Seoul Station! Guide to Incheon Airport Pre-Check-in

Long time no see, it's Klook.
My first trip abroad this year is to Korea✨️✨️
The timing was bad, so flight tickets were insanely expensive, but
it was so much fun!!!!

But since Incheon Airport is a hub for international flights,
I get anxious because I can't predict the travel time to make it to my return flight...
I'll cut my sightseeing short and head to the airport early...

Huh????
You're using Incheon Airport, but
you haven't done pre-check-in????

That said...
Many people just use brute force, saying, 'I don't know how it works, so I'll just go straight to the airport!'
...
(It's actually quite difficult for first-timers.)

I understand that it's hard to make a move when you're abroad and don't know the ropes, as it feels like the risks are higher.

On this trip to Korea, I did 'pre-check-in at Seoul Station' before coming back, so
I'll explain it here as a reminder for my next trip to Korea✋

1. Buy your A'REX ticket in advance via the app!

There are conditions for being able to do pre-check-in.
You must be using one of the following airlines,

And'you must use A'REX to get to the airport'!

What is A'REX...
It's an airport railroad that connects the airport and Seoul Station, like the Narita Express!!!
The price is 11,000 won (approx. 1,200 yen), all seats are reserved, and you can purchase them in advance.

You can buy A'REX tickets on the spot on the day, but
there's a possibility that the perfect time slot will be sold out, and
there's a slight discount if you book via the app, so
let's book in advance through Klook (a travel platform) or similar.*Note: Bookings made via the app may not be refundable or changeable. Please check the terms and conditions.

↑I also booked my eSIM with this!

2. Once you arrive at Seoul Station by local train, head out from Exit 15!

The location for pre-check-in is on the 2nd basement floor of Seoul Station.
....................even if I say that, it's too difficult, right?

Once you arrive at Seoul Station by local train,'Exit 15'is your goal.
The way exits are marked is the same as in Japan, solook for the yellow sign for '15'.
After passing through the ticket gate, there is an elevator on the right and stairs in the back left.

There are two elevators, so if you have a suitcase, I recommend the elevator.
Aim for the 2nd basement floor.
*Note: There are quite a lot of steps on the stairs.

3. Scan your A'REX QR code to enter the early check-in area!

First, let's do the early check-in.
After getting off the elevator,
the A'REX ticket gate, immigration, and early check-in are lined up in that order.
The space at the very back is for early immigration.
Head to the early check-in gate with your A'REX QR code displayed.
You can enter by scanning your A'REX QR code
at the gate's QR code reader.

*If you haven't purchased an A'REX ticket, you can buy one at the terminal located between the A'REX ticket gate and immigration.

Once you enter, line up at the counter for your airline's return flight.
What you need:

- Passport
- E-ticket (mobile version is fine)
- A'REX QR code

The staff can speak Japanese.
If you approach with a Japanese passport, they will guide you in Japanese.
They asked for my return flight time and mobile phone number, so it's good to have those ready.
Check in your luggage as is.

Be careful not to include items that cannot be checked in, such as portable chargers.

Once the procedure is finished, you will be given a paper stating that you should stay in the area for about 10 minutes for baggage inspection.
After that time has passed, go through the gate, and the next step is immigration.
*If you have items that cannot be checked in, you will be called. Please be careful.

4. Don't forget 'Immigration' after check-in!

The small room with the blue sign is the immigration area.
It's an automatic door with frosted glass that you open by pressing a button, so it can be nerve-wracking if no one is there, but
since we are foreigners anyway, just try entering, and if you don't know what to do, just look confused and it will work out somehow.

Once I entered, a lady beckoned me over.
When I handed over my passport and the ticket I received at check-in, she stamped it with a blue
stamp, and immigration was complete.
*It felt like it took 2 seconds!!

Once immigration is finished, all that's left is to wait for the A'REX.
You can only pass through the A'REX ticket gate 30 minutes before the departure time,
and if you try to enter before that, the QR code will error and you will panic. (I knew this and still did it)

There is a cafe on the same floor, and if you go up the escalator, you can get to the Seoul Station side for local trains.
There are souvenir shops and Lotte Mart, so you can kill time as much as you want.
*Since you have already checked in your luggage, you cannot buy liquid souvenirs.
If you find something you like, save it for next time...

This time I was flying T'way Air, so I was at Terminal 1.
Get off at Terminal 1 or 2 on the A'REX and head to security
screening.
Since check-in is already done, you can head straight to the security checkpoint.

5. Security screening at Incheon Airport is smooth with the priority gate!

In the case of Terminal 1,
after passing through the Incheon Airport 'Terminal 1' area from the A'REX station, the path splits into three, but
they are just separated by the letters of the check-in counters, so you can go straight ahead.
*Everything is connected, so don't panic whether you go left or right.
Once you enter the airport, there is an escalator immediately.


The 3rd floor is the departure floor, so aim for the 3rd floor.Once you reach the 3rd floor, go to the other side of the check-in counters and you will see a gate like the one in the image.
If you have completed early check-in, you can use the
'Priority Gate'instead of the 'Regular Gate'.There is no specific signage, but
if you show the blue stamp on your ticket, they will let you through,
so feel a sense of superiority from the gazes of those in the general lane.

6. After clearing immigration, check your boarding gate before spending your time

Once you pass through the security checkpoint, all that's left is to wait for your flight.
You might want to look for duty-free souvenir shops or visit a lounge, as everyone has their own way of spending time, but...
If your boarding gate is 101 or higher,
you will need to take a dedicated train to get there.
Be sure to check the boarding gate listed on your ticket and allow yourself plenty of time.
*Once you take the train, you cannot return. Please be careful not to board the train by mistake.
*There are almost no shops past the train.

It is recommended to finish buying souvenirs and eating before taking the train.
(There was a small food court and a CU convenience store.)

Well everyone,
you were able to depart smoothly thanks to pre-check-in!!!!
Since you have read this article to the end,

you are either there right now or planning a trip to Korea, aren't you???
Thank you for your long journey!!!!

Maybe I'll write about my trip to Korea in my next update?
Please take care and have a safe trip back to Japan!!!