Find the cheapest flights from London to Seoul in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Seoul (ICN)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 14 h – 20 h
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €520 | medium |
| February | €480 | low |
| March | €450 | low |
| April | €470 | medium |
| May | €530 | medium-high |
| June | €590 | high |
| July | €680 | high |
| August | €720 | high |
| September | €560 | medium-high |
| October | €490 | medium |
| November | €450 | low |
| December | €630 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Korean Air (direct): from €550 — Use Korean Air’s website directly – they often have promos for UK departures and allow free seat selection 24h before departure
- Asiana Airlines (direct): from €530 — Asiana often undercuts Korean Air by €20-40; book 10+ weeks ahead for best direct fares
- Emirates (connecting): from €580 — Emirates prices are competitive despite the Dubai stop; their flexible fare includes changes for £50
- Turkish Airlines (connecting): from €480 — Often the cheapest connecting option; Istanbul stopover can be 2-8 hours – consider a mini-break
- Qatar Airways (connecting): from €560 — Doha connection is usually shorter (1.5-3h) than Istanbul; their business class deals are excellent
Booking Strategy
For London to Seoul, book 8-12 weeks ahead for the best balance of availability and price. Direct flights with Korean Air or Asiana Airlines are your best value at €500-580 return – compare both as pricing fluctuates daily. March and November offer the lowest fares at €450-500 return, while August peaks at €700+. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €50-100 cheaper than Friday/Sunday. Use Skyscanner’s ‘whole month’ view to identify cheapest dates – flying mid-week in off-peak months can save €200+. Avoid booking through third-party aggregators for this route; book directly with airlines for better rebooking flexibility if plans change. Google Flights price alerts set 10 weeks before your target dates work well for catching flash sales.
Route Tips
- Book direct flights through Korean Air or Asiana Airlines’ UK websites – they price in GBP and sometimes offer exclusive promotions not found on comparison sites
- London Heathrow Terminal 2 (Star Alliance) has better lounge options if you have priority pass; Terminal 3 (oneworld) is more convenient for Asiana departures
- South Korea requires ETA approval before boarding – apply at least 3 days ahead via the K-ETA website (₩10,000/€7)
- Consider a stopover in Dubai, Istanbul, or Doha – some carriers offer free stopovers that can break up the journey and save on accommodation
- AREX train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station is the fastest city transfer at 43 minutes – buy a T-Money card at 7-Eleven for discounted travel
- If flying in cherry blossom season (late March-early April), book 3+ months ahead as this route is extremely popular for photographers
- Korean Air allows free seat selection at booking – do this immediately as window seats on the left side offer better views over the East Sea
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Seoul?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Seoul Incheon take approximately 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes, depending on winds and specific routes. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines operate daily direct services. If flying with one stop (connecting), expect 14-20 hours total travel time, with typical stopovers in Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Frankfurt (Lufthansa). The shortest connecting time is usually via Dubai or Doha at 14-15 hours, while Istanbul routes can extend to 18-20 hours depending on connection timing.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Seoul?
Return economy flights from London to Seoul start from around €450 in the low season (March, November) when booking 10+ weeks ahead. Peak season (July-August, Christmas) sees prices rise to €650-720 for economy return. Direct flights on Korean Air or Asiana Airlines typically cost €530-600 return, while connecting options via Turkish Airlines can be cheaper at €480-520. Business class direct flights range from €2,200-3,500 depending on availability and booking timing.
Are there direct flights from London to Seoul?
Yes, direct flights are available from London Heathrow (LHR) to Seoul Incheon (ICN). Korean Air operates 1-2 daily direct flights, and Asiana Airlines operates 1 daily direct flight. These are the only non-stop options from the UK. Flight duration is approximately 11h 30m. No direct flights operate from Gatwick, Stansted, or other London airports – all direct services depart from Heathrow Terminal 2 (Korean Air) and Terminal 3 (Asiana).
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Seoul?
March and November are the cheapest months to fly from London to Seoul, with average return fares of €450-480. These shoulder seasons offer the best combination of low demand and mild weather. February also sees relatively low prices at €480-500. The most expensive period is mid-June through August when European summer holidays drive demand, with August averaging €700+ for economy return. Christmas/New Year (December) is also expensive at €600-650 due to Korean diaspora traveling home.
Which airlines fly from London to Seoul?
Direct airlines: Korean Air (daily, Terminal 2 LHR) and Asiana Airlines (daily, Terminal 3 LHR). Connecting airlines: Emirates (via Dubai), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), and Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi). Turkish Airlines and Emirates typically offer the cheapest connecting fares at €480-550, while Korean Air and Asiana provide the most convenient direct service at €530-600. All major airlines serve this route with reliable schedules.
What airport do I fly into in Seoul?
You’ll fly into Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), located approximately 52km west of central Seoul. Incheon is Korea’s main international hub and consistently rated among the world’s best airports. Transport options: AREX express train to Seoul Station (43 minutes, ₩14,800/€10), airport buses to major hotels (60-90 minutes, ₩17,000-19,000/€12-14), or taxis (45-60 minutes, ₩65,000-80,000/€45-55 depending on traffic). The airport has excellent facilities including free showers, sleeping pods, and a golf course. Gimpo Airport (GMP) handles some domestic and regional flights but is not used by long-haul carriers from London.
How far in advance should I book London to Seoul flights?
Book London to Seoul flights 8-12 weeks in advance for optimal pricing. This window typically offers the best balance between availability and fare prices. Booking too early (6+ months) occasionally catches error fares but generally doesn’t guarantee better prices, while booking within 4 weeks sees prices rise significantly as seats fill. For March/November travel, set alerts 12 weeks out. For peak August travel, book 10-14 weeks ahead as this route fills quickly. Last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks) rarely work for this route and typically cost €200+ more than advance bookings.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Seoul on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €50-100 cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights on this route. The difference is most pronounced in medium-demand months (April, May, September, October). Saturday departures often fall between midweek and weekend pricing. This pattern holds for both direct and connecting flights. If your schedule is flexible, shifting a Friday departure to Wednesday can save enough to cover a hotel night. However, return day matters less than outbound – focus on flexible outbound dates rather than return days for maximum savings.
Data updated: 2026-03
