Traveling from Chicago to Seoul: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Chicago. Check out your options departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when reserving your flight from Chicago to Seoul.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Seoul, Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP) are the chief entry points.
The average length of a direct Chicago to Seoul flight is 14 hours 40 minutes.
Seoul is 14 hours ahead of Chicago and observes the UTC+9 timezone.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are seven departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Chicago to Seoul is with Korean Air at 12:30. Opt for the first ORD to ICN departure operated by Korean Air at 11:25 to fit in more activities on your first day in Seoul.
For a relaxed travel experience, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your Chicago to Seoul flight.
If you're flying during a popular month like August, arrive at the terminal even earlier. It's smart to arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures. You can expect lines to be longer during high seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Seoul
Score cheap Chicago to Seoul flights by booking five months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
Plan your trip for August. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on plane tickets from Chicago to Seoul. If your travel dates are not set in stone, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across every month.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Chicago to Seoul by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save money on your Chicago to Seoul flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Chicago to Seoul, you can leave from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Fly from ORD to Incheon International Airport (ICN) without making any stops.
Look out for promotions with Korean Air. This airline offers direct Chicago to Seoul plane tickets from ORD.
We make it simple to find a Chicago to Seoul flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from O'Hare International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) (LAS)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
ORD is about 26 kilometers from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the center, it'll take you 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 55 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Seoul, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
74.85% of flights taking off from O'Hare International Airport land at their destination on time.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Chicago to Seoul flight, check out these options when setting off from Chicago Midway International Airport:
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) (LAS)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 45 minutes. The airport is roughly 14 kilometers away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Chicago to Seoul? Relax in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your trip officially begins. Check out these accommodation options:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 77.88%.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is approximately 48 kilometers from central Seoul. How long it'll take to get to the center depends on the time of day. Do a little research beforehand.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chicago to Seoul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near ICN instead:
Go where the road takes you with an Incheon International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from WECAR, Hi Rent A Car or Alamo and see more of Seoul and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle from Incheon International Airport around four weeks before your trip.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is approximately 16 kilometers from the center of Seoul. Check out your options for traveling into town after your flight from Chicago to Seoul has landed.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near GMP. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Chicago to Seoul:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Gimpo International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from GOGO Rent a Car, Gogo Rental Car Seoul or Hi Rent A Car and get going in the blink of an eye.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride one week ahead of your arrival at GMP will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Seoul
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Chicago to Seoul. July is the most popular month to visit Seoul. If you want a more relaxed vibe, go in April.
The warmest month in Seoul is August, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC (66ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Book your Chicago to Seoul ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Seoul in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF) on average.
More about Seoul
Start your Seoul trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Seoul, explore our range of hotels including:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and N Seoul Tower are essential stops on your Seoul itinerary.
Explore more of South Korea
Seoul will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of South Korea waiting to be discovered. About 322 kilometers south-east of Seoul, a visit to Busan will keep you on the move. Start with leading attractions like Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and Beomeosa Temple.
Around 56 kilometers west of Seoul, Incheon is another essential stop in South Korea. No visit is complete without checking out Lawn Square of Incheon International Airport, Yeongjong Sky City No.23 Park and 스카이72 GC 바다코스.