The most convenient way to get to Jochiwon from Incheon or Gimpo Airport is by Airport Bus. Whichever option you choose, expect a total travel time of at least 2.5 hours and a cost of ₩12,800 to ₩40,000. At the airport you can buy a bus ticket directly to Cheongju and then take a taxi or bus to Jochiwon from there. If you have a lot of luggage, are tired from traveling, or need to give directions to your parents who are visiting with no knowledge of  Korean, then the Airport Bus is the way to go. For the most up-to-date information on fare, visit the Incheon International Airport website (in English).

From Incheon Airport

• Cost: ₩19,600 (as of August 2014)
• Time: 2 – 2.5 hours

 

You can purchase your ticket at one of three locations: at the ticket stand inside the airport near Exit 9, outside at one of the self-service machines (there is an English option, and credit cards are accepted), or at the ticket stand at bus stop 9D. As the last bus leaves from Incheon at 10:40 p.m., this option may not work for night arrivals. There are no bathroom breaks on the bus.

 

The bus will depart from Stop 9D. To get to the bus stop, go out Exit 9 or 10 from the 1st floor of the airport and cross the street. The bus will have a sign for 청주 (Cheongju) in the window.

 

 

From Gimpo Airport

• Cost: ₩11,500 (as of May 2014)
• Time: ~2 hours

 

 

Because the bus route begins at Incheon Airport, buses departing from Gimpo may be full or have very limited seating, especially during holidays. If you choose this option, you will pay for your ticket when you board the bus, so make sure you have cash. They do not accept cards. There are ATMs inside the airport if you need to withdraw some money. There are no bathroom breaks on the bus. The last bus departs from Gimpo at 10:40 p.m.

 

The bus departs from Stop 2. To get to the bus stop, go out Exit 3 from the 2nd floor. The stop is right outside. The bus will have a sign for 청주 (Cheongju) in the window.

 

From Cheongju To Jochiwon

Option 1: Taxi

• Cost: ~₩20,000
• Time: ~20 minutes

A taxi is more expensive but the most convenient way, especially if you have a lot of luggage, don’t want to wait around for the bus, or prefer to pay by credit card. Sometimes the taxi driver will tell you a flat rate, but technically they aren’t supposed to do this.

To get to the taxi stand, turn to the right after you exit the bus. The taxi stand is on the other side of the parking lot. Tell the driver or show him the phrase: Jochiwon Station/ 조치원 역. You can also tell him a landmark in Jochiwon to head towards, such as Ook-il Apartments.

Option 2: Bus 502

• Cost: ₩1,300
• Time: 20-30 minutes

Local buses require exact cash for the fare, so make sure to have small bills and change!

The bus departs from the bus stop across the street from the Cheongju Express Bus Terminal/청주고속 버스 터미널 . To get to the bus stop, turn left after you get off the Airport Bus and follow the main street to the crosswalk at the corner. Cross the street towards the CVG. Then turn to the left and cross the street towards the Baskin Robbins. After you cross, walk to your right and the bus stop will be there. Board bus 502 toward Jochiwon Station / 조치원역.