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South Korea

Why Visit South Korea?

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a dynamic and technologically advanced nation located on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. Covering approximately 100,363 square kilometers, it shares a border with North Korea to the north and is bounded by the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east.

South Korea’s history is marked by ancient kingdoms, dynasties, and its division from North Korea following the Korean War. The nation’s culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and a rich artistic tradition, with influences from both traditional and contemporary sources.

By air
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How to Reach South Korea by Air

Flying is the most common and efficient way to reach South Korea. The country is served by several international airports, with Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul and Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan being major entry points.

  • From North America and Europe: Travelers from North America and Europe often find direct or connecting flights to South Korea from major cities like New York, London, and Frankfurt. Airlines like Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Lufthansa operate these routes. Flight durations vary based on your departure location and layovers but typically range from 12 to 18 hours.
  • From Asia: If you’re coming from other Asian countries, you can catch direct or connecting flights to South Korea from cities like Tokyo, Beijing, or Bangkok. Consider airlines like Japan Airlines, Air China, or Korean Air. Flight durations can vary, with direct flights typically taking around 3 to 6 hours.
  • From Other International Locations: South Korea is well-connected to international destinations, and you can find flights from cities like Sydney, Dubai, or Istanbul. Airlines like Emirates, Korean Air, and Turkish Airlines offer routes to South Korea. Flight durations depend on your departure location and route but can range from 7 to 12 hours or more.
How Long Is the Flight to South Korea?

The average flight time to South Korea can vary depending on the departure city, airline, and route. Here are approximate flight times from some of the most common origins:

  • Tokyo, Japan: About 2 to 3 hours
  • Sydney, Australia: Around 10 to 11 hours
  • Los Angeles, USA: Approximately 13 to 14 hours
  • London, UK: About 11 to 12 hours
  • Hong Kong: Around 3 to 4 hours
  • Bangkok, Thailand: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
  • New York, USA: About 14 to 15 hours
  • Singapore: Around 6 hours

These are estimated times and actual flight durations may vary based on the specific route, stopovers, and other factors.

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By road
How to Reach South Korea by Road

Road travel into South Korea is possible from neighboring countries, including North Korea, China, and Russia. However, border crossings and road conditions may require research and planning. South Korea has a well-developed road network, allowing for travel by car or bus within the country.

AI Disclaimer Disclaimer: This page was created with help from AI | Reviewed by: Andrew Helling, Editor-in-Chief