Seventeen Concert 2025 Korea Guide: How to Get to INSPIRE Arena & Where to Stay

Carats, are you ready? The Seventeen 2025 Concert in Korea is approaching! However, international fans need to pay close attention to the venue. Unlike previous concerts held at Gocheok Dome or Sangam Stadium, this event is likely to take place at the INSPIRE Arena in Incheon.

Here is the problem: INSPIRE Arena is NOT in Seoul. It is located on an island near Incheon International Airport. If you don’t plan your transport and accommodation, you could be stranded after the show.

This ultimate guide covers the best ways to get there, the “Carat Shuttle” options, and the smartest places to stay.

Read also: NCT Concert 2025 in Seoul: Venue Guide & Where to Stay

Where is INSPIRE Arena? (The Reality Check)

The Mohegan INSPIRE Entertainment Resort is located in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. It is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Gangnam or Hongdae by car, and public transport is limited.

How to Get to INSPIRE Arena

Option 1: Free Resort Shuttle (From Incheon Airport) – Highly Recommended

The resort offers free shuttle buses from Incheon International Airport. This is the cheapest and most reliable method.

• Step 1: Take the AREX (Airport Railroad) from Seoul Station or Hongdae to Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 1 or 2.
• Step 2: Find the shuttle stop.
  • Terminal 1: 1F Arrival Hall, Gate 2C or 14C.
  • Terminal 2: 1F Arrival Hall, Gate 6A.
• Frequency: Every 1 hour (Check the official website for concert-day specials).

Option 2: Paid “Concert Shuttle Buses” (Kakao T) – The Stress-Free Way

For major K-pop concerts, services like Kakao T usually operate paid shuttle buses directly from Seoul (Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Sadang) to the venue.
Tip: These tickets sell out fast. Keep an eye on Seventeen’s Weverse or Twitter for the booking link about 2 weeks before the show.

Where to Stay: Seoul vs. Incheon

Choosing where to sleep is the biggest decision you will make. Here is a comparison.

1. The “Smart & Budget” Choice: Unseo Station (Incheon)

If you are attending the concert for multiple days, stay near Unseo Station (Airport Railroad Line).

• Why: It is only 10-15 minutes away from the venue/airport by taxi or subway. It is full of affordable hotels (Days Hotel, Howard Johnson) and restaurants.
• Pros: You can sleep immediately after the concert. No long commute.
• Cons: Far from Seoul’s tourist attractions.

2. The “Rich & Comfy” Choice: INSPIRE Resort (On-site)

Staying at the resort itself is the dream, but it is extremely expensive and books out months in advance.

3. The “Party” Choice: Hongdae (Seoul)

If you only go to the concert for one day and want to sightsee for the rest, stay in Hongdae.

• Pros: Direct access via AREX Airport Railroad. Great nightlife and food.
• Cons: Getting back after the concert is exhausting. You might not reach Hongdae until midnight.

Getting Back to Seoul After the Concert (The Pain Point)

The concert usually ends around 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Do not rely on taxis to take you all the way to Seoul. It will cost over 100,000 KRW ($75 USD) and drivers often refuse long distances.

Your best exit strategy:

1. Book the Paid Return Shuttle Bus in advance (best option).
2. Take the Free Resort Shuttle back to Incheon Airport Terminal 1, then catch the AREX train to Seoul. The last train from the airport is usually around 11:30 PM, so you must rush.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the last train back to Seoul from Incheon Airport?

The last AREX (All Stop Train) from Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 1 to Seoul Station usually departs around 11:39 PM. If you miss this, you will have to take a very expensive taxi or the “Night Bus” (N6000 series), which is often full.

Are there lockers at INSPIRE Arena?

Yes, but they are limited. Since the venue is far from the city, many fans bring luggage. It is highly recommended to leave large bags at Incheon Airport’s luggage storage or at your hotel. Do not bring suitcases to the venue.

Is there food at the venue?

Yes, INSPIRE Resort has a massive food court, restaurants, and convenience stores (CU). However, with 15,000 fans, the lines will be insane. Eat a heavy meal before you arrive or bring energy bars.