Guide to Buying Cheap Plane Tickets to South Korea

Q: Are 0 VND tickets worth buying?

0 VND tickets sound attractive, but the total cost increases after adding baggage, seat selection, meals, and payment fees-usually by 1.2 - 1.8 million VND or more. If you don’t carefully read the conditions, you may end up paying more than a regular full-service ticket.

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Are you looking for tips on buying plane tickets to South Korea to grab the best deals and avoid hidden fees? This article is a comprehensive “handbook” compiling practical experience and references from multiple sources, ideal for first-time travelers to Korea.

Understand Your Needs and the Flight Routes Between Vietnam and South Korea

Are you planning a trip to South Korea but confused about which airport to choose? This is completely understandable, especially when over 18 million travelers visit Korea every year, and most first-time visitors face the same dilemma as you.

Which Flight Route to Take to South Korea

When thinking of South Korea, many people immediately recall the bustling Seoul as in “My Love From The Star”, the romantic Busan like the scenes in “Train to Busan”, or the peaceful Jeju Island resembling “Our Blues”. Did you know each destination is best served by a specific airport? Choosing the right airport is like selecting the “perfect gateway” for a smooth journey, saving time, cost, and energy for exploration.

Major international airports in South Korea you need to know:

Seoul: Incheon (ICN), Gimpo (GMP)
Busan: Gimhae (PUS)
Jeju: Jeju International (CJU)

From Vietnam, there are direct flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul and Busan. Identifying your destination early helps optimize ticket prices and avoid unnecessary transit flights.

Read more: Experience South Korea’s Unique Festivals

Flight Time Between Vietnam and South Korea

Flight times from Vietnam to South Korea, especially Seoul, vary depending on the type of flight:

Hanoi to Seoul: approximately 3 hours 45 minutes
Da Nang to Seoul: approximately 4 hours 20 minutes
Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul: approximately 4 hours 55 minutes

Direct flights allow you to relax and enjoy the ride to the Land of the Morning Calm.

If you choose a connecting flight, travel time can increase significantly. Depending on the route and layover airport, you might wait an additional 6 to 11 hours. While this may offer cheaper ticket options, it can make your journey more tiring, especially if you are traveling with family or carrying lots of luggage.

Read more: Seoul Travel Guide

When Are Plane Tickets to South Korea the Cheapest?

When looking for tips on buying tickets to South Korea, you need to understand that prices fluctuate significantly by season. Knowing the peak and off-peak periods will help you plan your budget wisely.

Ticket Prices During High and Low Seasons in Korea

Did you know that plane tickets to South Korea can differ by up to 40% depending on the travel season? During peak periods, such as cherry blossom season in late March, summer, or autumn foliage season, ticket prices often increase by 20 – 40% due to high demand. Conversely, low seasons like February, early September, or December offer much more affordable rates.

If your goal is to get cheap tickets, prioritize weekday flights, especially Monday to Thursday, to increase your chances of finding lower fares and easily securing your tickets.

How Far in Advance Should You Book to Get the Best Price?

For flights between Vietnam and South Korea, the ideal booking window is 2 – 3 months in advance during regular seasons. For peak seasons, you should book at least 3 months ahead to avoid steep price increases. For example, if you plan to Korea travel in December monitor prices starting in May and try to book by July to lock in affordable rates.

Additionally, you can save significantly by hunting for airline promotions. Many apps like Traveloka, Klook, Agoda Flights, or even e-wallets like Momo and ShopeePay often offer discount codes of 5 – 15% for South Korea routes. Combining early booking with timely promotions can reduce your ticket cost by several hundred thousand to over a million VND.

Which Airline Should You Choose for South Korea?

Budget Airlines vs. Full-Service Airlines

If you are planning an independent trip to South Korea, especially during popular seasons like November or winter, you’ll see many airline options. Traditional carriers such as Vietnam Airlines or Korean Air are suitable for those prioritizing comfort, especially first-time travelers. Budget airlines like Vietjet Air or Jeju Air offer more cost-saving options.

Choosing the Right Ticket Class

One important tip is to understand the different ticket classes. You will encounter Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Each class offers varying levels of comfort. Within each class, there are fare types like Basic, Standard, or Flexible, differing in baggage allowance and change/cancellation options. Finally, the booking code (Y, Q, J, Z…) affects pricing and mileage accumulation.

Simply put, cheaper tickets usually come with fewer included benefits. So, consider carefully before booking.

Where to Book Plane Tickets to South Korea for the Best Price

According to iVISA’s experience, prioritize booking through reputable platforms to easily compare prices and catch early deals. Most Vietnamese travelers book via Traveloka, Booking, Agoda, or Google Flights for convenience and easy cost tracking.

You can also book directly on airline websites such as Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, or Korean Air, which often offer exclusive promotions or additional baggage allowance. For fixed itineraries, booking 6 – 10 weeks in advance helps secure stable prices, especially for Seoul and Busan during peak seasons.

Read more: What to Buy When Traveling to South Korea?

Important Notes About Procedures and Costs When Buying Tickets

One key tip is never to focus only on the displayed ticket price

Luggage, Seat Selection, Meals, and Hidden Fees

Many passengers rush to book cheap tickets without realizing hidden costs such as checked baggage, seat selection, meals, payment fees, or ticket printing fees. These can increase total costs by 20 – 40%, sometimes making the ticket more expensive than full-service airlines.

Always check the “fare breakdown” and “additional services” sections to know the total amount before payment. This helps you avoid mistakes common among first-time travelers.

How to Avoid Risks with Cheap Tickets

Cheap tickets usually come with strict conditions, like non-refundable or high change fees. This is risky if you don’t have a confirmed Korean visa or fixed travel plans. Many passengers lose the full ticket cost when plans change.

iVISA advises opting for more flexible tickets if your schedule is uncertain, and consider flight insurance. This helps minimize financial risks and is an essential tip for buying tickets to South Korea.

Read more: What to Wear When Traveling to South Korea?

Required Documents and Procedures for Flying to South Korea

To ensure a smooth trip, prepare all necessary documents:

Passport
Tourist visa South Korea
Round-trip ticket
Hotel booking
Travel insurance
Travel itinerary in South Korea

If you don’t have a visa or are unsure about entry requirements, do not rush to book cheap tickets. Contact iVISA for full support in obtaining a South Korean tourist visa from A to Z. Once your visa is ready, you can confidently book tickets and avoid unnecessary risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Plane Tickets to South Korea

How far in advance should I book tickets?

According to travelers’ experience and price tracking tools, the “golden” time is 6 – 10 weeks in advance. Prices are most stable and usually 10 – 25% lower than last-minute bookings. Early booking also provides more flight options and reduces the risk of sold-out seats during peak seasons.

Are “0 VND” tickets worth buying?

“0 VND” tickets sound attractive, but the total cost increases after adding baggage, seat selection, meals, and payment fees-usually by 1.2 – 1.8 million VND or more. If you don’t carefully read the conditions, you may end up paying more than a regular full-service ticket.

Should I buy tickets before having a Korean visa?

Do not purchase non-refundable cheap tickets if your visa is not confirmed. The risk of losing your money is high, up to 3 – 6 million VND for a round-trip pair. To handle visas quickly and reduce risk, contact iVISA for full support. Once the visa is confirmed, you can freely hunt cheap tickets and choose the best flight schedule.

Buying cheap plane tickets to South Korea is no longer difficult if you plan smartly and take advantage of promotions. Early booking, flexible flight times, and discount programs help save a significant amount. Every preparation step ensures a comfortable trip without unexpected costs. Don’t forget to contact iVISA for quick assistance with your South Korean tourist visa!

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