Flying from Shanghai to Seoul: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll catch your flight from Shanghai to Seoul. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the main airports in Shanghai.
When working out where to land in Seoul, Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP) are the primary gateways.
The average time for a direct Shanghai to Seoul flight is 2 hours.
Seoul's timezone is UTC+9, which makes Seoul one hour ahead of Shanghai.
The most popular route for flights from Shanghai to Seoul is from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Incheon International Airport (ICN). You can select from 107 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from PVG to ICN is the 00:30 EASTAR JET option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the latest available service is at 18:00 with China Eastern Airlines.
Give yourself enough time to make your Shanghai to Seoul flight. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as April, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Seoul
R 1,169 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Seoul. A return flight starts at R 2,122. These prices may change based on availability.
To score cheap Shanghai to Seoul flights, reserve your journey two months ahead of your departure.
May is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Shanghai to Seoul. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Locking in a cheap flight from Shanghai to Seoul is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Shanghai to Seoul flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Set out from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on a nonstop flight from Shanghai to Seoul. From PVG, you can travel directly to Incheon International Airport (ICN).
There are numerous airlines that offer direct Shanghai to Seoul plane tickets out of PVG. Your next adventure starts with one of these:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Shanghai to Seoul flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular options:
Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Central Shanghai to PVG is around 32 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 50 minutes to reach there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Shanghai to Seoul, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, data shows 78.11% of flights complete their journey on time.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
You can book a direct flight from Shanghai to Seoul departing Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Nonstop connections from SHA will take you to Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
SHA has a variety of airlines that offer direct Shanghai to Seoul plane tickets. Select your favourite seat with any of these carriers:
Break up your Shanghai to Seoul flight with a stop so you can recharge or tick a new place off your list. Some popular stopovers between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Seoul are:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Haneda Airport (HND)
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
Driving from central Shanghai to SHA usually takes 20 minutes, depending on traffic. It's around 13 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
It's your holiday, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Think about kicking back in one of these hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Seoul:
Most flights that leave Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport arrive at their destination right on cue. It achieves a consistent on-time performance rate of 85.58%.
You'll find SHA at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is around 48 kilometres from central Seoul. How long it'll take to get there will depend on the time of day. Do some research before you go.
It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Book a hotel close to ICN if you have a late flight from Shanghai to Seoul. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with an Incheon International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from WECAR, Hi Rent A Car or Alamo and venture far and wide through Seoul and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by booking your ride from Incheon International Airport around four weeks before your trip.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is approximately 16 kilometres from the centre of Seoul. Explore your options for heading into town after your flight from Shanghai to Seoul has arrived.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 5 minutes.
There are some great places to call home for the night near GMP. Unwind after your Shanghai to Seoul flight at one of these well-located options:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Gimpo International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from GOGO Rent a Car, Gogo Rental Car Seoul or Hi Rent A Car and be on your way in a flash.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Securing your ride one week ahead of your arrival at GMP can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Seoul
April is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to Seoul, while July is the most popular. Find the ideal time to go to Seoul based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Shanghai to Seoul tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Seoul, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Seoul in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF) on average.
More about Seoul
After booking your flight from Shanghai to Seoul, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Seoul:
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village are just a couple of the leading attractions to put on your Seoul to-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at N Seoul Tower.
Explore more of South Korea
Seoul has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of South Korea waiting to be discovered. Around 322 kilometres south-east of Seoul, a trip to Busan will keep you busy. Start with leading sights like Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and Beomeosa Temple.
If you're eager to discover another corner of South Korea, head for Incheon, roughly 56 kilometres west of Seoul. Lawn Square of Incheon International Airport, Yeongjong Sky City No.23 Park and 스카이72 GC 바다코스 are highlights.