Travelling from Seoul to Chicago: 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 reserving a flight from Seoul to Chicago leaving from Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
When it comes to working out where to land in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the primary gateways.
Jump on a direct Seoul to Chicago flight and you'll be flying for an average of 12 hours 55 minutes.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is 14 hours behind Seoul.
The most popular route for flights from Seoul to Chicago is from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Take your pick of seven weekly services between these two airports. If you want to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from ICN to ORD is the 10:40 Korean Air option. If you prefer travelling later, the latest available service is at 10:40 with Korean Air.
Leave enough time to make your Seoul to Chicago flight. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience longer queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Chicago
To snag cheap Seoul to Chicago flights, reserve your journey two months ahead of your departure date.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Seoul to Chicago is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
You don't need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Seoul to Chicago.
Lock in a cheap Seoul to Chicago flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
You can catch a direct flight from Seoul to Chicago taking off from Incheon International Airport (ICN). Begin your journey at ICN and touch down at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Secure your Seoul to Chicago plane tickets with Korean Air. This airline is a popular option for direct flights from ICN.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing Seoul to Chicago flights leaving from Incheon International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
ICN is about 48 kilometres from the centre of Seoul. To help work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This essential traveller tool will show you the fastest route and your public transport options.
Planning to catch an early flight from Seoul to Chicago? Avoid rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near Incheon International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Incheon International Airport, data shows 54.5% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Give yourself some time to recharge during your Seoul to Chicago flight with a stopover. Haneda Airport (HND) is one of the options between Gimpo International Airport and Chicago.
From central Seoul, GMP is about 16 kilometres away. When working out the best way to get there, find out if public transport is an option or if driving is more convenient.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Seoul to Chicago? Kick back in a hotel near Gimpo International Airport before your holiday officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Gimpo International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 75.94%.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes about 35 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 55 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Seoul to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and experience more of Chicago and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance of your Seoul to Chicago flight.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
The centre of Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). As soon as your flight from Seoul to Chicago has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 20 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 45 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to MDW. Settle in and get cosy after your Seoul to Chicago flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at MDW will save you money.
You can find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Set off for the city centre after your flight from Seoul to Chicago has arrived. Central Chicago is about 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by car.
Public transport will take you there in around 4 hours 15 minutes.
Whether you'd like a mini for a solo escape or a spacious SUV to move the whole family, you'll find the right Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for you. Browse wheels available from companies such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Rental providers sometimes offer promotions for early bookings, so reserve your ride from RFD in advance of your flight from Seoul to Chicago. Plan ahead and your wallet will thank you.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the busiest month for flights from Seoul to Chicago. To skip the crowds, head to Chicago in January.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your Seoul to Chicago ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Seoul to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Seoul to Chicago, browse our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are top sights which should be on any good Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Chicago, now it's time to discover other parts of United States. Journey around 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to check off its leading attractions. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Indianapolis is another favourite destination in United States and is around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. No trip is complete without visiting The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
