Fly to South Korea in January, February, or November for the lowest roundtrip fares - often $550-700 from the US West Coast and $650-750 from the East Coast.
Cheapest Time to Fly to South Korea: Month-by-Month Price Guide
Flight prices to South Korea change dramatically depending on the month, departure city, and booking strategy. Data shows roundtrip fares from major US airports are lowest in January, February, and November, where you can often score tickets for $550-700 from Los Angeles and $650-750 from New York. In contrast, peak travel months like July, August, and October see prices spike to $900-1,300 roundtrip.
Timing your purchase is equally important. Booking 8-12 weeks in advance, flying mid-week, and using flexible payment options on platforms like Travorio can help you secure the best deals. This guide breaks down the cheapest time to fly to South Korea by month, city, and airline, and offers practical tips to maximize your savings on your 2026 trip.
Month-by-Month South Korea Flight Price Chart
Flight prices to Seoul (ICN) from the US fluctuate with the season and demand. The table below outlines typical roundtrip fares for economy class when booking 2-3 months in advance. Prices are for non-stop or one-stop journeys, excluding checked bags and seat selection.
| Month | Los Angeles (LAX) | New York (JFK) | San Francisco (SFO) | Chicago (ORD) | |-------|---------------------|----------------|---------------------|---------------| | Jan | $550 | $650 | $580 | $670 | | Feb | $580 | $680 | $600 | $700 | | Mar | $650 | $750 | $670 | $770 | | Apr | $700 | $800 | $730 | $830 | | May | $680 | $780 | $700 | $810 | | Jun | $750 | $850 | $800 | $880 | | Jul | $950 | $1,100 | $1,000 | $1,150 | | Aug | $900 | $1,050 | $950 | $1,100 | | Sep | $700 | $800 | $750 | $830 | | Oct | $850 | $950 | $900 | $980 | | Nov | $600 | $700 | $630 | $730 | | Dec | $700 | $800 | $750 | $830 |
Prices are lowest in January, February, and November. Expect to pay $100-200 more from San Francisco or Chicago compared to Los Angeles. July, August, and October (cherry blossom and foliage season) have the highest fares. For the latest deals, set up a fare alert on Travorio.
Best Airlines for Cheap Flights to Korea
Several full-service and connecting airlines operate flights from the US to Seoul Incheon (ICN). Korean Air and Asiana Airlines offer direct flights from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. United, Delta, and American also fly non-stop on select routes, often matching Korean carriers on price and service quality.
EVA Air provides connecting flights through Taipei, often $100-200 cheaper than direct options with a typical total journey time of 16-22 hours. Other connecting options include Japan Airlines (via Tokyo) and China Airlines (via Taipei). For the best value, compare both direct and connecting options on Travorio.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: Price vs Time
Nonstop flights from LAX to ICN take 12-13 hours and typically cost $700-1,000 roundtrip in the cheapest months. From JFK, direct flights are $650-1,100 depending on the season. Booking a one-stop itinerary via Tokyo (NRT/HND) or Taipei (TPE) can reduce your fare by $100-200, but expect a total travel time of 16-20 hours, including layovers.
For travelers prioritizing price over speed, connecting flights are a smart way to save. Flexible travelers willing to spend extra hours in transit can often find the cheapest flights to Seoul by including a layover in Asia.
When Are Flights to Korea Cheapest? Best Time to Book
Data from Google Flights and Skyscanner shows the lowest fares to South Korea are available when booking 8-12 weeks before your departure date. Booking further ahead can sometimes yield similar prices, but last-minute deals are rare, especially for non-stop flights.
For departures in January, February, or November, monitor fares starting in late summer or early fall. Use tools like Travorio's price alerts to track changes and lock in the best deal. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently offer $50-100 lower fares than weekends ([source](https://www.transportation.gov)).
Day-of-Week and Seasonal Tips for Cheap Korea Flights
Departing and returning mid-week - especially on Tuesday or Wednesday - results in average savings of $50-100 per roundtrip ticket. Friday through Sunday departures are most expensive due to business and leisure demand.
Avoid traveling during major Korean holidays such as Chuseok (fall harvest) and Lunar New Year, when flights sell out months ahead and prices can double. For cherry blossom season in April or foliage in October, expect to pay $850-1,100 even on sale fares.
Which Airport for Korea? Incheon vs Gimpo
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is South Korea's main gateway for all long-haul international flights, including from the US. It offers extensive ground transportation to Seoul and surrounding cities. For most travelers, ICN will be your arrival point.
Gimpo Airport (GMP) handles primarily domestic flights and short routes to Japan and China. US travelers cannot fly directly to GMP. Book flights to ICN for all international arrivals. More airport details are provided by [ICN’s official portal](https://www.airport.kr/ap/en/index.do).
How to Save Even More: Flexible Payments and Crypto
On Travorio, you can split your airfare into four payments with Sezzle (subject to approval). For example, a $800 roundtrip flight divides into four $200 installments, making travel more accessible without a large upfront investment. Read more at Pay Later Flights with Sezzle.
Travorio also accepts over 100 cryptocurrencies. Paying in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other coins lets you avoid USD-KRW conversion markups and lock in today's price. See all payment options at Crypto Flights.
Set up price alerts for your preferred route and dates on Travorio to receive instant notifications when prices drop. Combining these strategies maximizes your chances of scoring the lowest South Korea flight deals for 2026.
Budget Airlines for Korea: T'way, Jin Air, and Jeju Air
Major US-Korea flights are operated by full-service carriers, but if you are already in Asia, several budget airlines offer cheap flights to Korea. T'way Air, Jin Air, and Jeju Air fly from regional hubs like Tokyo (NRT), Osaka (KIX), Bangkok (BKK), and Taipei (TPE) to Seoul and Busan.
These low-cost carriers often sell one-way tickets for $50-150, but be aware that checked bags and seat selection cost extra. No budget airlines currently offer direct flights from the US to Korea. For the best fares, fly to an Asian hub and connect onward with a budget airline.
Visa Requirements for US Travelers to South Korea
US citizens can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. No advance application is required, but you must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. For the latest entry requirements, see the [US State Department’s Korea page](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/KoreaSouth.html).
If you plan to transit in another country en route to Korea, check that country’s visa rules. Most common connecting airports (Tokyo, Taipei) do not require a transit visa for US passport holders if you remain in the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
January, February, and November consistently offer the lowest roundtrip fares from the US, with typical prices ranging from $550-700 from the West Coast and $650-750 from the East Coast.
Book your flight 8-12 weeks before departure. Last-minute Korea flight deals are rare, especially for direct flights from the US. Use price alerts on <a href='/flights'>Travorio</a> to track fares.
Direct flights are usually $100-200 more than connecting flights, but they save 4-8 hours of travel time. Connecting via Tokyo or Taipei often yields the cheapest flights to Seoul for flexible travelers.
Korean Air, Asiana, United, Delta, and American operate direct flights. EVA Air (via Taipei) and Japan Airlines (via Tokyo) often have cheaper fares with one stop. Compare all options on <a href='/flights'>Travorio</a>.
Yes, <a href='/pay-later/flights/sezzle'>Travorio</a> offers flexible payments with Sezzle (subject to approval). Split your ticket cost into four equal installments at checkout.
No, US citizens receive 90 days visa-free entry for tourism or business. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to depart or return, saving $50-100 per roundtrip compared to weekend flights.
No budget airlines fly direct from the US. If you are already in Asia, carriers like T'way Air, Jin Air, and Jeju Air offer cheap regional flights to Korea.