you are going up the rooftop for pictures. To get there by public transport take bus 306 from the Main Terminal Departure level gate 7. |
| WHAT | Great overview over RWY 34L/R and you get the opportunity to take some action shots on the ground with the terminals in the background. But bear in mind that you are extremely far away here, heat haze will be a problem und everything but the heavies will be way too small to take good photographs of. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from 1 PM to sunset. |
| MISC. | Of course you have to order somthing to drink/eat once there. Be aware of the opening hours. Monday is Restaurant off day. There’s a notice to no visit on Monday at spot now.
Update 2025: due to the inappropriate behavior of some people, the restaurant is actually not amused about the visit of plane spotters. Be gently, do not throw trash anywhere and keep the door to the roof closed! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 77W = 120mm |
 |
Spot #8 – Golf Club – 34L arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | The location is on the sidewalk that runs along the Paradise City Hotel and the Golf Club. Best spotting position is right next to the entrance to the Golf Club. To get there take the free Shuttle bus from/to both terminal and get off at the Hyatt Hotel. From there it is a 5-10 minutes foot walk. You can also exit at the Metro Station “Paridise City” and walk to the spot. |
| WHAT | Runway 34L approach in the eary moring. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from sunrise until approximate 10 AM. |
| MISC. | Restroom and shops available inside at Pardais City. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | B747=300mm; B787=420mm; B737=600mm |
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Spot #9 – T2 Long Term Parking – 16 L/R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | The location is roof-top of the Terminal 2 long term car parking building. Windshields are installed but gaps are wide enough to shoot through. To get there take the free Shuttle bus from/to terminal2 1F and get off at North Parking Tower. |
| WHAT | Runway 16L/R approach. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from sunrise until approximate 11 AM. |
| MISC. | Restrooms in the carpark. Drinks and foods are available in the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | B737 = 400mm; A330 = 300mm; B747 = 220mm |
Spot 6 – security asked me to put my camera away. Be mindful. Just take a quick photo and put your camera away. Apparently you need some sort of permission.
Spot 9 (rooftop) is not opened to the public according to the Incheon Airport Terminal 2 car park building management.
Hello everyone.
I’ve visited Incheon and some of the spotting locations. I would like to share my thoughts on some of the locations. But before that, let me say I never had any problem while doing planespotting or issues with security.
Spot 1 – There’s a more easy and obvious way to reach this location. Take the AREX train and leave at the Cargo terminal station (before/after Terminal 1). Then walk about 100m and you will find the cycling path. I’ve stayed next to the 1st car away from the sight of the security tower. Security cars patrol the perimeter road but they nothing happend.
Spot 3 – Yes, I’ve confirmed that photography is not allowed at this location. What a pitty. However use of binoculars is allowed, there’s even a sign saying that. And if you don’t have binoculars ask the staff 🙂 . I’ve used this spot when it was cloudy, windy and cold outside and I was comfortably seated logging registrations. When the sky cleared, I’ve moved to spot 7 (about 10min walk or one bus 306 stop). Deck opens at 10.
Spot 7 – This is the place to be! Sometimes the coffee shop didn’t open until 11 but as long as the building is open you can go straight (elevator or stairs) to the rooftop. The restaurant on 2nd floor serves food for 19000 Won. A lot of food! You just go in, have a seat and food will starting arriving. Judging on the amount of daily cars (monday is indeed closed) this is a popular place. The coffee shop doesn’t have food but the coffee was great. If 16L/R is in use, this place is also good during afternoon but you need 400mm. 16R landing traffic, will vacate to the taxiway between runways and will cross 16L pretty much in front of you. Before it crosses there are some nice photo opportunities. 16L departing traffic (widebodies) will be passing in front of you at the same level, so again, good photo opportunities.
For morning 34L arrivals I didn’t use spot 8. I’ve used the bus 306 stop “Incheon Airport National Quarantine station”. You can see this bus stop marked on google maps. However the bus stop location is wrong as the bus stop is actually before the crossroad. Anyway, to get there take the famous bus 306 from T1 and leave the bus after Hyatt Hotel (2 stops from T1). Once you’re ready to move to the afternoon spot, just take 306 and head to spot 7.
One last note: For bus 306 tickets buy the Tmoney card (5000won) and then charge it. Each trip is about 1900won (don’t forget to tap it before leaving the bus). Even if you have credit on it at the end of your stay in Seoul, you go to the CU store inside Terminal and ask for the refund.
How frequent is Bus 306 service to Spot 7? Is it advisable to spot planes in the afternoon on the rooftop of Spot 7 duirng winter? I do not like heat haze and snow. I’m going to Incheon on 20 December and leave for Vietnam at 6.45 pm. Snow forecasted.
There is 1 bus every 10-15min, so you don’t wait that much. Yes, spot 7 is great during the afternoon. There’s no heat haze when taking photos to aircrafts landing on 34L, but there might be some for departing traffic on 34R. I’m talking about during Winter time
Where to spot T’way Air A330-200 and B777-300ER in Incheon?
Between spot 1 and spot 2 are the Haneul Gardens where there is an open topped tower which puts you some 20 feet above the ground from where you can watch arrivals onto runways 33 for about 90 seconds from their appearance above the service station (mentioned elsewhere) to touchdown. The gardens are rather neglected and the shuttle bus doesn’t stop there anymore (June 2025), so it’s a 30 minute walk along the cycle path from Paradise City. Hence very few people and no security to tell you not to photograph.
Hi you need to tell the bus driver that you are going to takeoff at the haneul garden.
If you dont tell them they will just pass.
Not sure if the angle is good from there. Spot 1-2 should be better.
-Julian
The observatory deck on Terminal 2 has no photo notices posted on the pillars. They have a number to call for permission to photograph.
Can you tell us the phone number?
-Julian
Hi, they usually tell to get this “permit”. But no one ever has got the proper permit unless you are a proper journalist or working for the airport. So even though they give you the number it will be useless
Can we do plane-spotting at this place?
Spot #1 cannot be reached via the entry of the bike-path indicated. It has been closed and the only way is to make a long detour. Major building ativities taking place. Still by following your nose towards the runway you may find a way to get there. I visited late March 2025.
Hi Peter,
thank you for the update added it.
Best Regards,
Patrick
Has anyone tried getting a taxi from the restaurant before? Trying to figure things out before my upcoming trip.
Hey!
Thanks for this useful post. I live in seoul but I want to spot at ICN so bad. I am planning to go to spot #7 tomorrow, so I have a question. Am I able to spot there with my camera or are there new strict rules I should be aware of?
Thanks in advance.
For anyone that wants to use the sky garden (labeled official airport viewing park in the map) know that there are signs that prohibit photography of all operating aircraft. But honestly I think you would be fine as there are no one that tells you not to take photos but the security or police guys that patrol around the airport so take your risks.