Travelling from Chicago to Seoul: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering where you'll board your flight from Chicago to Seoul. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) are Chicago's main airports.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP) are Seoul's chief entry points.
Book a direct Chicago to Seoul flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 14 hours 40 minutes.
Seoul's timezone is UTC+9, which makes Seoul 15 hours ahead of Chicago.
The most popular route for flights from Chicago to Seoul is from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Incheon International Airport (ICN). Choose from seven services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to take off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from ORD to ICN is the 11:05 Korean Air service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last available departure is at 12:30 with Korean Air.
Give yourself enough time to get on your Chicago to Seoul flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak time such as July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Seoul
To snag cheap Chicago to Seoul flights, reserve your trip three months before your planned departure.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Seoul is August. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Chicago to Seoul is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chicago to Seoul flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Jet off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on a nonstop flight from Chicago to Seoul. From ORD, you can travel directly to Incheon International Airport (ICN).
Be on the lookout for promotions with Korean Air. This airline offers direct Chicago to Seoul plane tickets out of ORD.
We make it a breeze to find a Chicago to Seoul flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Minneapolis St Paul Airport (MSP)
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes around 45 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a leisurely start to your break? Stay near Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Chicago to Seoul or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
70% of flights that leave from Chicago O'Hare International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Break up your Chicago to Seoul flight with a stop so you can recharge or tick a new place off your list. Some great stopovers between Chicago Midway Airport and Seoul include:
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Detroit Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Minneapolis St Paul Airport (MSP)
You can get to MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride by public transport will take roughly 30 minutes to cover the 14 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to Seoul? Check in to a hotel near Chicago Midway Airport before your adventure officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
76% of flights taking off from Chicago Midway Airport arrive according to schedule.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is approximately 48 kilometres from central Seoul. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes around 1 hour 5 minutes.
It typically takes 50 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Chicago to Seoul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near ICN instead:
Pick up a Incheon International Airport rental car and explore Seoul and beyond with your own set of wheels. WECAR, Hi Rent A Car and Alamo are popular providers you can book with here.
Reserving your vehicle from Incheon International Airport about four weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
The centre of Seoul is about 18 kilometres from Gimpo International Airport (GMP). After your flight from Chicago to Seoul has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 30 minutes.
The journey will take about 35 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Chicago to Seoul, kick back at a hotel close to GMP. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
GOGO Rent a Car, Gogo Rental Car Seoul and Hi Rent A Car make picking up a Gimpo International Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Avoid potential price surges. Securing your ride one week ahead of your arrival at GMP can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Seoul
August is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Seoul. To skip the crowds, go to Seoul in March.
Lock in a Chicago to Seoul ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Seoul to range from 19ºC (66ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Chicago to Seoul in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF).
More about Seoul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Seoul right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Chicago to Seoul:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and N Seoul Tower are leading attractions which should feature on any good Seoul itinerary.
Explore more of South Korea
Seoul will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of South Korea you'll want to see. About 338 kilometres southeast of Seoul, a visit to Busan will keep you busy. Start with popular sights like Gamcheon Culture Village, Haeundae Beach and Oryukdo Skywalk.
If you're eager to discover another side of South Korea, head for Incheon, about 27 kilometres southwest of Seoul. Songdo Central Park, Songdo Hanok Village and Wolmi Theme Park are among its highlights.
