The cheapest flight I could find to Thailand was on Asiana with a 12 hour layover in Seoul on each end of the journey. I had a great time when I visited Korea years ago, so I'm fairly excited about the chance for a brief visit again. I wonder how practical it is to head into the city center from the airport for an afternoon, before returning to the airport for our evening flight.
Assuming it isn't a crazy idea, what do you recommend doing/seeing in a few hours? :)
Try this thread. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1826926
I recommend one of the palaces, then shopping/people watching in MyongDong, walk through Namdeamun market and/or Insadong dinner, then back to the airport.
There is some time for you to see some areas of Seoul- but quickly!!!
Insadong and the palaces are in close priximity to each other and a must-see. This is the most historic and cultural area of Seoul... And all walking distance... You can take the limousine bus and get to the downtown area in about 1.25 hours. You will assume arrival to Seoul around, 9am and can stay till at least three...