Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Europe to South Korea

Direct flight routes to South Korea

Non-stop flights between Europe and South Korea are primarily operated from major Western European cities to Seoul Incheon (ICN).

• Paris (CDG) – Seoul (ICN): Korean Air, Air France, 11h 25m


• Frankfurt (FRA) – Seoul (ICN): Korean Air, Lufthansa, 10h 45m


• London (LHR) – Seoul (ICN): Korean Air, 11h 10m


• Amsterdam (AMS) – Seoul (ICN): KLM, 11h 05m


• Rome (FCO) – Seoul (ICN): Korean Air, 11h 30m

Layover/stopover options

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub, known for competitive prices and 2-4 hour connection times. Modern airport with excellent lounges and shopping facilities.

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates main hub, typical connections of 3-5 hours. Offers free hotel for longer layovers, extensive duty-free shopping.

Helsinki (HEL) – Finnair’s hub specializing in Asia routes, efficient minimum connection time of 45 minutes. Compact airport layout ideal for transfers.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. One-stop flights through major hubs often cost 20-30% less than non-stop options.

Tips and recommendations

• Book flights departing Tuesday through Thursday for best prices, especially on one-stop routes.


• Korean Air and its SkyTeam partners often offer better rates when booking round-trip versus two one-way tickets.


• Consider Helsinki connection during winter months, as northern airports are better equipped to handle adverse weather.


• Middle Eastern connections (Dubai, Doha) typically offer better deals during European summer peak season.


• Look for mixed-carrier itineraries combining budget airlines to Istanbul or Helsinki with onward flights to Seoul.

• Flying via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines often yields 20-30% lower fares compared to direct flights, particularly from secondary European cities like Prague or Budapest. Their newest A350s feature 32-inch pitch in economy and free stopover programs in Istanbul. The airline has recently increased frequencies to Seoul to twice daily from their Istanbul hub.
• Poland’s LOT offers surprisingly competitive fares from Warsaw to Seoul, with prices averaging €550-650 round trip in economy during shoulder season. They operate Boeing 787 Dreamliners with above-average 32-inch seat pitch and higher cabin humidity levels. Their evening departure times from Warsaw allow convenient connections from most European cities.
• Gulf carriers Emirates and Qatar Airways frequently run sales with fares 25-40% below market average, especially from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe to Seoul. Both airlines offer superior comfort with modern A350 and 777 aircraft, plus the option to break journey in Dubai or Doha. Their extensive European network means you can often find better deals by departing from secondary cities.
• For direct flights, Korean Air’s A380 service from Paris and Frankfurt offers the best economy experience with 34-inch pitch and wider seats. Their partnership with Air France-KLM means attractive through fares from other European cities, and they recently increased baggage allowance to two pieces for economy passengers.
• Finnair operates fuel-efficient A350-900 aircraft from Helsinki to Seoul, offering some of the shortest flying times due to polar routes. Their basic economy fares from Southern Europe via Helsinki are often 15-20% cheaper than direct options. The airline’s early morning arrival in Seoul allows for same-day connections to Japanese and Chinese destinations.

1. Taking the cheapest route with multiple stops Long layovers and multiple connections through places like Moscow or Istanbul can add unnecessary stress and increase the risk of missed connections or lost luggage.
2. Only focusing on Incheon Airport While Incheon (ICN) is Seoul’s main gateway, some travelers overlook better-priced options to Gimpo Airport (GMP), which handles flights from select Asian hubs where you could potentially connect.
3. Booking during Korean holidays Flying during Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) means significantly higher fares and fully booked flights as millions of Koreans travel during these periods.
4. Missing out on Korean Air’s SKYPASS partnerships Many European travelers don’t utilize Korean Air’s partnerships with SkyTeam alliance members like Air France-KLM, which could offer better redemption rates and seat availability.
5. Scheduling tight layovers at major Asian hubs When connecting through airports like Tokyo Narita or Hong Kong, travelers often don’t account for the extensive security checks and terminal transfers, which require at least 2 hours transit time.

Korean Air

Best for: Most extensive direct flight network from Europe with superior Korean hospitality.

Operating from 12 European cities to Seoul-Incheon, with Paris CDG, London Heathrow, and Frankfurt being the main hubs. Their Economy Class offers generous 34-inch seat pitch and acclaimed Korean-style meals. Passengers consistently rate their service 4.3/5, praising the attentive cabin crew and cleanliness. Most flights are operated using modern Boeing 777-300ER or Airbus A380 aircraft, ensuring a quiet and comfortable journey.

Lufthansa

Best for: Reliable connections and convenient departure times from multiple European cities.

Serving Seoul from 8 European cities, primarily through Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna (in cooperation with Austrian Airlines). Economy Class features standardized 31-inch pitch seats with upgraded entertainment systems. Their Frankfurt and Munich hubs offer efficient connections with typical layovers of 1.5-2 hours. Passengers rate their Europe-Korea services 4.0/5, highlighting punctuality and consistent service quality.

Air France

Best for: Superior dining experience and entertainment options in Economy Class.

Operating from 6 European cities to Seoul, mainly through Paris CDG, Amsterdam (with KLM), and Rome. Their Economy Class stands out with French cuisine options and one of the largest entertainment libraries. The airline uses Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with comfortable 32-inch pitch seats. Passengers give an average rating of 4.1/5, particularly appreciating the food quality and entertainment variety.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Best value for money with excellent service and meal options.

Connecting 15 European cities to Seoul through Istanbul, with London, Paris, and Frankfurt being the primary departure points. Despite the longer total journey time due to the Istanbul stopover, they offer competitive prices and highly-rated Economy Class service. Their 32-inch pitch seats and award-winning catering receive consistent praise, with an overall passenger rating of 4.2/5.

Using APAC regional airlines to save on South Korea flights

When traveling from Europe to South Korea, splitting your journey using regional Asian carriers can lead to significant savings compared to booking with major airlines directly.

Key strategy points

1. Multi-city booking approach: Consider flying to a major Asian hub like Bangkok, Singapore, or Manila with a budget carrier, then booking a separate regional flight to South Korea.
2. Target budget-friendly hubs: Cities like Bangkok and Manila typically offer lower-cost connections and accommodate numerous low-cost carriers serving South Korea.
3. Regional carriers to consider: Airlines like Air Asia, Jeju Air, and Jin Air often provide competitive rates between Asian hubs and South Korea.
4. Optimal timing: Book regional segments 2-3 months ahead, when these carriers typically release their best fares.

Important considerations

Remember to account for baggage fees, terminal changes, and sufficient connection time when booking separate tickets. Consider spending a night in the hub city if the price difference justifies it, turning your stopover into a bonus destination.

While this strategy requires more planning, savings can reach up to 40% compared to direct bookings with major carriers.