Direct (nonstop) flights from Seoul to Istanbul

3 airlines fly nonstop from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Istanbul Airport (IST). It's 4,936 miles (7,943 km), about 11h 58m in the air. Operated by Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Turkish Airlines.

ICN
Incheon International Airport
🇰🇷 Seoul, Republic of Korea
IST
Istanbul Airport
🇹🇷 Istanbul, Turkiye
Flight Time
11h 58m
Distance
4,936 mi
7,943 km
CO₂/pax
755 kg
−84 kg vs. layover
Airlines
3
Korean Air +2
Time Diff
-6h
Operated by Korean Air Korean Air Asiana Airlines Asiana Airlines Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Korean Air KE Korean Air
Route
ICN → IST
Flight Time
11h 58m
Distance
4,936 mi
Asiana Airlines OZ Asiana Airlines
Route
ICN → IST
Flight Time
11h 58m
Distance
4,936 mi
Turkish Airlines TK Turkish Airlines
Route
ICN → IST
Flight Time
11h 58m
Distance
4,936 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Seoul to Istanbul with one stop · direct emits 755 kg CO₂ per passenger

ICN TAS (Tashkent) IST
Leg 1: 7h 10m (3,017 mi) Leg 2: 5h 20m (2,091 mi) Total: ~12h 30m 🍃 839 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ICN → TAS
7h 10m · 3,017 mi
View ICN to TAS flights →
Leg 2
TAS → IST
5h 20m · 2,091 mi
View TAS to IST flights →
ICN PEK (Beijing) IST
Leg 1: 2h 20m (561 mi) Leg 2: 10h 25m (4,398 mi) Total: ~12h 45m 🍃 801 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ICN → PEK
2h 20m · 561 mi
View ICN to PEK flights →
Leg 2
PEK → IST
10h 25m · 4,398 mi
View PEK to IST flights →
ICN PKX (Beijing) IST
Leg 1: 2h 5m (561 mi) Leg 2: 10h 48m (4,412 mi) Total: ~12h 53m 🍃 804 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ICN → PKX
2h 5m · 561 mi
View ICN to PKX flights →
Leg 2
PKX → IST
10h 48m · 4,412 mi
View PKX to IST flights →
ICN ASB (Ashgabat) IST
Leg 1: 8h 50m (3,640 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,588 mi) Total: ~13h 5m 🍃 850 kg CO₂ (+13% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ICN → ASB
8h 50m · 3,640 mi
View ICN to ASB flights →
Leg 2
ASB → IST
4h 15m · 1,588 mi
View ASB to IST flights →
ICN UBN (Ulaanbaatar) IST
Leg 1: 3h 40m (1,218 mi) Leg 2: 9h 30m (3,720 mi) Total: ~13h 10m 🍃 800 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ICN → UBN
3h 40m · 1,218 mi
View ICN to UBN flights →
Leg 2
UBN → IST
9h 30m · 3,720 mi
View UBN to IST flights →

Looking for the return flight?

IST → ICN: Flights from Istanbul to Seoul

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Seoul to Istanbul?

A nonstop flight from Seoul (ICN) to Istanbul (IST) takes approximately 11 hours and 58 minutes. The distance is 4,936 miles (7,943 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Seoul to Istanbul?

3 airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Turkish Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Seoul to Istanbul?

Yes. 3 airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Turkish Airlines.

How far is Seoul from Istanbul?

The flight distance from Seoul to Istanbul is 4,936 miles (7,943 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Rome.

What is the time difference between Seoul and Istanbul?

Istanbul is 6 hours behind Seoul. (Asia/Seoul vs Europe/Istanbul.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from Seoul to Istanbul?

Probably — 6-hour time difference means moderate jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying westward is generally easier to adjust to.

What type of aircraft flies from Seoul to Istanbul?

At 11h 58m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Republic of Korea to Turkiye?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Turkiye embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Seoul to Istanbul?

Roughly 755 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 3,775 km.

Is the return flight from Istanbul to Seoul also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Seoul to Istanbul?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Incheon International Airport for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.