Traveling as a Muslim often means being mindful of where to find a moment for prayer amidst the hustle of journeys. Recognizing this, South Korea has been enhancing its facilities for Muslim travelers, with Incheon Airport at the forefront of these efforts. A primary gateway to the country, the airport now boasts additional amenities to accommodate the spiritual needs of its guests.
At Incheon Airport, your spiritual practice doesn't have to take a backseat during your travels. With its well-thought-out infrastructure, the airport features dedicated prayer rooms across its main boarding areas: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the Concourse. Although each terminal has its prayer space, a little guidance may be needed to find these tranquil spots.
Head to Gate 24. This gate serves as a central point among the 50 gates available. Once there, move towards the boarding area adjacent to Gate 24. That's where you'll find the prayer room waiting.
The airport recently welcomed the addition of a new prayer room located in the transfer area on the 4th floor's west side, near Gate 29. This area is designed to be a restful spot for both transfer passengers and those departing from Terminal 1. While the prayer room is easily accessible, the foot-washing room is currently marked as out of service, but it does not detract from the peaceful atmosphere created for your moments of prayer and contemplation.
To find this new prayer room, keep an eye out for the Transfer Desk signage as you approach Gate 29. It's a spot where you can comfortably unwind and engage in your religious observances in privacy and peace.
By providing these dedicated spaces, Incheon Airport solidifies its reputation as a considerate stopover, ensuring that the spiritual dimensions of travel are respected and catered for. Whether you're just arriving, in transit, or about to depart, the airport serves as a comforting reminder that Seoul is a city that honors the diverse needs of its international visitors.
Situated on the fourth floor at the heart of the terminal, you can easily locate the prayer room amidst the Korean Air lounge and a selection of restaurants. Once you complete your security checks, you'll be near the center of the 3rd floor. From there, a short jaunt will take you to an escalator that leads to the prayer room on the 4th floor. Look out for the prayer room sign – you can't miss it! Bonus: this space is more expansive than the one in Terminal 1.
Head to the central 4th floor near the duty-free goods delivery zone. If you're arriving from Terminal 1, descend to the basement, catch the driverless train to the Concourse, and then use the escalator or elevator to get to the 3rd floor. Your destination? The 4th floor, which you can access by the escalator near the duty-free pick up sign. It's spacious and welcoming. Should you find the lights turned off due to inactivity, simply flip the switch by the entrance.
While it's wonderful that there are dedicated prayer spaces in each terminal, it's worth noting that these rooms aren't segregated by gender.
Beyond the airport, the bustling city of Seoul offers several prayer spaces, notably:
- Al-Falah Mosque/Al-Falah Most at 5, Yeongshin-ro 19-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
- COEX, 3rd floor Conference Room (300) with separate sections for men and women. Open from 03:00 to 22:00.
- Lotte World, Adventure 3rd floor next to the Jungle Adventure Boat exit. Open from 09:30 to 22:00.
- Lotte Department Store in Songpa District, 6th floor of AvenueL. Separate sections available.
- Seoul National University Hospital, Life Sciences Research Center, 1st floor.
- Other Hospitals: Korea University Anam Hospital, Catholic University Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Wooridul Hospital, Samsung Seoul Hospital, and Seoul Asan Hospital.
The increasing footfall of Muslim tourists in Korea has sparked conversations about amplifying the number of prayer rooms. While halal and vegan eateries may sprout up swiftly owing to their profitability, prayer spaces being service areas might see slower growth. Hence, it's always a good idea to plan ahead. Even if you can't locate a dedicated prayer room, seeking a quiet corner, perhaps in your hotel, can serve as a peaceful alternative. Safe travels and may your spiritual journey in Seoul be a fulfilling one!
If you're curious about how to breeze through the departure process in just 10 minutes, click on the article below:
"Incheon Airport Departure Procedures: Leaving in 10 Minutes"
If you're wondering where you can unwind and stretch your legs for free before your flight, explore the articles below:
"Finding Comfort at Incheon Airport: Free Relaxation Spots in Terminal 1 & Concourse"
"Unwind Before You Fly: Discover Terminal 2's Free Comfort Zones at Incheon Airport"
If you want to know the best airport restaurants selected by airport workers, read the article below.
“Incheon Airport Dining: Top Picks by Airport Staff (Part 1: Terminal 1)”
“Incheon Airport Dining: Top Picks by Airport Staff (Part 2: Terminal 2)”
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If you're looking to discover the essential apps you'll need while traveling in Korea, take a moment to explore the article below:
"What Apps Can Foreign Travelers Use in Korea?"
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"Can You Travel Cashless in Korea with Just a Credit Card?"
If you're interested in learning about the free Wi-Fi available to both Koreans and travelers, be sure to explore the article below:
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