Traveling from Seoul to Istanbul: what you need to know
Seoul has a couple of airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Seoul to Istanbul departing from Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
When working out where to arrive in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the chief entry points.
The average time for a direct flight from Seoul to Istanbul is 11 hours 51 minutes. Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Istanbul 6 hours behind Seoul.
The busiest route for flights from Seoul to Istanbul is from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Take your pick of 26 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ICN to IST is the 00:10 Turkish Airlines service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 23:20 with Turkish Airlines.
To ensure you catch your flight from Seoul to Istanbul, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Be prepared for bigger queues during popular months such as July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
You don't need a visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you have a passport from South Korea and are traveling for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements are subject to changes. So before booking your cheap flights from Seoul to Istanbul, be sure to check with your airline and your destination country's local embassy or consulate for the latest rules.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
You can book a direct flight from Seoul to Istanbul jetting off from Incheon International Airport (ICN). Start your trip at ICN and arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
At ICN, you'll find a good selection of airlines operating direct flights from Seoul to Istanbul, such as:
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and maybe even explore a different city. When browsing flights from Seoul to Istanbul departing from Incheon International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Tashkent International Airport (TAS)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Have an early flight from Seoul to Istanbul? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these hotels close to Incheon International Airport:
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Break up your flight from Seoul to Istanbul with a stop so you can stretch your legs or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Some top stopovers between Incheon International Airport and Istanbul are:
Tashkent International Airport (TAS)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
You're going on vacation, so why not extend it with an extra night away from home? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Gimpo International Airport the day before your flight from Seoul to Istanbul:
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is approximately 30 miles. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the center driving.
Traveling to the center by public transport will take you roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Book a hotel close to IST if you have a late flight from Seoul to Istanbul. Select one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
As soon as your flight from Seoul to Istanbul has touched down, you can reach the city center in about 57 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 30 miles from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Traveling by public transport will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from Seoul to Istanbul:
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Istanbul
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Seoul to Istanbul is $215. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $394. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
Get cheap tickets from Seoul to Istanbul by booking 10 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
The cheapest month for tickets from Seoul to Istanbul is June. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the lowest fare.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from Seoul to Istanbul couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Seoul to Istanbul. Enter your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Seoul to Istanbul. August is the most popular month to travel to Istanbul. If you like a quieter vibe, go in February.
Before booking a flight from Seoul to Istanbul, consider the kind of weather you like best. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with the temperature ranging from 68ºF to 86ºF.
Look for cheap tickets from Seoul to Istanbul in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 36ºF and 52ºF on average.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Seoul to Istanbul, explore our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are popular attractions which should feature on every Istanbul itinerary.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Seoul to Istanbul isn't our only cool trick. Check out our car rentals in Istanbul and travel at your own pace. We search for deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
