How to Find Cheap Flights to South Korea

The Short Answer

Fly Air Premia from a West Coast city, book at least 2 weeks ahead, and target June or August for the cheapest fares. Dozens of daily nonstop flights operate from 14 US airports to Seoul Incheon, and round-trip fares start around $600 from the West Coast. Competition on this route is fierce, and travelers benefit.

The Airline That Changed Everything: Air Premia

Air Premia has become the dominant budget choice for US-Korea flights, with 48% of travelers choosing them. Here's why they're worth your attention:

• Two free checked bags included
• Two full meals provided on the flight
• Lower fares than legacy carriers
• Modern aircraft with good seat pitch

Compare that to competitors like Zip Air, where bags must be paid for separately. Air Premia's all-in pricing often makes them the cheapest option even before you factor in the extras.

All Your Airline Options

Nonstop Carriers From the US

• Air Premia -- Budget-premium carrier, 48% of travelers' first choice
• Korean Air -- South Korea's flagship with the widest US network
• Asiana Airlines -- Full-service Korean carrier with solid US coverage
• Delta -- Nonstop from several US cities, earns SkyMiles
• United -- Nonstop options with Star Alliance benefits
• Singapore Airlines -- Some routes pass through Singapore; excellent service
• Thai Airways -- Bangkok connection with competitive fares
• Copa Airlines -- Less common but sometimes appears in searches

Budget Asian Carriers

• Jeju Air -- Domestic and regional Korean budget carrier from $7
• T'way Air -- Budget Korean carrier from $11
• Air Seoul -- Budget carrier from $12 for regional flights

These ultra-budget carriers don't fly from the US, but they're perfect for connections within Korea and to other Asian destinations once you arrive.

Seoul's Airport

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the only South Korean airport with direct flights from the US. It's consistently ranked among the world's best airports, with free showers, a Korean culture center, an ice rink, and excellent food options. Even a long layover here is pleasant.

The airport connects to central Seoul via the AREX express train in about 43 minutes, or you can take airport buses to various neighborhoods.

Best US Departure Cities

• Seattle (SEA) -- Cheapest fares starting from $338 one-way, $676 round-trip
• Los Angeles (LAX) -- Starting from $359 one-way, $600 round-trip. Most competition and options.
• San Francisco (SFO) -- From $367 one-way. Multiple carriers compete.
• New York (JFK) -- More expensive but has nonstop service on Korean Air and others
• Honolulu (HNL) -- Surprisingly competitive fares on Korean Air and others

West Coast cities have a clear advantage -- shorter flights (10-12 hours vs. 14-15 from the East Coast) and lower fares.

When to Book and When to Fly

Cheapest Months

June is the cheapest time to fly, with fares averaging around $224 round-trip. August is also a great deal. These months coincide with Korea's rainy season, which keeps demand lower.

Best Day to Fly

Sunday departures are the cheapest, with fares found as low as $750. Avoid Monday mornings when prices are highest. Friday evenings also tend to offer lower fares.

Booking Advance

Travelers who book at least 2 weeks in advance save around 14% compared to last-minute bookings. For the best deals, aim for 6-8 weeks ahead. But even short-notice bookings aren't terrible on this route because competition is intense.

Money-Saving Strategies

Compare Total Cost, Not Base Fare

Air Premia includes two bags and meals. Korean Air includes bags and meals. Zip Air does not. When comparing, add up the total cost including bags, meals, and seat selection. The cheapest base fare isn't always the cheapest trip.

Consider Flights With Stops

One-stop flights through Tokyo, Taipei, or other Asian hubs can save money, though nonstop options are usually competitive enough that the savings may not justify the extra travel time.

Use Points and Miles

Korean Air is part of SkyTeam, so Delta SkyMiles work for redemptions. Asiana is Star Alliance, pairing with United MileagePlus. Air Premia has its own rewards program. Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards can transfer to several of these programs.

Extend to Other Asian Countries

Seoul is a major hub. Once you're there, Jeju Air, T'way Air, and Air Seoul offer flights to Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Asian destinations for as little as $7-50 one-way. Seoul makes an excellent base for an multi-country Asian trip.

Book on Sundays

Booking on a Sunday can save 6-13% compared to booking on a Friday. On a $700 ticket, that's $42-91 in savings.

Getting Around South Korea

South Korea's KTX high-speed train network connects Seoul to Busan in under 3 hours. For domestic flights, Jeju Air and T'way offer flights to Jeju Island and other cities from $7-30. The country is compact and incredibly well-connected by public transport.

Common Mistakes

• Overlooking Air Premia -- They dominate on value with included bags and meals
• Flying from the East Coast without checking West Coast positioning -- A cheap domestic to LAX plus an Air Premia ticket can beat a direct East Coast booking
• Not comparing total costs -- Base fares are misleading when bag policies differ
• Booking on Fridays -- Sunday bookings save 6-13%
• Ignoring June and August -- These off-peak months offer the steepest discounts