Flying from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Seoul: what you need to know
Seoul is 17 hours ahead of San Diego, where San Diego International Airport is located. Seoul observes the UTC+9 timezone.
To avoid rushing for your SAN to Seoul flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from SAN to Seoul. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your journey by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Located around 3 kilometres from central San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.
Booked an early flight from San Diego International Airport to Seoul? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near SAN:
When it comes to the on-time performance of San Diego International Airport, 74% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Seoul
The best price we've seen for a one-way San Diego International Airport to Seoul flight is R 6,065. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 12,454. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from SAN to Seoul. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from San Diego International Airport to Seoul across the month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your plans are flexible.
You don't need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from SAN to Seoul.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from San Diego International Airport to Seoul.
Airports in Seoul
Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Seoul. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
It'll take around 50 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from San Diego International Airport to Seoul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near ICN instead:
Booking your ride from Seoul Incheon International Airport around four weeks before your flight from SAN to Seoul can help you get the lowest rate.
Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is roughly 16 kilometres from the centre of Seoul. After your flight from San Diego International Airport to Seoul, it'll take you around 30 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
You can expect the trip to take about 35 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near GMP. Unwind and get cosy after your SAN to Seoul flight at one of these well-located options:
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from GMP one week ahead of time often means better prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Seoul
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from San Diego International Airport to Seoul. January is the most popular month to travel to Seoul. If you want a more relaxed vibe, go in December.
When booking your San Diego International Airport to Seoul plane ticket, 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).
Search for cheap tickets from SAN 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 San Diego International Airport to Seoul, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Seoul:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower are leading attractions which should feature on every Seoul itinerary.
Explore more of South Korea
You've visited Seoul, now it's time to discover more of South Korea. Travel around 322 kilometres southeast to Busan to check off its leading attractions. From Gamcheon Culture Village to Haeundae Beach and Beautiful View Busan - Diamond Bridge, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Daegu is another standout destination in South Korea and is around 241 kilometres southeast of Seoul. No trip is complete without visiting Alive Aquarium Daegu, Nature Park and Seonsa Historical Park.