Flying from Shanghai to Seoul: what you need to know
Shanghai is home to a couple of airports where you can start your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Shanghai to Seoul flying out of Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
Touch down in Seoul at Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
Around 2 hours is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Shanghai to Seoul flight.
Seoul's timezone is UTC+9, making Seoul one hour ahead of Shanghai.
The most popular route for flights from Shanghai to Seoul is from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Incheon International Airport (ICN). You can choose from 111 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to take off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from PVG to ICN is the 00:30 EASTAR JET service. If you prefer traveling later, the final departure is at 18:00 with China Eastern Airlines.
Allow plenty of time to make your Shanghai to Seoul flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect bigger queues in popular months like April. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Seoul
To find cheap Shanghai to Seoul flights, book as early as possible. Airlines usually offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price across each month when looking for your plane ticket from Shanghai to Seoul.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Shanghai to Seoul by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Shanghai to Seoul flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
You can catch a direct flight from Shanghai to Seoul leaving from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG). Begin your trip at PVG and touch down at Incheon International Airport (ICN).
There's a good selection of airlines that offer direct Shanghai to Seoul plane tickets out of PVG. Take off with any of these:
We make it a breeze to book a Shanghai to Seoul flight with a stopover. To see all the options departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight offering a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Qingdao Airport (TAO)
Kansai International (Osaka) Airport (KIX)
Jeju Airport (CJU)
PVG is about 32 kilometers from central Shanghai. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the center, it'll take 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 50 minutes.
Need a handy hotel near Shanghai Pudong Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Shanghai to Seoul, these stays will have you sleeping nice and close to your departure gate:
83% of flights departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport land at their destination on time. With its solid on-time performance, delays are unlikely when taking off from PVG.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
You can book a direct flight from Shanghai to Seoul out of Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA). Nonstop connections from SHA will take you to Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
Book a direct Shanghai to Seoul plane ticket with one of these top airlines that operate from SHA:
Make the most of your vacation with a stopover on your Shanghai to Seoul flight. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, here's where you can stop between Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and Seoul:
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Qingdao Airport (TAO)
SHA is around 13 kilometers from central Shanghai. It'll take you 30 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city center. Public transport takes roughly 40 minutes.
You're off on vacation, so why not book an extra night away? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Seoul:
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport has a reputation for reliability and timeliness. 85% of flights taking off from here meet their scheduled arrival times without fail.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is approximately 48 kilometers from central Seoul. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
It typically takes 50 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Shanghai to Seoul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near ICN instead:
Pick up a Incheon International Airport rental car and discover Seoul and beyond with your own set of wheels. WECAR, Hi Rent A Car and Alamo are leading providers you can book with here.
Reserving your ride from Incheon International Airport around four weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is about 18 kilometers from central Seoul. After your flight from Shanghai to Seoul, it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take roughly 35 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to GMP. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Shanghai to Seoul:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Gimpo International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from GOGO Rent a Car, Gogo Rental Car Seoul or Hi Rent A Car and be on your way in a flash.
Snap up the best price by booking your ride from GMP one week ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Seoul
August is the busiest month for flights from Shanghai to Seoul. To avoid the crowds, go to Seoul in March.
Book a Shanghai to Seoul ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Seoul to range from 19ºC (66ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Shanghai to Seoul in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF).
More about Seoul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Seoul right here. Check out these hotels after you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Seoul:
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village are a couple of major attractions to add to your Seoul must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at N Seoul Tower.
Explore more of South Korea
You've visited Seoul, now it's time to discover other parts of South Korea. Journey about 338 kilometers southeast to Busan to tick off its leading attractions. From Gamcheon Culture Village to Haeundae Beach and Oryukdo Skywalk, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in South Korea, head for Incheon, roughly 27 kilometers southwest of Seoul. Songdo Central Park, Songdo Hanok Village and Wolmi Theme Park are key highlights.