Hotel & Travel – World Premiere Seoul
Welcome to Seoul & Goyang-si
Prepare for an unforgettable journey! World Premiere Seoul takes place at KINTEX 2, located in Goyang-si, a vibrant satellite city just outside the bustling heart of Seoul, South Korea. Whether you're here to claim victory, explore the rich blend of modern K-culture, or enjoy the incredible local cuisine, this guide will help you plan a seamless trip.
Airport Information
Incheon International Airport (ICN): South Korea’s primary international gateway, located about 45–55 minutes from the venue. It is consistently ranked as one of the best and most efficient airports in the world.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP): Primarily serving domestic and regional international flights (such as from Japan, Taiwan, and China). It is much closer to the venue, taking only 20–30 minutes by car.
Getting to the Venue (KINTEX 2)
Airport Limousine Bus: The most convenient and comfortable way to travel from ICN to the KINTEX area. Simply purchase a ticket at the airport counter for buses bound for Ilsan/Goyang.
Subway: Take the Seoul Subway Line 3 (Orange Line) to Daehwa Station (Exit 1 or 2). From there, KINTEX 2 is a short taxi ride or a pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing: Taxis are affordable, safe, and readily available. We highly recommend downloading the Kakao T (KakaoTaxi) app before your trip for easy ride-hailing in English.
Hotel Recommendations
Staying close to the venue ensures you are well-rested, but staying in central Seoul offers an incredible urban experience. Here are our top four recommendations tailored to different travel styles and budgets:
1. Closest to the Action: Kintex by K-Tree
Style: Modern, convenient, and highly efficient.
Location: Goyang-si (Just a 5-minute walk from KINTEX 2).
Why we recommend it: If your main goal is the tournament, this is the place to be. You can literally roll out of bed and walk right into the venue. It features clean, comfortable rooms with easy access to nearby convenience stores and cafes.
Navigation: Open in Naver Map
Book Your Stay: http://ilsan-gloucester.co.kr/index.php
2. Another choice around the venue : Hotel Millennium (Goyang/Ilsan)
Style: Practical, no-frills, and highly affordable.
Location: Goyang-si (Near Daehwa Station, a short walk or quick taxi to KINTEX 2).
Why we recommend it: Near the venue, this is a solid choice. It offers clean, basic amenities and is surrounded by local dining options.
Navigation: Open in Naver Map
Book Your Stay: https://www.agoda.com/hotel-millennium/hotel/goyang-si-kr.html
3. Best for City Explorers: Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station
Style: Mid-range comfort, stylish, and incredibly well-connected.
Location: Central Seoul (Directly connected to Seoul Station).
Why we recommend it: Perfect if you want to balance the tournament with sightseeing. It offers direct access to the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) from Incheon Airport. You can easily navigate anywhere in Seoul, and getting to KINTEX takes about 50 minutes via public transit.
Navigation: Open in Naver Map
Book Your Stay: https://www.josunhotel.com/hotel/fpbsSeoul.do
4. The Premium Luxury Experience: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Style: 5-star ultra-luxury, sophisticated, and world-class.
Location: Gwanghwamun (The historic heart of central Seoul).
Why we recommend it: Treat yourself to an unforgettable stay. Featuring impeccable service, an award-winning spa, and breathtaking city views, this is the ultimate choice for those looking to experience Seoul in maximum comfort and style.
Navigation: Open in Naver Map
Book Your Stay: https://www.fourseasons.com/kr/seoul/
Travel Tips for World Premiere Seoul
Packing Essentials: September in Seoul marks the transition from summer to autumn. While daytime temperatures can still be quite warm, the evenings begin to cool down. Packing layers—such as lightweight, breathable clothing for the day and a light jacket or cardigan for the evening—is ideal. Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must, as navigating Seoul involves a significant amount of walking and climbing subway stairs.
Purchasable Essentials: Early September can still see occasional rain, so a compact umbrella is highly recommended. However, there is no need to overpack; ubiquitous convenience stores like CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and Emart24 are located on almost every street corner. You can easily and inexpensively purchase umbrellas, toiletries, bottled water, snacks, and the essential T-Money transit card right after you arrive.
Spending Tips: Digital & Cash South Korea is virtually a cashless society. International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are universally accepted almost everywhere—from premium malls and restaurants to small convenience stores and taxis. However, carrying a small amount of cash (Korean Won – KRW, in 10,000 and 50,000 notes) is still necessary. Cash is required for reloading your T-Money transit card, shopping at traditional markets (like Gwangjang Market), and buying from local street food vendors.
Tipping Practices
Not expected at all: South Korea has a strict no-tipping culture.
Restaurants & hotels: Tipping is not practiced. Excellent service is considered a standard part of the hospitality experience.
Taxis & services: You do not need to tip drivers or service staff. Simply paying the exact metered or billed amount is the norm.
Transport & Ride-Hailing
Public transport: The Seoul Subway system is world-class—clean, incredibly extensive, punctual, and fully air-conditioned. It is the absolute best way to bypass city traffic and travel to the venue (Daehwa Station, Line 3).
Navigation Apps (Crucial): Google Maps does not provide accurate walking directions in South Korea. You MUST download Naver Map or KakaoMap for reliable transit and walking routes.
Ride-hailing apps: Kakao T (KakaoTaxi) is the dominant and essential app for calling a taxi. Uber also works, but Kakao T has the largest fleet.
Taxis: Standard metered taxis (usually silver, white, or orange) are affordable and safe.
E-Wallets & Payment Options
T-Money Card – The absolute must-have card for all travelers. Use it to tap in/out of subways, buses, pay for taxis, and buy items at convenience stores.
Apple Pay – Acceptance is growing but remains limited. It works mainly at convenience stores, Starbucks, and Hyundai Department Stores. Always have a physical credit card as a backup.
KakaoPay / NaverPay – The dominant local mobile payment systems, but they generally require a local Korean bank account and phone number to set up.
Language: English Proficiency Korean (Hangul) is the official language. English is generally understood in major tourist hubs, premium hotels, and by the younger generation. The subway system and major street signs are heavily translated into English. However, English proficiency can be limited among taxi drivers and traditional market vendors. Pro tip: Download the Papago translation app (by Naver), which provides far more accurate Korean-to-English translations than Google Translate. Learning a few basic phrases like Annyeong-haseyo ("Hello") and Kamsahamnida ("Thank you") is highly appreciated.
Local Insights
Food: Seoul is a gastronomic paradise. Don't miss out on authentic Korean BBQ, Chimaek (fried chicken and beer), Bibimbap, and late-night street food.
Cafe Culture: South Korea has a massive and incredibly aesthetic cafe culture. Take time to explore unique local cafes hidden in alleys.
Etiquette: Respect for elders is deeply rooted in Korean culture. It is customary to receive and pass items (especially money or cards) with both hands or with your right hand supported by your left. When entering traditional restaurants or certain homes, you may be required to take off your shoes.
Safety: Seoul is considered one of the safest major cities in the world, even late at night.
The information above is subjected to change without being reflected on this page. Due diligence for your own travel requirements is advised.