Seoul Gimpo airport (GMP)

Gimpo International Airport (GMP), inaugurated in 1939 and located on the western edge of Seoul, served as South Korea’s main gateway until 2001. Today, it operates as the second most important airport in the Korean capital, specialising in an extensive network of domestic flights and strategic short-haul international connections to major regional hubs such as Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), Shanghai (Hongqiao), Beijing (Capital) and Taipei (Songshan).

Official Website: airport.co.kr

Telephone: +82 1661 2626

Social media:

Terminals

The airport features two operational passenger terminals. Due to local noise regulations, the airport observes a nightly curfew, generally operating between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm.

• Domestic Terminal: Dedicated exclusively to flights within South Korea (mainly the route to Jeju Island).
• International Terminal (Sky City): Handles regional services to Japan, China and Taiwan.

Connection between terminals: A free shuttle bus service operates between both terminals and the car parks. Frequency is approximately every 8 to 15 minutes between 8:00 am and 11:00 pm.

Annual traffic (2025): 24.1 million passengers.

Information Points

• General information desk: Located on the second floor of the Domestic Terminal, open from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm.
• Tourist information office: Situated on the ground floor of the International Terminal, available from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

 Location

The airport is located 15 km (9 miles) west of central Seoul.

Accommodation near Seoul Gimpo airport (GMP)

Although there are no hotels located strictly within the passenger terminals, the airport complex is integrated with the Lotte Mall commercial complex, which houses high-end accommodation. In addition, there are several nearby options offering complimentary transfers and quick access by underground or taxi.

Accommodation within the airport complex

Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport: This is the most convenient option for travellers, as it is located within the airport complex and directly connected to the terminals through an underground passageway, allowing guests to walk between them without worrying about weather conditions or traffic.

Nearby Hotels

• Royal Square Hotel: Located very close to Songjeong underground station (Line 5), it stands out for offering spacious rooms with kitchenettes, ideal for slightly longer stays.
• Mayfield Hotel: This luxury hotel offers a peaceful environment with European-style architecture and traditional Korean gardens, as well as a complimentary shuttle bus service to the airport.
• Hotel Diamant: Represents a practical and economical alternative for transit passengers seeking a quick rest before their next flight, located just a few minutes away by taxi.
• Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok: Located in the new technological district of Magok, it offers modern facilities and a direct underground connection (Line 9 or A'REX), making it an excellent choice for business travellers.

Reservations and more options

To check availability, compare rates and find the best option suited to your needs, you can search for more accommodation in Seoul near Gimpo Airport through online booking platforms.

Parking services at Seoul Gimpo airport (GMP)

The airport complex features a total of 4 parking areas with capacity for approximately 6,000 vehicles. Each has its own pricing system.

Parking Areas

• Domestic Parking: Two areas next to the Domestic Terminal. These sectors are suitable for both short- and long-term stays, providing immediate pedestrian access to the building.
• International Parking: Underground sector and multi-storey facility opposite the International Terminal. These protect vehicles from weather conditions and are connected by walkways to the departures and arrivals areas.
• Cargo Parking: Located opposite the cargo building, this sector is primarily intended for users of logistics and administrative services in that area.

Charges

Parking charges are calculated in 15-minute intervals (following an initial 30-minute period). There is a maximum daily rate that varies between weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and weekends or public holidays (Friday to Sunday). To obtain an exact estimate, you can use the fare calculator on the official KAC website.

Valet Parking

A valet parking service operated by the company Turu VALET+ is available for international flight passengers. You can leave your vehicle at the information desk on the second floor of either terminal. Upon your return, the car will be waiting for you on the first floor. For more information or to make a booking, you can visit their official website or call +82 2 2660 2899.

Important notice: Official valet service staff wear orange uniforms. There are private parking operators near the terminals that have no commercial relationship with the airport corporation.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Seoul Gimpo Airport offers facilities and services adapted to ensure accessibility and comfort for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, elderly travellers and families travelling with young children.

Accessibility Services and Infrastructure

The airport complex features an adapted structural design that includes the following facilities distributed across both terminals:

• Physical Mobility: Access points equipped with automatic doors, fixed ramps with moderate gradients, lifts with low-position control panels and spacious adapted toilets for wheelchair users.
• Special Technical Support: Important information panels with Braille signage for visually impaired passengers, tactile paving blocks on floors (tactile guidance paths), accessible public telephones and low-height drinking fountains.
• Priority Parking: Vehicle parking spaces reserved exclusively for people with disabilities, strategically located in the closest and most accessible areas near the main terminal entrances.

Passenger Assistance and Wheelchairs

If you require personalised assistance during boarding or disembarkation, an escort service or the use of a wheelchair within the terminal, it is essential to contact your airline directly at least 48 hours in advance of your flight departure. Each airline will coordinate the technical staff and resources necessary to assist you from the check-in counters to the aircraft gate.