Flying from Seoul to San Diego: what you need to know
Seoul is home to a couple of airports where you can kick off your travels. Check out your options for booking a flight from Seoul to San Diego flying out of Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
Hop off the plane at San Diego's chief entry point, San Diego International Airport (SAN).
San Diego is 17 hours behind Seoul and follows the UTC-8 timezone.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your Seoul to San Diego flight.
Flying during a peak time like August? Public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to San Diego
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap Seoul to San Diego flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price across the month when looking for your plane ticket from Seoul to San Diego.
Finding a cheap flight from Seoul to San Diego is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Seoul to San Diego flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
We make it simple to book a Seoul to San Diego flight with a stopover. To see your options departing from Incheon International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
Travelling from central Seoul to ICN takes around 50 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 48 kilometres in 1 hour 5 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Need a handy hotel close to Incheon International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Seoul to San Diego, these accommodation options will put you nice and close to your departure gate:
Of all flights leaving Incheon International Airport, 74% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
You can reach GMP from the centre of Seoul in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride on public transport takes roughly 35 minutes to cover the 18 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not extend it with an additional night away? Consider kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Gimpo International Airport the day before your flight from Seoul to San Diego:
Gimpo International Airport has a track record for punctuality. 81% of flights taking off from here land precisely when expected.
Arriving in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The distance from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to central San Diego is approximately 5 kilometres. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It usually takes 25 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Seoul to San Diego, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these accommodation options near SAN:
Pick up a San Diego International Airport rental car and discover San Diego and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are leading providers to choose from here.
Booking your vehicle from San Diego International Airport around two weeks in advance gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
Central San Diego is approximately 48 kilometres from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Once your flight from Seoul to San Diego has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 35 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
After your flight from Seoul to San Diego, unwind at a hotel close to CLD. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a taxi. Pick up a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the availability and rates from Budget, Hertz and Avis.
Get the vehicle you actually want, not just what's left over, by securing your ride from CLD in advance. You'll also avoid last-minute price hikes, especially when the airport is busy.
Best time to go to San Diego
March is the quietest month for flights from Seoul to San Diego, while August is the most popular. Find the best time to visit San Diego based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Seoul to San Diego ticket departing in August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in San Diego to range from 16ºC (61ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Seoul to San Diego in February if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 8ºC (46ºF) and 22ºC (72ºF) on average.
More about San Diego
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in San Diego right here. Browse these hotels once you've booked your flight from Seoul to San Diego:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum are top sights which should feature on every San Diego itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've done San Diego, now it's time to discover other parts of the United States. Travel about 177 kilometres northwest to Los Angeles to tick off its leading attractions. From Hollywood Sign to Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 483 kilometres east of San Diego, Phoenix is another essential stop in the United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Camelback Mountain, Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room and Heard Museum.