Cheap Flight Tickets to South Korea

Nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Seoul Incheon typically take about 11–12 hours. From New York, expect around 14–15 hours nonstop. Connecting flights through Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Doha can add 3–6 hours depending on the layover.

September is typically one of the cheapest months to fly to South Korea, with average round-trip fares from the US around $730. April and May can also offer good value. Booking 3–6 months ahead, with around four months often being a good target, can help you find better fares.

There are generally no nonstop flights from the US to Jeju. Most travelers fly to Seoul Incheon (ICN) first and then take a domestic flight to Jeju (CJU), which takes about 1 hour. Total travel time from the US can range from 13 to 20 hours depending on connections.

Most travelers from the US fly to Seoul Incheon and connect to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS), with the domestic flight taking about 1 hour. Some itineraries can connect to Busan through cities such as Tokyo or Osaka.

A nonstop flight from Tokyo to Seoul takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and ANA operate frequent services between the two cities.

Book around 3–6 months in advance, compare fares across multiple airlines, and consider flying on less busy weekdays such as Wednesday. Setting fare alerts on Triwize and traveling during lower-cost months such as September, October, April, or May can also help you save.

Round-trip flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Seoul Incheon commonly range from around $700–$950, depending on the season and booking date. Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and United Airlines serve this major route, with fares sometimes dropping to around $650–$750 during September.

South Korea is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, with strong infrastructure, healthcare, and public transportation. Standard travel precautions are still recommended. Always check your government's latest travel advisory before departure.

Exchange rates change frequently, but $100 USD has recently been around 130,000–135,000 Korean Won (KRW). The exact amount you receive depends on the current exchange rate and any exchange or ATM fees.

US dollars are not commonly used for everyday purchases in South Korea. Korean Won (KRW) is the local currency and is preferred for markets, street food, and smaller businesses. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger retailers.

Respect local customs such as not writing someone's name in red ink, not placing chopsticks vertically in rice, and removing your shoes when entering homes and some traditional establishments. When dining with others, it's also customary to pour drinks for one another rather than only yourself.

US passport holders can generally enter South Korea visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. K-ETA requirements for US travelers have been suspended, but entry rules can change. Travelers should have a valid passport and may need to meet additional entry requirements. Always verify the latest requirements with the official Korean immigration authorities before flying.

Seoul is the ideal starting point, with 4–5 days allowing time to explore its palaces, markets, neighborhoods, and attractions. Gyeongju is excellent for Korean history, Busan is great for beaches and food, and Jeju Island is ideal for nature and hiking. A DMZ day trip from Seoul is another popular experience.

Seoul is very family-friendly, with attractions such as Lotte World, COEX Aquarium, Children's Grand Park, and Everland. Jeju Island is also excellent for families, offering beaches, lava caves, and outdoor activities. The Korean Folk Village in Suwon and the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul provide educational experiences for children.