Flying from Istanbul to Seoul: what you need to know
There are two main airports to choose from in Istanbul. Check out your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when searching for a flight from Istanbul to Seoul.
Step off your plane in Seoul at Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
The average time for a direct Istanbul to Seoul flight is 10 hours.
The timezone in Seoul is UTC+9, which is six hours ahead of Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 19 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Istanbul to Seoul is with Korean Air at 21:45. Go for the first IST to ICN departure with Turkish Airlines at 01:45 to fit in more activities on your first day in Seoul.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your Istanbul to Seoul flight.
Be prepared for longer lines during popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Seoul
Score cheap Istanbul to Seoul flights by booking seven months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding a bargain.
October is the best month for nabbing an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Istanbul to Seoul. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Istanbul to Seoul by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your Istanbul to Seoul flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Set out from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) on a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Seoul. From IST, you can travel directly to Incheon International Airport (ICN).
Pick from a variety of airlines that offer direct Istanbul to Seoul plane tickets out of IST. Reserve your trip with one of these:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Istanbul to Seoul flight. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Travelling from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a convenient hotel near Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Seoul, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Seoul flight. Visit family or friends or cross another city off your list. Whatever you want to do, check out these stops between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Seoul:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
On public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to Seoul? Kick back in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your trip officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
77% of flights leaving Sabiha Gokcen International Airport arrive according to schedule.
Arriving in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is approximately 48 kilometres from central Seoul. The time it takes to get to the centre depends on the time of day. Do a little research before your trip.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Istanbul to Seoul. Check in to one of these accommodation options near ICN instead:
Grab an Incheon International Airport rental car and explore Seoul and beyond with your own set of wheels. WECAR, Hi Rent A Car and Alamo are well-known companies you can book with here.
To get the lowest price, book your vehicle from Incheon International Airport about four weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Seoul flight.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is roughly 16 kilometres from central Seoul. Check out your options for heading into town after your flight from Istanbul to Seoul has touched down.
The trip will take approximately 1 hour 5 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to GMP. Settle in and get cosy after your Istanbul to Seoul flight at any of these perfectly located options:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Gimpo International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from GOGO Rent a Car, Gogo Rental Car Seoul or Hi Rent A Car and make a speedy getaway.
Snap up the best price by reserving your ride from GMP one week ahead of time. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Seoul
July is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to Seoul. To avoid the crowds, head to Seoul in April.
When booking your Istanbul 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).
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC (10ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF). Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Seoul around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Seoul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Seoul right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Istanbul to Seoul:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and N Seoul Tower are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Seoul itinerary.
Explore more of South Korea
You've seen Seoul, now it's time to explore other corners of South Korea. Travel about 322 kilometres south-east to Busan to check off its top sights. From Haeundae Beach to Gamcheon Culture Village and Beomeosa Temple, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If there's time to check out another great destination in South Korea, head for Incheon, about 56 kilometres west of Seoul. Lawn Square of Incheon International Airport, Yeongjong Sky City No.23 Park and 스카이72 GC 바다코스 are key reasons to visit.