Flights to South Korea
South Korea has two major international airports. The overwhelming majority of international flights land at Incheon near Seoul:
Incheon International Airport (ICN) — Seoul's Main Airport
Regularly voted the best airport in the world. 70 km west of Seoul on an artificial island. Coordinates: [37.4602, 126.4407]. Two terminals, excellent infrastructure with free Wi-Fi, showers, and even an ice rink. Transfer to Seoul: AREX (Airport Railroad Express) to Seoul Station in 43 minutes for ₩9,500 (6.70 €) or All-Stop train in 66 minutes for ₩4,750.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) — Seoul's City Airport
Only 15 km from the center, primarily for domestic flights and short-haul routes (Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai, Shanghai Hongqiao). Coordinates: [37.5585, 126.7906]. Metro Line 5 or 9 directly to the center in 20–30 minutes.
Gimhae International Airport (PUS) — Busan
For travelers who want to go directly to Busan. Coordinates: [35.1796, 128.9382]. Some international connections, mainly within Asia. Metro Line 3 to the city center.
Direct Flights from Germany
- Korean Air: Frankfurt → Seoul Incheon (10:30h), daily nonstop flight. 550–1,000 € round trip. Korea's premium airline with excellent service.
- Asiana Airlines: Frankfurt → Seoul Incheon (10:30h). 500–950 €. Part of the Korean Air Group since 2024.
- Lufthansa: Frankfurt → Seoul Incheon, Munich → Seoul Incheon. 550–1,100 €.
Affordable Connecting Flights:
- Turkish Airlines: Via Istanbul. Many German departure airports, from 450 €.
- Emirates/Qatar Airways: Via Dubai/Doha, from 500 €.
- Finnair: Via Helsinki — shortest detour to Asia, from 450 €.
- China Airlines/China Southern: Via Taipei/Guangzhou, occasional bargains from 400 €.
Flight Prices (Guidelines Round Trip from Germany)
| Period | Economy | Premium Eco | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season (Jan–Feb, Jun–Jul) | 450–650 € | 850–1,200 € | 2,200–3,500 € |
| Shoulder (Mar, May, Sep) | 550–800 € | 1,000–1,400 € | 2,800–4,500 € |
| High Season (Cherry Blossom Apr, Autumn Foliage Oct/Nov) | 700–1,100 € | 1,300–1,800 € | 3,500–6,000 € |
| Christmas/New Year | 900–1,300 € | 1,500–2,200 € | 4,500–7,000 € |
💡 Tipp
Incheon Airport offers free "Transit Tours" for passengers with a layover — multi-hour guided tours through Seoul including transport and guide. Perfect if you have a long layover. Information at the Transit Tour Desk in the transit area.
Achtung
During cherry blossom (late March – early April) and autumn foliage (October), flights are significantly more expensive and booked out early. Book at least 3–4 months in advance!
