The thing which hits you first when you land in Seoul's Incheon airport is the size..the sheer vastness of it. I have seen other gargantuan's like Amsterdam's Schipol airport, Singapore's Changi airport, and Dubai's International Airport, but somehow Incheon seems to beat them.

Sign of a civilization lies in it's toilets - as somebody (dunno who..has just stuck to my grey cells)..and if that is taken as the criteria, South Korea is highly civilized. Spotlessly clean, big and roomy...takes one breath away.

Takes us one hour to clear immigration, lots of flights land alongwith us, and it seems there are ten thousand people in front of us. The helpers at the counter, quickly open new counters, and do on-the-spot load balancing of the queues. Very enterprising. Chalk another one up for Incheon.!

After coming out of immigration, pick up baggage and head to the information counter to inquire about the pre-paid taxis. The assistant suggests taking the Airport Bus Limousine service, as it is cheaper, and will also drop me very near to my hotel. Taxi fare will be 140,000 won, while the bus fare is 14000 won - 1/10th the price. I buy the ticket, and hop on to the bus..thinking that I sacrificed luxury to save money. But no fear, the bus lives up to the Limousine tag..comfortable, enough room to stretch my legs, has seat belts, coffee holders, and a TV up front.

Am dog tired after the 8 hour flight, and nod off after tightening the seat belts. Wake up when the driver announces, the destination.. mine is the last stop - CALT tower. Get down and head to the information counter to ask for direction to hotel. Oakwood is two buildings away, a five minute walk.
Check in!

Seoul..veni vidi..and will soon vici

:-)