Korea, a vibrant destination known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities like Seoul and Busan, attracts travelers worldwide. The cheapest time to fly to Korea is crucial in helping you plan an affordable journey.
By understanding seasonal trends and airline pricing strategies, you can find the best deals and enjoy all Korean offers without breaking the bank. This guide explores how to identify the cheapest time to book flights to Korea, ensuring you get the most value for your money.
Cheapest Time to Book Flights to Korea in 2024
There are two main factors to consider to find the cheapest time to book flights to Korea:
- Time of year: Flights to Korea are generally cheapest during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) – March to May and September to November. The most expensive times to fly are during the peak tourist seasons (summer and winter) – June to August and December to February.
- Day of the week to book: Generally, flights are cheapest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and most expensive on Fridays and Sundays.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Cheapest months to fly: March, April, May, September, October, and November are typically considered the cheapest months to fly to Korea.
- Cheapest days to book: Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Most expensive months to fly: June, July, August, December, January, and February.
- Most expensive days to book: Fridays and Sundays.
Pros & Cons of Fly to Korea During the Cheapest Times
Pros:
- Save Money: The biggest pro of the cheapest time to fly to Korea is significant cost savings on flights and potential accommodation. Shoulder seasons (Spring – March to May & Fall – September to November) generally lower prices than peak tourist seasons (Summer – June to August & Winter – December to February).
- Fewer Crowds: Popular tourist destinations will be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. You’ll have easier access to attractions, restaurants, and transportation without long wait times.
- Pleasant Weather: Shoulder seasons in Korea often offer comfortable temperatures, avoiding summer heat and winter cold extremes. Spring brings beautiful blooms, while fall boasts vibrant foliage.
Cons:
- Limited Service: During the shoulder seasons, some restaurants, shops, and tours, particularly in smaller towns, might have limited hours or be closed altogether.
- Unpredictable Weather: Shoulder seasons can experience unpredictable weather patterns, with occasional rain showers or cooler temperatures than anticipated. Be prepared for slight variations.
- Potential for Fewer Events: Major festivals or cultural events might occur outside the shoulder seasons, so you might miss out on experiencing those.
Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons:
| Feature | Shoulder Season | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Prices | Lower | Higher |
| Accommodation Prices | Lower (potentially) | Higher |
| Crowds | Fewer | More |
| Weather | Pleasant | Hot (Summer) / Cold (Winter) |
| Service Availability | Limited in some areas | More readily available |
| Events | Fewer major events | More festivals and cultural events |
Cheapest Airlines Fly to Korea
Here are some of the cheapest airlines known for offering budget flights to Korea:
- T’Way Air: This South Korean low-cost carrier provides service to several destinations in Korea from various cities in Asia.
- Jeju Air: Another South Korean low-cost carrier known for affordable flights within Asia, including routes to Korea.
- Peach Aviation: This Japanese low-cost carrier offers budget-friendly options for travel between Japan and Korea.
- Jin Air: Jin Air is a low-cost subsidiary of Korean Air that offers flights to Korea from various destinations in Asia.
- Spring Airlines: This Chinese low-cost carrier offers flights to Korea from various cities in China.
- VietJet Air: This Vietnamese low-cost carrier has routes to Korea from several cities in Vietnam.
- Cebu Pacific Air: The Philippines’ largest low-cost carrier offers flights to Korea from select Philippine cities.
- AirAsia: A Malaysian low-cost carrier with an extensive network across Asia, including routes to Korea.
Additional Tips to Save Your Money When Booking Flights to Korea
- Be Flexible: (This combines the first two points from your previous response) As mentioned before, even a slight shift in travel dates (weekdays vs. weekends) and trip duration can lead to significant price differences. Consider flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, staying a day or two longer, or exploring open-jaw flights if you plan on traveling around Korea.
- Search Strategies: (This combines the following two points from your previous response) Utilize incognito mode and alternative airport searches when looking for flights. This helps avoid price hikes and potentially reveals cheaper options near your final destination. Additionally, explore using multi-city search options to find deals on one-way legs.
- Alerts and Deals: (This is the same point as your previous response.) Sign up for email alerts from airlines flying to Korea and budget travel websites. Stay updated on special offers, flash sales, and error fares that might appear.
- Consider Low-Cost Carriers: (This is the same point from your previous response) Budget airlines can be a great option, but be mindful of baggage fees and limited services offered compared to traditional airlines.
- Credit Card Rewards: (This is the same point as your previous response.) Utilize travel reward credit cards strategically, but ensure the redemption value of the points outweighs any annual fees.
- Consider Off-Peak Seasons: While shoulder seasons are generally the cheapest, you might find even better deals during the accurate off-peak times. This could involve traveling during Korea’s monsoon season (late June to July) or colder winter months (December to February) if you’re comfortable with the weather conditions.
- Track Historical Prices: Some flight comparison websites allow you to track historical price trends for specific routes. This can help you determine the typical price range and identify potential buying windows.
- Consider Package Deals: Explore package deals offered by travel agencies that might combine flights and accommodation at a discounted rate. This can be a convenient option, especially for first-time visitors to Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest time to fly to Korea from Canada is typically during the late fall and early winter months, from late October to early December, and from mid-January to early March. These periods fall outside of peak tourist seasons, making flights more affordable. Avoid traveling during the summer (June to August) and major holidays like Lunar New Year (late January/early February) when ticket prices are higher due to increased demand. Booking your flights at least two to three months in advance and keeping an eye on deals from major airlines or budget carriers can help you secure the lowest prices. Mid-week departures, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, also tend to offer the best rates.
Yes, mid-week flights, specifically Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper compared to flights on weekends. So, if flexibility allows, consider booking your flight departing on these days to save some money.
Early morning or late-night flights are often less expensive compared to flights during peak daytime hours. Keep an eye out for these less popular departure times to snag a bargain on your flight to Korea.
Generally, booking your flight to Korea at least two to three months in advance can help you secure better deals. However, keep an eye out for airline promotions and fare sales, as last-minute deals can sometimes offer significant savings.
