[Review] Free Rest Areas at Incheon Airport: Nap Zone, Cozy Zone & Relax Zone (2025)

Are you waiting for a long-haul flight and looking for a free place to rest or take a nap at Incheon International Airport? While airport hotels or jjimjilbangs (Korean sauna facilities) are often fully booked, and nearby hotels require extra transport by bus or taxi, there's a more convenient option inside the terminal itself.

In this post, I’ll share my recent experience (May 2025) using Nap Zone, Cozy Zone, and Relax Zone inside Incheon Airport Terminal 1, including detailed locations, access tips, and honest reviews.

 

 

Where Are Nap Zone, Cozy Zone & Relax Zone?

 

These free rest areas are located between Gate 25 and Gate 29 inside Terminal 1, after the security check (airside).

Look for signs that say "Transfer Desk Rest & Relax" near Gate 28. The rest zones are located on the second floor, above the departure gates.

 

Sign of Transfer Desk Rest & Relax

 

 

 

You can access the second floor through entrances near Gate 25 and Gate 29. Both elevators and escalators are available (note: escalators only go up).

Entrance of Transfer Desk

 

 

 

Zone Overview: Area A vs. Area B

Inside the rest zone area, there are two main sections:

• Area A (near Gate 26): Relax Zone only
• Area B (near Gate 29): Nap Zone & Cozy Zone

On the official floor plan, these two areas appear to be connected, but they are not. If you want to move from one to the other, you must go back down to the first floor and re-enter via the other gate area. It’s a bit inconvenient, so choose rest area based on your needs:

 

✅ For relaxing (sitting or reading): Go to Area A – Relax Zone (Gate 26)
✅ For napping or lying down: Go to Area B – Nap Zone (Gate 29)

 

The official floor plan

 

 

 

Area A – Relax Zone Review

The Relax Zone in Area A has recently been remodeled and offers a bright, cozy, and clean environment. Warm lighting, comfortable chairs, and a quiet atmosphere make it an ideal place for reading, using your phone, or just taking a break.

While it's not suitable for lying down, it's perfect for a short rest before boarding. There were plenty of seats, and the overall vibe felt like a stylish café.

 

Relax Zone

 

Area B – Nap Zone Review

The Nap Zone in Area B is dimly lit and designed for travelers who need actual sleep. It features reclining chairs with partial privacy dividers, allowing people to lie down and rest comfortably.

There’s ample space to keep your luggage close by, and nearby power outlets are available for charging devices. 

Nap Zone

 

However, the condition of the cushions and upholstery was slightly worn and not as clean as expected. If you’re a light sleeper or sensitive to cleanliness, this might be a concern. Still, it serves well for short naps or resting between flights.

The bed in the nap zone

 

Area B – Cozy Zone Review

The Cozy Zone is located in a more open space compared to the Nap Zone. It doesn’t offer much privacy, and since some travelers were lying down, I didn’t take photos out of respect.

The area felt somewhat empty, with only five sofas in a large open space, which made it feel sparse. It seems the Cozy Zone may have been reduced in size or is undergoing remodeling (as of May 2025).

 

 

Expectation vs. Reality

On airport maps or promotional materials, the rest zones look spotless and neatly organized. However, in reality, these are free public spaces with high foot traffic, so it’s natural that cleanliness and maintenance vary depending on usage.

You might find worn cushions or have trouble finding an available seat during peak travel hours. Still, having a free place to relax airside is a valuable service many airports don't offer.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

These free rest areas at Incheon Airport are incredibly helpful for travelers with long layovers or early flights. While not perfect, they offer a convenient and cost-free way to rest inside the terminal.

As of May 2025, this is what I experienced. The airport is constantly updating its facilities, so conditions may vary slightly when you visit. Still, I highly recommend checking them out if you're passing through Incheon.

✨ Whether you want to relax, nap, or simply recharge, don’t miss Incheon Airport’s hidden gems: Nap Zone, Cozy Zone, and Relax Zone!