Flying from Seoul to Istanbul: what you need to know
Seoul is home to a couple of airports where you can kick off your trip. Check out your options for booking a flight from Seoul to Istanbul departing from Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's major gateways.
The average duration of a direct Seoul to Istanbul flight is 11 hours 50 minutes.
Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, making Istanbul six hours behind Seoul.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 19 departures a week to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Seoul to Istanbul is with Turkish Airlines at 23:20. Opt for the first ICN to IST departure with Turkish Airlines at 00:10 to maximise your time in Istanbul.
Allow plenty of time to get on your Seoul to Istanbul flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak time like July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Istanbul
Book three months before travelling. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Seoul to Istanbul flights.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Seoul to Istanbul. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
You don't need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from Seoul to Istanbul.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Seoul to Istanbul flights.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Seoul to Istanbul, you can depart from Incheon International Airport (ICN). Get from ICN to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) in one seamless trip.
You'll have your choice of airlines that offer direct Seoul to Istanbul plane tickets out of ICN. Get on board with any of these:
We make it easy to book a Seoul to Istanbul flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Incheon International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
ICN is roughly 48 kilometres from the centre of Seoul. To work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This useful travel app will give you the fastest route and your public transport options.
After a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near Incheon International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Seoul to Istanbul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to Incheon International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 54.5% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Break up your Seoul to Istanbul flight with a stop so you can recharge or tick another place off your list. Top stopovers between Gimpo International Airport and Istanbul are:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
From the centre of Seoul, GMP is around 16 kilometres away. When working out your route, find out whether public transport is an option or if it's easier to drive.
It's your holiday, so why not spend an extra night away? Think about staying at one of these hotels near Gimpo International Airport the day before your flight from Seoul to Istanbul:
Gimpo International Airport has an on-time performance of 76%. This figure gives an insight into how frequently flights that take off from this airport make it to their destination on time.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The distance from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is roughly 32 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport will take you around 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 Seoul to Istanbul. Book one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car to explore Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks in advance gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is roughly 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. After your flight from Seoul to Istanbul, it takes approximately 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Travelling by public transport will take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from Seoul to Istanbul:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make collecting a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Seoul to Istanbul, while April is the most popular. Find the best time to go to Istanbul based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Seoul to Istanbul ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Look for cheap flights from Seoul to Istanbul around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these hotels after you've booked your flight from Seoul to Istanbul:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are essential stops on your Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've seen Istanbul, now it's time to discover more of Türkiye (Turkey). Journey about 354 kilometres east to Ankara to check off its leading sights. From Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you want to check out another major stop in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, roughly 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square are key highlights.