A Long Transit Retreat: Muui Island – A Hidden Gem next to Seoul Incheon Airport

Having seen 70.6 million passengers pass through its halls in 2024, Seoul Incheon International Airport is the thirteenth busiest in the world. Not only is this the main international gateway to Korea, but as the main hub for both Asiana Airlines and Korean Air, Incheon sees a constant stream of transit passengers making journeys across the world. Thanks to Korea’s location in the northeastern corner of Asia, Asiana Airlines and Korean Air have been able to capture a significant number of passengers travelling between North America(and to a certain extent Europe) and destinations across Australasia and East Asia.

As you wander around the airside portion of Incheon Airport’s two terminals, it is clear to see that an attempt has been made to offer a taste of Korea to those who are only passing through. With this dones though faux-Hanoks, royal Jeoseon era processions, art installations and traditional music performances amongst other things. Whilst many transits last no more than three or so hours, the magic of airline scheduling and ticketing means that some passengers may end up with slightly longer on their hands.

Naturally, the first thought of many of those with long stays may be to head to Seoul. Fortunately, this is not difficult to do, as whilst the Korean capital is located a whopping seventy kilometres to the west of the airport, a direct non-stop train is offered, which makes this journey in under an hour. However, the bright neon lights and skyscrapers of Seoul may not be for everyone, and instead, it is possible to stay local and get a taste of Korean island countryside life. One place to get this is Muui Island, which sits just off the southwestern tip of the airport and Yeongjeong Island and can be easily reached by public transport from the airport’s two terminals.

Reaching Muui Island

Until relatively recently, Muui Island could only be reached by taking a very short ferry journey. However, in 2019, a bridge opened, enabling vehicles to drive directly to and from the island. Whilst this is unquestionably less exciting than taking a ferry, it does mean that reaching Muui Island is a little less complicated than it once was.

From Terminal 1, those looking to visit the island can take the green Muui-1 Bus, which runs at regular intervals throughout the day and connects the airport to destinations across the island. The easiest way to pay for this is by contactless T-Money Card, which can be purchased from any convenience store inside the airport; however, you can also pay cash to the driver.

Muui Island

Covering an area of 9.43 square kilometres, Muui Island is a small island covered in forests and hills, along with scenic rocky cliffs and a few sandy beaches. There are several villages dotted around; however, as a popular day trip spot for those from Seoul and Incheon, don’t expect this to be an accurate representation of the deepest, darkest Korean countryside! Instead, there are cafés and seafood restaurants aplenty, alongside a few hotels and pensions for those looking to stay overnight. Despite its popularity, the island is still well worth a visit and most certainly beats lingering around in the terminal!

Popular spots across the island include Hanagae Beach and its recently opened walkway, which takes you over the shoreline and a short distance along the coast. Meanwhile, those feeling a little more adventurous can hit up the island’s hiking trails, which take you up and down the coastline, providing you with some picturesque vistas of the waves crashing below.

Little Muui Island

Sitting just to the south of Muui Island is Little Muui Island, which, as its name would suggest, is a miniature version of Muui Island. This can only be reached on foot by walking across the bridge that runs from Gwangmyeong Port. The main attraction of this island is its natural scenery, with a well-established hiking trail looping around the island, providing great vistas of the sea, beaches and forests. This island is also home to a small village with a few cafés, shops, restaurants and even a small church.