How Long Does It Take to Fly to South Korea?
Quick Answer
13–15 hours nonstop from the US West Coast, 14–17 hours nonstop from the East Coast. One-stop itineraries through Tokyo or Beijing add 3–8 hours.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
A nonstop flight from the US to South Korea (Seoul Incheon Airport, ICN) takes 13–15 hours from the West Coast or 14–17 hours from the East Coast. Return flights are typically 1–2 hours shorter due to favorable jet stream tailwinds on the eastbound route.
Nonstop Flight Times by US City
| Departure City | Airline(s) | Flight Time to Seoul | Return Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Korean Air, Asiana, United, Delta | 13–14 hrs | 11–12 hrs |
| San Francisco (SFO) | Korean Air, Asiana, United | 13–13.5 hrs | 11–11.5 hrs |
| Seattle (SEA) | Korean Air, Delta | 11.5–12.5 hrs | 10–11 hrs |
| New York (JFK) | Korean Air, Asiana, Delta | 14.5–16 hrs | 14–15 hrs |
| Dallas (DFW) | Korean Air | 14–15 hrs | 13–14 hrs |
| Atlanta (ATL) | Korean Air, Delta | 15–16 hrs | 14–15 hrs |
| Chicago (ORD) | Korean Air, Asiana | 14–15 hrs | 13–14 hrs |
| Honolulu (HNL) | Korean Air | 9.5–10 hrs | 8–8.5 hrs |
Seattle offers some of the shortest flight times from the continental US because of its northern latitude, which follows the Great Circle route over the Pacific more efficiently.
Airlines Flying to South Korea
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are the two major South Korean carriers, both members of the SkyTeam alliance. They operate the most nonstop routes from the US.
US carriers with nonstop Seoul service include Delta (from Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Seattle), United (from San Francisco, Newark), and American (seasonal from Dallas-Fort Worth).
Budget carrier options have expanded, with airlines like T'way Air and Air Premia offering service between Seoul and select US cities, often at significantly lower fares.
Layover Options
If nonstop flights are sold out or too expensive, common connecting cities include:
| Layover City | Added Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Narita (NRT) | 3–5 hours | Very common; short hop to Seoul |
| Taipei (TPE) | 4–6 hours | EVA Air and China Airlines |
| Beijing (PEK) | 4–8 hours | Air China; Chinese transit visa may be needed |
| Vancouver (YVR) | 3–5 hours | Air Canada; shorter Pacific crossing |
| Manila (MNL) | 5–8 hours | Philippine Airlines |
A one-stop itinerary typically adds 3–8 hours to total travel time compared to nonstop. However, it can save $200–$600 on airfare, especially during peak seasons.
Time Difference
South Korea is in the Korea Standard Time zone (KST), which is UTC+9 and does not observe daylight saving time.
| US Time Zone | Difference from KST |
|---|---|
| Eastern (EST/EDT) | +14 hours (winter) / +13 hours (summer) |
| Central (CST/CDT) | +15 hours (winter) / +14 hours (summer) |
| Pacific (PST/PDT) | +17 hours (winter) / +16 hours (summer) |
When it is noon on Monday in New York, it is 2:00 AM on Tuesday in Seoul (during Eastern Standard Time). Budget at least 2–3 days for jet lag adjustment.
K-ETA and Entry Requirements
US passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. As of 2025, the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requirement has been temporarily suspended for US citizens through December 2025, meaning no advance authorization is needed. Check the Korean Immigration Service website for the most current status before travel.
All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay.
Best Time to Book
Peak travel seasons to South Korea are spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and fall (September–November) for autumn foliage. Book 2–3 months in advance for the best fares during these periods. The cheapest flights are typically found in January–February and late November (excluding Thanksgiving week).