Flying from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Seoul: what you need to know
Seoul is 16 hours ahead of San Diego, where San Diego International Airport is located. Seoul follows the UTC+9 timezone.
For a relaxed start to your SAN to Seoul flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're travelling during a bank holiday or another peak period, give yourself more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even visit a new city. When browsing for plane tickets from SAN to Seoul, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) (LAS)
Located around 3 kilometres from central San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 10 minutes by car. Travelling on public transport will take roughly 20 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near SAN. Whether you have an early flight from San Diego International Airport to Seoul or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are a convenient choice:
Of all flights departing from San Diego International Airport, 71.38% land on time at their destination.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Seoul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way San Diego International Airport to Seoul flight is P23,300. The cheapest price for a return flight is P45,202. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from SAN to Seoul if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird rates.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price across each month when looking for your San Diego International Airport to Seoul ticket.
You don't need to check every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an updated deal for cheap flights from SAN to Seoul.
Save money on your flight from San Diego International Airport to Seoul with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
From Incheon International Airport (ICN), central Seoul is roughly 48 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre by public transport will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Look into staying at a hotel close to ICN if you're coming in on a late flight from San Diego International Airport to Seoul. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up an Incheon International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from WECAR, Hi Rent A Car or Alamo and experience the lesser-explored corners of Seoul and beyond.
To get the lowest price, book your ride from Incheon International Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from SAN to Seoul.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
If you're staying in central Seoul (or just want to see the sights straight away), the city is around 16 kilometres from Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Keep an eye out for any information kiosks to point you in the right direction after hopping off your flight from San Diego International Airport to Seoul.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 5 minutes or so.
Following your SAN to Seoul flight, rest your head at a hotel near GMP. These are some great options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
GOGO Rent a Car, Gogo Rental Car Seoul and Hi Rent A Car make collecting a Gimpo International Airport rental car simple. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from GMP one week ahead of time often means better prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Seoul
Before you book your flights from San Diego International Airport to Seoul, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Seoul offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while low season means you'll get better deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
Book a San Diego International Airport to Seoul plane ticket with a departure in August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 19ºC (66ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from SAN to Seoul in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF) on average.
More about Seoul
Once you've booked your flight from San Diego International Airport to Seoul, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Seoul:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Seoul.
Explore more of South Korea
Busan is just one of the many places in South Korea waiting to be explored once you've seen Seoul. Around 322 kilometres away to the south-east, check out popular attractions including Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and Beomeosa Temple.
Around 241 kilometres south-east of Seoul, Daegu is another essential stop in South Korea. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Duryu Park People's Garden, E-World and Apsan Park.