IST - SEL

£223 Find Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Seoul – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
£423
Typical prices: £420-£686
China Eastern
Thu 6/12Thu 13/12
IST - ICN • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
£627
Typical prices: £673-£846
Korean Air
Fri 28/12Mon 8/1
IST - ICN • Direct
Direct flights
Every day
You can fly direct with Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, and Asiana Airlines. Average duration is 9h 58m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
IST - GMP
Cheapest • 11% average savings
IST - ICN
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
11 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 11 weeks in advance save around 35% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
June
Cheapest • 15% price drop
June
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Ashgabat (ASB)
Cheapest • Avg £292 (return)
Almaty (ALA)
Shortest trip • 16h 01m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you enjoy your trip to Seoul!
Flight Deals
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Seoul (IST-SEL)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Istanbul to Seoul

Sun, 6 Dec - Sun, 13 Dec
China Eastern Logo
13:35 - 11:55IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
16h 20m1 stop Shanghai Pu Dong
China Eastern Logo
20:50 - 07:00ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
40h 10m2 stops Nanjing Lukou Intl Xi'an Xianyang
£423China Eastern
Sun, 6 Dec - Sun, 13 Dec
Air China Logo
14:55 - 11:40IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
14h 45m1 stop Beijing Capital
Air China Logo
13:10 - 08:20ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
25h 10m1 stop Beijing Capital
£448Air China
Thu, 18 Mar - Fri, 2 Apr
Qatar Airways Logo
13:50 - 10:30IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
14h 40m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
18:30 - 11:55ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
23h 25m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
£460Qatar Airways
Mon, 18 Jan - Mon, 1 Feb
Qatar Airways Logo
13:50 - 17:15IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
21h 25m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
00:20 - 18:40ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
24h 20m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
£460Qatar Airways
Mon, 19 Apr - Thu, 29 Apr
Qatar Airways Logo
13:45 - 17:05IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
21h 20m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
01:20 - 11:55ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
16h 35m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
£461Qatar Airways
Wed, 17 Mar - Tue, 30 Mar
Qatar Airways Logo
20:10 - 10:30IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
32h 20m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
01:20 - 11:55ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
16h 35m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
£462Qatar Airways
Wed, 20 Jan - Wed, 27 Jan
Qatar Airways Logo
20:10 - 10:30IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
32h 20m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
00:20 - 12:20ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
18h 00m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
£463Qatar Airways
Mon, 28 Dec - Fri, 8 Jan
Air China Logo
14:45 - 16:35IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
19h 50m1 stop Beijing Capital
Air China Logo
13:10 - 08:20ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
25h 10m1 stop Beijing Capital
£467Air China
Sat, 5 Dec - Fri, 18 Dec
Qatar Airways Logo
13:50 - 17:15IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
21h 25m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
18:30 - 18:40ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
30h 10m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
£469Qatar Airways
Thu, 14 Jan - Fri, 29 Jan
Qatar Airways Logo
13:50 - 10:30IST  Istanbul-ICN Incheon Intl
14h 40m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
00:20 - 18:40ICN  Incheon Intl-IST Istanbul
24h 20m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
£475Qatar Airways
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for Istanbul Airport to Seoul flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a return flight from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

Return flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul typically range from £420 to £686. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was £423 on China Eastern.

What is the cheapest Istanbul Airport to Seoul flight route?

Istanbul Airport (IST) to Seoul Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) is the cheapest Istanbul Airport to Seoul route, averaging £426 return. Other Istanbul Airport to Seoul routes average £530, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Monday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Istanbul Airport to Seoul. It's 11% cheaper than the average day, while Friday is the most expensive, with prices 22% higher.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

•June is the cheapest month to fly from Istanbul Airport to Seoul at £443 return.
•February (£716) and May (£622) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 61% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul the cheapest?

Flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul are cheapest 11 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 35% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

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Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Istanbul to Seoul

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on Turkish Airlines

Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.

Read more
Robert Schrader

Robert Schrader

Expert on Korean Air and ICN

One of the web's original travel bloggers, Robert launched his first site, Leave Your Daily Hell, in 2009. Since then, he's expanded into destination niche sites (one each for Japan, Thailand and Taiwan), in addition to having written for the inflight magazines of Singapore Airlines and Korean Air. Overall, he's visited nearly 100 countries, and flies business as often as possible.

Read more
John Walton

John Walton

Expert on Asiana Airlines

Independent aviation journalist John Walton took his first flight at eight weeks old and hasn’t stopped travelling since. A world-renowned expert in airlines and the passenger experience, he writes in depth on aviation, is a resident expert on travel in Japan and France, and offers a uniquely queer perspective on travelling the world.

