I didn’t plan to see Seoul.

I was on my way back to Canada from the Philippines, running on little sleep, carrying memories from home, and facing a very long layover in South Korea. The kind of layover where you either count the hours… or decide to make a story out of it.

As I arrived at Incheon Airport around 6:30 a.m., still half-awake, I kept seeing signs everywhere about a Seoul city tour for transit passengers. I’d knew about this guided city tour that you can take even if you’re just passing through, that day, something about seeing those signs over and over felt like a nudge.

So I followed them, even though I didn’t preregister online, I headed over to the transit tour desk and asked to be put on the waitlist and luckily, I made it on the bus!

We were off for a 5-hour guided tour of Seoul, soaking up heritage, culture, and a little adventure, all these, while the rain poured down.

One of the unexpected joys of this tour was the person I shared it with. I met a Filipina nurse from the U.S. who was traveling back to the Philippines to visit her family. What started as small talk at the airport turned into instant travel companionship.

We stayed together the entire tour, holding umbrellas in the rain, taking turns being each other’s photographer, and sharing laughs between stops. There’s something comforting about meeting a stranger in transit and realizing that, for a few hours, you’re both exactly where you’re meant to be. We arrived as solo travelers, but left as photo buddies with shared memories, a reminder that even the shortest journeys can create meaningful connections.

Our first stop was Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning historical site nestled right in Seoul’s heart. Despite the relentless rain, walking there with a borrowed umbrella, feeling the cool drizzle, and soaking in the centuries-old architecture was truly magical.

I wasn’t able take a lot of photos because of the rain, and I unfortunately didn’t see the changing of the guards, but I had fun seeing this historical place and knowing some important historical stories.

The highlight of this tour was Insadong Market. Hands down! Luckily, the rain stopped, I got to wander through one of Seoul’s most charming neighborhoods on foot. … we queued up at one of the most popular Korean BBQ restaurants in that market, there was a little lineup, but totally worth it.

I ordered Pork dumplings which was perfectly seasoned, juicy, and warm and had Galbitang (beef short rib soup), this is my favorite! It’s rich, comforting, and so worth the calories. Every bite was an explosion of flavour, and honestly, the food portion alone made the entire 5-hour tour worth it.

After the tour, the bus brought us back to Incheon Airport with a happy belly and tired feet, I still had almost five hours before my next flight to Canada. And tried really hard to relax… in style.

Thanks to my Scotiabank Passport Visa card for the complimentary lounge pass which meant quiet seating, snacks, peace, and free wifi while I drifted between travel naps and journaling. It was the perfect way to recharge before another long flight.

What This Taught Me…

Going on that Seoul layover tour alone was one of those travel moments I’ll always remember, it was spontaneous, slightly chaotic, tiring, but deeply rewarding.

It convinced me of one thing: I definitely need to go back to South Korea with my kids, to explore more, eat more, and soak in the city without worrying about flight connections. This mini adventure was a reminder that travel is about being open to little detours. Sometimes, the best stories come from moments you weren’t perfectly prepared for — just brave enough to try.

How to Register for this Tour

If you ever have a long layover at Incheon International Airport (ICN), especially 4–24 hours, you can join one of the free or low-cost transit tours into Seoul!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preregister Online (Best Option). Visit the Incheon Airport official transit tour guide reservation page before your trip, you will be required to provide your details (passport info, flight numbers, arrival & departure boarding passes) in order to secure your spot online.

2. Register On Arrival. If tours are sold out online, don’t worry! I think a portion of seats is always held for walk-ups (just like what happened to me). Once you’re through immigration, find the Transit Tour Registration Desk (1st floor, after immigration in either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2) and ask to be added to the list.

Tip: Be there at least 30 minutes before the tour starts with your passport and boarding passes, otherwise your spot might go to someone on the waiting list.

If you’ll ask me this tour is worth trying because you get a glimpse of real Seoul (beyond the airport) without spending a fortune. On our first trip back to Philippines in 2017, my kids and I just had a feel of Korea in Bulacan, 9 years later I was really in Korea. And it’s a fun adventure, even if I travelled alone. Most of all you get yummy local food (Insadong is amazing!)

If travel has taught me anything, it’s that some of the best memories come from saying “why not?”