Travelling from Seoul to Chicago: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your journey from in Seoul. Explore your options departing from Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP) when searching for a flight from Seoul to Chicago.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) are Chicago's major gateways.
Hop on a direct Seoul to Chicago flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 12 hours 55 minutes.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-6, which is 15 hours behind Seoul.
With seven flights a week between the two airports, Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from Seoul to Chicago with Korean Air at 10:40. If you'd like to get more out of your day before jetting off, the latest departure from ICN to ORD is with Korean Air at 10:40.
Leave plenty of time to make your Seoul to Chicago flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak month such as August? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Chicago
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Seoul to Chicago flight. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Seoul to Chicago is easier if you're flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to see the lowest fares throughout the month and snap up an incredible deal.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Seoul to Chicago is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as a better deal is available.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Seoul to Chicago flights.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Seoul to Chicago, you can leave from Incheon International Airport (ICN). Fly from ICN to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in one seamless trip.
Korean Air is a well-known carrier that offers direct Seoul to Chicago plane tickets leaving from ICN.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Seoul to Chicago flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Incheon International Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Travelling from central Seoul to ICN takes around 50 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 48 kilometres in 1 hour 5 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Incheon International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Seoul to Chicago, these accommodation options will have you sleeping nice and close to your departure gate:
Of the flights that depart from Incheon International Airport, 74% touch down on time at their destination.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Break up your Seoul to Chicago flight with a stop at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK). A major stopover between Gimpo International Airport and Chicago, it's a great opportunity to recharge before the next leg of your journey.
With public transport, you can travel from central Seoul to GMP in around 35 minutes. The terminal is roughly 18 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 30 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Seoul to Chicago? Unwind in a hotel near Gimpo International Airport before your adventure officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
The majority of flights that leave Gimpo International Airport touch down at their destination as expected. It boasts an on-time performance rate of 81%.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes around 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 45 minutes.
Book a hotel close to ORD if you have a late flight from Seoul to Chicago. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with a Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and discover more of Chicago and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Chicago O'Hare International Airport about four weeks before your travel date.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). After your flight from Seoul to Chicago has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 25 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Seoul to Chicago:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway Airport rental car simple. These companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Snap up the best price by booking your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a wider range of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) is around 129 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It'll take you about 1 hour 40 minutes to get to the city centre by car once you've stepped off your flight from Seoul to Chicago.
Public transport will get you there in about 2 hours.
Begin your travels without stressing over how to arrive at your destination with a Chicago Rockford Airport rental car. Book your wheels with trusted companies here like Budget, Alamo and National.
If you're looking for a specific make or model, booking early gives you a better shot at getting exactly what you want. Reserve your ride from RFD a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Seoul to Chicago.
The street address for Chicago Rockford Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
July is the most popular month for flights from Seoul to Chicago. To travel when it's less crowded, head to Chicago in March.
Book a Seoul to Chicago ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 16ºC (61ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Seoul to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
After booking your flight from Seoul to Chicago, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago are a couple of top-rated attractions to add to your Chicago to-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Willis Tower.
Explore more of the United States
Chicago will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of the United States you should also see. Around 451 kilometres southeast of Chicago, a trip to Columbus will keep your itinerary busy. Don't miss top attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre.
Around 257 kilometres southeast of Chicago, Indianapolis is another favourite stop in the United States. No visit is complete without checking out Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