Read more
Jenna Scatena

Jenna Scatena

Expert on IST

Journalist and Travel Writer, Jenna Scatena is an award-winning travel writer with a love for sharing stories and exploring new places, especially by Vespa. Though she's from San Francisco, she has spent a significant chunk of her vacation days over the last decade eating her way through Texas and sleeping in hotels around the world—especially in California, the Middle East, and Europe.

Read more

Key details for Istanbul Airport to Seoul flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

£223
Beat the crowds with an average 50% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 68% increase in traveller numbers.
One-way flight from Istanbul Airport to Incheon Intl Airport

When to book flights from Istanbul to Seoul

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Istanbul to Seoul based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Your Istanbul Airport to Seoul flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Istanbul Airport to Seoul:

    • Earliest: departs at 02:20 and lands at 12:18
    • Latest: departs at 21:55 and lands at 07:53.

    The flight takes about 9h 58m.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul:

    • Economy class
    • Business Class

  • How long is a flight from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    A direct flight from Istanbul Airport to Seoul takes 9h 58m, covering 4,940 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Istanbul Airport to Seoul flight?

    Return flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul range from £420 to £686, with an average of £521 over the past 12 months. Anything below £420 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Istanbul Airport to Seoul flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 29% above the £521 route average. Book 11 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by having a stopover when flying from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average £292 return via Ashgabat (ASB), compared with £740 for direct.

  • What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge £39–£39 for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • How are flight departures from Istanbul Airport to Seoul spread across the day?

    Night is the busiest departure period on Istanbul Airport to Seoul flights, with 66% leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 33%, Morning flights for 1%, and Afternoon flights for 0%.

  • How are flight prices from Istanbul Airport to Seoul looking right now?

    One-way fares from Istanbul Airport to Seoul are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about £267, which is 13% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car hire options are available in Seoul?

    Since Seoul is served by multiple airports, car hire options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Incheon Intl Airport (ICN) – daily rates from around £9:

    • WECAR
    • Wheego
    • Yesaway
    • Alamo
    • Enterprise Rent-A-Car

    Near Seoul Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) – daily rates from around £9:

    • Wheego
    • Yesaway
    • Hi Rent
    • Europcar
    • Cartago Rent A Car

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    Flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul usually depart from Istanbul (IST) and may arrive at several airports in Seoul area, including Seoul Gimpo Intl (GMP) and Incheon Intl (ICN).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul pass through?

    One-stop flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul most commonly connect through:

    • Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) – 23% of one-stop connections
    • Beijing Capital (PEK) – 22% of one-stop connections
    • Ashgabat (ASB) – 14% of one-stop connections
    • Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan (UBN) – 12% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 27% on flights from Istanbul Airport to Seoul. Monday is the cheapest departure day at £469 return on average, while Friday is the most expensive at £639, a difference of £169.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to three days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • Which airlines fly from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    3 airlines operate flights between Istanbul Airport and Seoul. The airlines offering direct flights on this route include:

    • Turkish Airlines
    • Korean Air
    • Asiana Airlines

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from Istanbul Airport to Seoul?

    Flying via Almaty (ALA) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 16h 01m, compared to 17h 55m via Shimkent (CIT) and 18h 19m via Tashkent Vostochny (TAS).

  • What is the time difference between Istanbul Airport and Seoul?

    Seoul is 6 hours ahead of Istanbul Airport (Korean Time vs Turkey Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Seoul?

    Some of the most popular sights in Seoul are Lotte World and COEX Convention and Exhibition Center. These are among the most viewed places in Seoul on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Istanbul Airport to Seoul flights?

    Among airlines operating Istanbul Airport to Seoul flights:

    • Korean Air: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Asiana Airlines: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Istanbul Airport to Seoul flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Korean Air: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Turkish Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Asiana Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class

    Baggage allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route, and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

Your guide to booking Istanbul Airport to Seoul flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Monday departure and avoid flying on Friday. On this route, Monday flights average £469, about £169 less than Friday fares (26% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 11 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 35% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Istanbul Airport to Seoul trip for June. Fares historically average £443 return in that month – typically £273 less than the most expensive month, which is February (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Ashgabat Airport (ASB) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages £292 return on this route – about £447 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, hotels close to the airport you're flying into can be a convenient option.

    Near Incheon Intl Airport

    • Grand Hyatt Incheon
    • Hotel Ora Incheon
    • Best Western Premier Incheon Airport

    Near Seoul Gimpo Intl Airport

    • Intercity Seoul Hotel
    • LOTTE City Hotel Gimpo Airport
    • Mayfield Hotel & Resort Seoul

More options for your flight from Istanbul to Seoul

Complete your trip to Seoul with a hotel stay or car hire

Car hire in Seoul
Hotels in Seoul
Holidays in Seoul