When traveling, especially with a toddler, you can never quite predict how the journey will unfold. Our family had a stopover at Incheon International Airport on our way to the Philippines, and what was initially just a layover turned into a memorable experience. We had a solid 8-hour stopover, which gave us a great opportunity to explore the airport, but the excitement of the journey was felt the most by our little one.
Our daughter, full of high spirits, was thrilled by being in an entirely new place. There was no sign of her having been on a 12-hour flight—she was lively, playful, and excited to explore her surroundings. As we moved through the airport, she had so much fun being photographed in different spots, as if she knew the moment was special. It was such a joy to see her so happy and full of energy despite the long flight we had just endured.
Since we had quite a few hours to spare, we debated whether to head into the city of Incheon or perhaps even venture to Seoul, but it quickly became apparent that both were a bit too far to explore with a toddler in tow. Not to mention, my husband was feeling the effects of a lack of sleep and wasn’t too eager to venture out. When you have a little one, it’s not as simple as hopping on and off a train or taxi. The logistics of traveling with a toddler can make spontaneous adventures a bit tricky.
So, we decided to make the most of our time in the airport itself. We started by heading to the arrival area, where we stretched our legs and let our daughter play around a little bit. The spaciousness and modern amenities of Incheon Airport made it a comfortable place to spend time, and we didn’t feel rushed. We had a chance to simply explore, check out each floor, and discover the different offerings in the terminal.
One of the highlights of our stopover was, of course, the food. We couldn’t pass up the chance to enjoy some authentic Korean food while we were there. We sat down to a delicious meal of kimchi, bibimbap, and other local specialties, which not only satisfied our hunger but also gave us a taste of Korean cuisine without leaving the airport. The food was absolutely delicious, and it felt like a little piece of Korea before our next journey.
As the hours passed, we found ourselves feeling more and more exhausted, especially after the long flight and the long stopover. But despite the tiredness, we couldn’t help but appreciate the experience. It wasn’t the typical layover where you’re stuck in a small, cramped space waiting for the next flight. Instead, we had the chance to enjoy the comforts of the airport, indulge in great food, and explore the different levels of the terminal.
Next time, we’re definitely considering a longer stopover—perhaps 3 to 5 days—to truly explore the city of Incheon or even venture into Seoul. While our toddler’s energy made the shorter stopover manageable, we know that a longer stay would allow us to better experience the vibrant culture and beauty of South Korea. Whether it’s touring the sights in Incheon or taking a trip to Seoul, a longer stopover would certainly make for an exciting addition to our travels.
All in all, our time at Incheon Airport was surprisingly fun and filled with little moments that we’ll always remember. Traveling with a toddler presents its challenges, but it also brings unexpected joys—like seeing your little one so excited in a new place and having the chance to relax and recharge before the next leg of the journey. Next time, we’ll be more prepared, and we’ll certainly make the most of a longer stopover in this wonderful part of the world.
