Seoul gives you two powerful gateways and a network that reaches almost anywhere, from quick weekend hops to epic long hauls. It’s an easy city to depart from whether you want cheap one way flights from Seoul, last minute flights, or a carefully planned multi stop adventure.
With two major airports serving different needs, you can match your plans to the best departure point. Incheon handles most long haul and many regional routes, while Gimpo specializes in fast, close by international flights and domestic connections. That split makes it simple to choose speed and convenience for short trips, or maximum reach for journeys farther afield.
Short haul options are strong across Northeast Asia, with frequent departures to Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan. For sun seekers, Southeast Asia is well covered, and city breaks to places like Bangkok are easy to slot into a long weekend. If you’re thinking long haul, nonstop links to Europe and North America sit alongside efficient one stop options, so you can tailor time, stops, and price to suit your trip.
Seoul’s scale brings schedule depth across the week, which helps flexible travelers find value on midweek departures and shoulder season dates. When you’re comparing cheap flights from Seoul, that combination of breadth and frequency opens up more chances to grab a deal that fits your timing.
From short hops to seasonal beach escapes and headline long hauls, here’s where travelers are heading from Seoul and why these routes stand out.
Short haul favorites include Japan, where fast flights make spontaneous trips doable. Seoul to Tokyo’s city airports, Osaka, and Fukuoka generally run around two to three hours nonstop, and Seoul to Shanghai or Taipei often sits under three hours, with times approximate and subject to change. Many of these routes are served by both full service and low cost carriers, giving you choice on luggage and onboard service levels. If Japan is on your list this year, browse ideas across the country at the Japan page to see where your budget stretches best.
Trips to Bangkok take about six hours nonstop, perfect for mixing city buzz with island time. If Europe is calling, nonstop city breaks to London and Paris are popular; think about 12 hours to London and about 11 and a half to Paris, with exact schedules and operators subject to change. Amsterdam is another traveler favorite for arts, cafés, and easy onward trains around the region, often via a single stop itinerary.
Seoul to Dubai has grown as a smart one stop bridge to the Middle East and beyond, while connections via hubs with airlines such as Turkish Airlines also open up efficient one stop paths into Europe, Africa, and the Americas, subject to availability and season. Whether you’re planning weekend flights from Seoul or a multi continent trip, multiple timing options are usually available. Explore city guides, Paris, Bangkok, Amsterdam, and Dubai for inspiration with flight schedules and durations varying by season and day.
Timing matters, and a few smart habits can make a big difference to what you pay and how smooth your trip feels.
For many routes ex Seoul, shoulder seasons around spring and autumn tend to bring more availability and softer fares, while peak summer, Chuseok, Golden Week periods in nearby countries, and year end holidays can tighten supply. Flexing by a few days either side of your ideal date often uncovers better options.
As a rule of thumb, looking 4 to 6 weeks out works well for many regional routes, while long haul itineraries may benefit from a wider window. Prices are dynamic and change often, so set a budget and book when you see a fare you like. To automate the waiting game, use Set a Price Alert to track your route and get notified when prices move, so you can lock in quickly when they dip.
If you’re mapping a bigger trip, the Nomad Search Tool helps arrange three or more stops efficiently for price and logistics. For advanced strategies, browse Travel Hacks to learn about self transfer, hidden cities, and throwaway tickets, and use them responsibly where they suit your plans.
Seoul uses two main airports with different strengths. Pick based on where you’re going, how you’ll get there, and what matters most on the day.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) sits west of the city and handles most intercontinental and many regional flights. It has multiple terminals and a wide spread of lounges, dining, and retail. From Seoul Station, the airport express train A’REX runs to ICN in about 43 minutes, journey times and frequency may vary. Airport buses and taxis offer door to door convenience if you’re carrying larger bags or traveling as a group. For long haul departures and broader airline choice, ICN is usually your best bet.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is closer to downtown and a favorite for domestic trips and short haul international flights, especially to nearby city airports. It connects to Seoul by Subway Lines 5 and 9 and the all stop A’REX service, with train journeys of about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the line. If you want a short commute and fast check in for regional hops, GMP is handy.
Both budget carriers and full service airlines have a strong presence in Seoul. If you’re mixing airlines to build the best schedule or price, Kiwi.com’s self transfer itineraries combine separate tickets in one plan. For extra reassurance, add the Kiwi.com Guarantee, which includes Disruption Protection if carriers cancel, reschedule, or significantly change your trip. Disruption Protection can offer instant compensation in Kiwi.com Credit to rebook or help you apply for refunds from carriers, all online.