Cheap flights to Korea

Having technically been at war with North Korea for 60 years, South Korea is in a perpetually sticky geopolitical situation. But while many Westerners may find it hard to think about South Korea without thinking of international tension, there is so much more to this country steeped in tradition and history.

With a history of conquest by both the Chinese and Japanese and a rich vibrant history of its own, South Korea’s unique blend of cultural influences shows up in its food, language, architecture and every other imaginable way. But book a cheap flight to South Korea, see the thriving city’s sprawling, majestic countryside, and you’ll soon understand why South Korea is very much its own entity with a strong national identity.

How long is the flight to Korea?

Few airlines fly to Korea from the United States. The quickest one-stop flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Jeju International Airport, takes around 19h 20m, while the shortest nonstop flight time from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Incheon International Airport in Seoul, is roughly 14h 30m. The shortest one-stop flight time from Los Angeles International Airport to Jeju Airport is roughly 18h, and nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Incheon International Airport take approximately 13h 30m. Some flights to Incheon Airport can have a duration as long as 37h, depending on the airline’s itinerary, number of stopovers, or stopover length.

Which cities offer direct flights to Korea?

Direct non-stop flights are offered by eight airlines from the United States to Korea. They include Asiana Airlines, Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, Jin Air, and Hawaiian Airlines. The biggest airlines that fly from the US to Korea are Delta Airlines, Korean Air, and United Airlines. Flights are out of New York, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, DOC, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Denver, Honolulu and Houston.

What is the best way to travel around Korea?

The best way to travel around Seoul is via the subway. Since the city is expansive and the subway is cheap and covers a large area, it is more convenient than renting a car. Also, the traffic in the city is bumper to bumper and a headache to navigate. During rush hour times in the morning and early evening, there is a lot of commotion and from midnight to 5:30 am the subway is closed. There are many taxis available. If you have a late night out, you can still find transportation however, the taxi fares can be expensive. While in Jeju, the best mode of transportation for tourists is a tourist shuttle bus. These buses are inexpensive, they run every 30 minutes and take you to the major sites around the island. There are two lines that run, one on the east side of the island and one on the west. While in the shuttle, you are given fun facts about each destination.

What are some things to do in Korea?

In Seoul, if you are looking to get a taste of Korean culture, check out Bukchon Hanok Village and travel back in time. Also, Gyeongbokgung Palace gives you a great example of classic Korean architecture. Traveling south the island of Jeju, enjoy the ocean breeze and sea views. You can watch a sunrise over a volcano, climb a volcano, see Asia’s only waterfall that terminates directly into the sea, or explore an underwater cave. Another interesting attraction is the human-sized maze you can navigate through.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Korea?

US citizens must have a valid passport. While you can get a visa in advance to speed up the process, you can enter the Republic of Korea without a visa and stay for up to 90 days.

Back to top

Korea climate

South Korea has four distinct seasons; spring and fall are ideal for visiting, while a rainy season begins in June and ends in a humid, sweltering summer in August. Winters are extremely cold.

Back to top

Best Time to Fly to Korea

Spring and autumn are marvelous seasons to visit. The rainy season begins in June, and the rest of the summer is unbearably hot and humid. Siberian winds can make the winter numbingly cold, so unless you’re coming for the skiing or hot springs, it’s better to avoid the winters.

Back to top

Getting around Korea

Buses specifically routed to many cities throughout Korea leave from directly outside of Incheon International Airport. Visitors can also choose to fly or take the train between cities; Korail is the major train company. Buses are an excellent way to get around and between each major city. Renting cars isn’t preferable, particularly in Seoul, as the traffic is intense and the driving habits of South Koreans aren’t always the safest or most predictable. Taxis are fairly convenient but can also be a bit pricey.

Back to top

Korea Travel Information

Proper attention should be paid to being gracious and courteous in the Korean way. Koreans bow to show respect upon introduction, take their shoes off when entering the homes of others, and show extreme graciousness to the elderly. You should be prepared to do the same. And it’s probably best to avoid any political conversations or mention of past wars. Koreans have a strong sense of national pride and may take offense to anything they sense might be a slight encroachment on that, so err on the side of caution and stick to sunnier conversation topics. There are lots of other ins and outs regarding etiquette in Korea, so read up before you go.

Back to top