Traveling from Seoul to Shanghai: what you need to know
There are two main airports to choose from in Seoul. Check out your options departing from Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP) when planning your flight from Seoul to Shanghai.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the major entry points.
Around 2 hours 10 minutes is how long you can expect to be traveling on a direct Seoul to Shanghai flight.
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Shanghai one hour behind Seoul.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 107 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Seoul to Shanghai is with EASTAR JET at 22:30. Go for the first ICN to PVG departure operated by Korean Air at 08:25 to fit in more activities on your first day in Shanghai.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Seoul to Shanghai flight.
During popular months such as July, it's best to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Shanghai
AED 191 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Seoul to Shanghai. Return flights start at AED 431. These fares may change based on demand.
Book one month before flying. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Seoul to Shanghai flights.
April is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Seoul to Shanghai. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Seoul to Shanghai is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Find a cheap Seoul to Shanghai flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Set off from Incheon International Airport (ICN) on a nonstop flight from Seoul to Shanghai. From ICN, you can land directly at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
There are numerous airlines that offer direct Seoul to Shanghai plane tickets out of ICN. Take off with any of these:
We make it a cinch to find a Seoul to Shanghai flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Incheon International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO)
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC)
The distance from central Seoul to ICN is about 48 kilometers. Use Google Maps for the quickest way to get there, whether you're driving or taking public transport.
Have an early flight from Seoul to Shanghai? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to Incheon International Airport:
54.5% of flights that depart Incheon International Airport reach their destination on time.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
You can book a direct flight from Seoul to Shanghai departing Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Nonstop services from GMP will get you to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
GMP has a variety of airlines that offer direct Seoul to Shanghai plane tickets. Board your flight with one of these:
Split up your Seoul to Shanghai flight with a stop so you can recharge or cross a new place off your list. Some great stopovers between Gimpo International Airport and Shanghai are:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
The distance from Seoul's city center to GMP is around 16 kilometers. Consider transport options and possible delays when planning the quickest route to the airport.
It's your vacation, so why not extend it with another night away? Consider checking in to one of these hotels near Gimpo International Airport the day before your flight from Seoul to Shanghai:
Gimpo International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 76%. This figure sheds light on how frequently flights that depart from this airport arrive on time.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
The distance from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is roughly 32 kilometers. It takes around 50 minutes to reach the center driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 40 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Seoul to Shanghai. Stay at one of these accommodation options near PVG instead:
Drive into your next adventure with a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hertz to explore parts of Shanghai that don't always get the spotlight.
Increase the odds of snagging the best possible rate by booking early. Reserving your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at least a couple of weeks ahead is a smart idea.
The street address for PVG is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is roughly 13 kilometers from the center of Shanghai. Once you've hopped off your flight from Seoul to Shanghai, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near SHA. Settle in and get cozy after your Seoul to Shanghai flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Find the perfect playlist and hit the open road in a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hertz and get your trip rolling right away.
Avoid filling out forms at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from SHA ahead of time so you can simply grab the keys and go.
You'll find Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
It's time to figure out your trip dates for your flight from Seoul to Shanghai. April is the busiest month to visit Shanghai. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in April.
Lock in a Seoul to Shanghai ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Shanghai to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Search for cheap flights from Seoul to Shanghai around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Seoul to Shanghai, explore our range of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Shanghai.
Explore more of China
Shanghai has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of China just waiting to be discovered. About 274 kilometers west of Shanghai, a visit to Nanjing will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with attractions like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
If you want to check out another side of China, head for Suzhou, about 80 kilometers west of Shanghai. Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower are the start of reasons to visit.