Cheap flights from Seoul to Istanbul

Peak travel periods around major holidays tend to push prices upward across this route throughout the year. October through December carries higher demand as people plan end-of-year trips, while spring sees moderate rates into May. February stands out as the cheapest month on this connection, when fewer travellers book and airlines lower their fares to fill seats. Weekday departures outside school holiday windows generally offer better value than weekend flights or dates near Christmas.

Full-service carriers like Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, and LOT Polish Airlines typically include checked baggage and meals in their base fare. Turkmenistan Airlines, Miat Mongolian Airlines, SCAT JSC Aircompany, Sichuan Airlines, and Centrum Air operate with varying inclusion policies that require checking each ticket individually. Since no direct flights exist on this route, every airline will involve at least one transfer, often through their respective hubs in Dubai, Doha, Beijing, or Warsaw.

You will land at either Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen depending on your chosen carrier and connection routing. Istanbul Airport sits farther from the city centre but handles most international arrivals with direct metro access and taxi services running regularly. Sabiha Gokcen offers closer proximity to parts of the Asian side but requires longer transfer times to central districts. Allow extra time in bad weather when ground transportation slows, and verify which terminal your airline uses before booking.

Currency

TRY (₺)

Power sockets

Type C, F · 230 V

Language

Turkish

Emergency number

112, 177

Driving side

right

Calling code

+36

Internet domain

.tr

Population of Istanbul

15.7 M (2023)

Time zone

UTC+03 (Europe/Istanbul)

Country facts: Wikidata

• Confirm whether your fare includes checked baggage since low-cost operators charge separately for this service.
• Verify which Seoul airport you depart from as some airlines only use Incheon International.
• Check if your connection requires separate tickets or if the airline protects transfers on a single reservation.
• Ensure your passport validity meets Turkey requirements before travel begins.
• Compare prices across February and nearby months to find the lowest available fare.