Travelling from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): What you need to know
Seoul has a couple of airports where you can kick off your travels. Check out your options for booking a flight from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) heading out from Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
The average time for a direct Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport flight is 11 hours 50 minutes.
Istanbul is six hours behind Seoul. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located in Istanbul, which runs on the UTC+3 timezone.
With 19 direct flights a week between the two airports, Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 12:10am. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the latest departure from ICN to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 11:20pm.
Your flight from Seoul to IST won't wait if you're running late, so don't forget to check in on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're travelling internationally.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or other peak period, allow extra time. Arrive two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
Airports in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
You can jump on a direct flight from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) leaving from Incheon International Airport (ICN).
Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct flights from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport departing from ICN. Book your ticket with one of these:
The top choice among passengers flying between ICN and IST is Turkish Airlines.
We make it easy to book cheap flights from Seoul to IST that include a stopover. To explore your options departing from Incheon International Airport (ICN), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight offering a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers between ICN and IST include:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Tashkent International Airport (TAS)
From central Seoul, ICN is around 48 kilometres away. Visit the official airport website or use navigation apps to find the best way to arrive at the terminal.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to Incheon International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, these accommodation options will put you a quick hop from check-in:
Of all flights leaving Incheon International Airport, 54.5% arrive on time at their destination.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Split up your flight from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport with a stop so you can recharge or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Some popular stopovers between Gimpo International Airport and IST include:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
GMP is roughly 16 kilometres from the centre of Seoul. Plan ahead to work out the easiest way to arrive at your terminal.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your Seoul to IST flight? Check in to a hotel near Gimpo International Airport before your trip officially starts. These stays are expecting you:
Looking at how often flights stay on schedule, Gimpo International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 75.94%.
About Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Travel at your own pace with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and discover more of Istanbul and beyond.
Booking your ride around two weeks ahead of your Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport flight can help you score a better rate.
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. How long it takes to get there in a car hire or cab will depend on the time of day. Do a little research before you go.
Travelling by public transport takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Currently, RM750 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is RM1,504. Remember fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To score cheap flights from Seoul to IST, book your plane ticket one month ahead of your planned departure.
The best month for picking up cheap Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates with the lowest fares.
Stay on top of deals for plane tickets from Seoul to IST by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
The best time to fly from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
August is the most popular month for flights from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Plan your visit to Istanbul in February for a more laid-back experience.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Seoul to IST plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport in January when temperatures are between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from Seoul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, find a hotel that's got location and comfort covered. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Hagia Sophia History Museum and Hagia Sophia Museum are just the start of the top-rated attractions to add to your Istanbul must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Historic Areas of Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
You've done Istanbul, now it's time to discover other parts of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel around 225 kilometres south-east to Eskisehir to tick off its leading sights. From Eskişehir to Eskişehir and Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri, your itinerary will be busy.
Adapazarı is another must-experience destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 153 kilometres east of Istanbul. No trip is complete without experiencing Ozanlar Ulu Cami, Güllük Cami and Valide Cami.