Travelling from Istanbul to Seoul: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll board your flight from Istanbul to Seoul. Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) are the main airports in Istanbul.
When landing in Seoul, Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP) are the major entry points.
Around 10 hours is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Istanbul to Seoul flight.
The timezone in Seoul is UTC+9, which is six hours ahead of Istanbul.
With 19 flights a week between the two airports, Istanbul Airport (IST) to Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Istanbul to Seoul with Turkish Airlines at 01:45. If you'd like to make the most of your day before taking off, the latest departure from IST to ICN is with Korean Air at 21:45.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Istanbul to Seoul flight.
Travelling during a peak month such as August? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Seoul
Get cheap Istanbul to Seoul flights by booking five months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for bagging a bargain.
October is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Istanbul to Seoul. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Istanbul to Seoul by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save on your Istanbul to Seoul flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Istanbul to Seoul, you can depart from Istanbul Airport (IST). Fly from IST to Incheon International Airport (ICN) without making any stops.
Popular carriers that offer direct Istanbul to Seoul plane tickets departing from IST include:
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even tour another city. When searching for Istanbul to Seoul flights departing from Istanbul Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
Located around 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 45 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport is roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Istanbul to Seoul? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays near Istanbul Airport:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Seoul flight, here's where you can stop when taking off from Istanbul Sabiha Airport:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
SAW is around 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. It'll take you 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes.
Kick off your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Istanbul to Seoul, stay in one of these hotels close to Istanbul Sabiha Airport:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport has an on-time performance rate of 68%. This figure shows how frequently flights that take off from this airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is approximately 48 kilometres from the centre of Seoul. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes around 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 50 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul to Seoul, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near ICN:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Incheon International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from WECAR, Hi Rent A Car or Alamo and experience the lesser-explored corners of Seoul and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by booking your vehicle from Incheon International Airport about four weeks in advance of your trip.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
After your flight from Istanbul to Seoul has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 30 minutes by car. Central Seoul is roughly 18 kilometres from Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
If you travel by public transport, you'll reach the centre in 35 minutes or so.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near GMP. Settle in and get cosy after your Istanbul to Seoul flight at one of these perfectly located options:
GOGO Rent a Car, Gogo Rental Car Seoul and Hi Rent A Car make picking up a Gimpo International Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Get exactly what you want. Reserving your ride from GMP one week ahead of time often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Seoul
March is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Seoul, while August is the busiest. Pick the ideal time to visit Seoul based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
When booking your Istanbul to Seoul tickets, think about what kind of weather works for you. August is the warmest month in Seoul, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Istanbul to Seoul in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF).
More about Seoul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Seoul right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Seoul:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and N Seoul Tower are essential stops on your Seoul itinerary.
Explore more of South Korea
Busan is just one of the many places in South Korea waiting to be discovered after you've seen Seoul. Around 338 kilometres to the southeast, check out popular attractions including Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae Beach and Oryukdo Skywalk.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in South Korea, consider Incheon, roughly 27 kilometres southwest of Seoul. Songdo Central Park, Songdo Hanok Village and Wolmi Theme Park are highlights.
