Flying from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Seoul: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul is 11 hours 50 minutes.
The timezone in Seoul is UTC+9. The city is six hours ahead of Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located.
With 19 weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 01:45. If you prefer to make the most of your day before you fly, the last flight from IST to ICN is with Korean Air at 21:45.
Give yourself enough time to catch your IST to Seoul flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Heading away during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
You can book a direct Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul ticket. Start your journey at IST and arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN).
Pick from a variety of carriers that operate direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul. Reserve your trip with one of these:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling and perhaps even explore another city. When browsing for flight tickets from IST to Seoul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
IST is about 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near IST. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Seoul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul flight is C$461. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$646. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To score cheap flights from IST to Seoul, reserve your journey six months before your planned departure.
The best month for picking up cheap Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul tickets is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Save time looking for cheap flights from IST to Seoul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul.
Airports in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
From Incheon International Airport (ICN), central Seoul is roughly 48 kilometres away.
It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Look into staying at a hotel close to ICN if you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul. Choose one of these accommodation options and make arrival day easier:
Explore without limits with an Incheon International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from WECAR, Hi Rent A Car or Alamo and chase adventure across Seoul and beyond.
To get the lowest price, reserve your ride from Incheon International Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from IST to Seoul.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Central Seoul is around 16 kilometres from Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Disembark your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul and then keep a lookout for any airport signs that'll help you reach the city centre.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 5 minutes.
There are some great places to drop your things at near GMP. Settle in and get cozy after your IST to Seoul flight at any of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab queues. Pick up a Gimpo International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare offers from GOGO Rent a Car, Gogo Rental Car Seoul and Hi Rent A Car.
Snap up a deal by securing your ride from GMP one week in advance. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Seoul
Visit Seoul during peak season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul during low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
The warmest month in Seoul is August, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC (66ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Lock in your Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from IST to Seoul in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF).
More about Seoul
Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Seoul, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Seoul:
Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace are just a couple of the big attractions to put on your Seoul itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to N Seoul Tower.
Explore more of South Korea
Busan is just one of the many places in South Korea waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Seoul. Around 322 kilometres away to the south-east, popular attractions include Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and Beomeosa Temple.
If there's time to check out another well-known destination in South Korea, head for Daegu, about 241 kilometres south-east of Seoul. Duryu Park People's Garden, E-World and Apsan Park are among the biggest draws.