Two suitcases and a ski bag on Seoul subway stairs is no fun. How to get from Incheon to your hotel and on to the resort using limousine buses, ski shuttles, luggage delivery and large taxis.
You have two big suitcases and a ski bag. Carrying them up and down Seoul subway stairs is not an adventure, it is a workout nobody wants. Newer stations have lifts, but older stations and transfer corridors can involve long walks and stairs. Here is how to move your gear without hurting your back.
The AREX airport railway is fast and cheap, but it drops you at a station, and from there you may still face stairs, transfers and crowded platforms. With heavy bags, the airport limousine bus is usually the better choice. The driver loads your luggage underneath, you sit in a reclining seat, and many routes stop right outside major hotels. It costs more than the train, but with a ski bag it is worth it. Buy tickets at the counters or machines in the arrivals hall and check which stop is closest to your hotel.
Don't drag your bags across the subway to an intercity bus terminal. In season, ski shuttle buses run from central Seoul to the main Gangwon resorts, and the tourist-oriented services pick up at well-known spots such as Hongdae and Myeongdong. They have large luggage holds for ski bags and suitcases. Arrive about 15 minutes early so you can load your bags first and get a seat. Schedules and pick-up points change each season, so book ahead and confirm the stop the day before. Our no-car transport guide covers the options.
Several services at Incheon Airport will deliver your suitcases to a hotel in Seoul, so you can travel to the city with only a day bag. Look for the luggage delivery counters in the arrivals hall and check the cut-off time, the delivery areas and the price per bag before you hand anything over. Delivery to ski resorts is less common, so ask at the counter if that is what you need.
A standard Korean taxi may not fit a ski bag plus two suitcases, partly because many run on LPG and the gas tank takes up boot space. In the Kakao T app you can choose larger vehicle types, such as van taxis, where they are available. Book in advance from hotels, as large taxis are fewer than regular ones.
If you do take the subway with skis, stay off it during the morning and evening peaks, roughly 8 to 9 AM and 6 to 7 PM. You won't fit, and fellow passengers will not thank you. For packing advice, see what to pack for skiing in Korea, and if you would rather not bring skis at all, read our guide to renting gear in Korea.