Airfares for trips to Korea vary greatly depending on the season! ✈️ The season when you can travel affordably

Author: YEPPURIKO Editorial Team•02/26/2026

Airfare for a trip to Korea can vary greatly depending on the season! ✈️
How to choose the best season for an affordable trip

🗓️ A seasonal guide to help you save on travel expenses

YEPPURIKO（イェプリコ）, your one-stop guide to Korea, brings you everything you need to enjoy Korean beauty, travel, food, and more with peace of mind.

✈️ Even for the same trip to Korea, costs can vary greatly depending on when you go

When planning a trip to Korea, the total cost of your trip can vary greatly depending on which season you visit.

Airfare prices often vary depending on the season, and simply choosing a time when you can avoid crowds can give you more breathing room during your trip.

In this article, we introduce tips for choosing the right time to travel by season, so you can plan your trip to Korea more wisely.

Another appeal of choosing the right time is being able to put the money you save on travel expenses toward beauty treatments and gourmet experiences.
“When to go” is an important choice to consider first when planning a trip to Korea.

🌸 Times when airfare tends to be relatively inexpensive

In general, travel demand tends to be lower and airfare prices are more likely to drop during the following periods.

Late January to around February (excluding the period around Lunar New Year)

After the busy year-end and New Year period has settled down, there are relatively more available seats, except around Lunar New Year (Seollal).

Although it is cold in winter, the smaller crowds allow you to take your time enjoying tourist attractions and restaurants.

March to the first half of April (after spring break ends)

In the first half of April, after the peak of Japan’s spring break season at the end of March, you can enjoy a springlike atmosphere while the number of travelers begins to ease slightly.

The weather is also mild, making this a suitable time for strolling around the city and visiting beauty clinics.

November to the first half of December (before the year-end)

This is a short off-peak period after the Chuseok holiday break and before the year-end and New Year rush begins.

November, when you can enjoy the autumn foliage, is particularly comfortable and is one of the best times to enjoy a trip to Korea at relatively reasonable prices.

✅ Departing on a weekday may help you save even more

In many cases, both airfare and accommodation costs are more reasonable when departing on a weekday than on a weekend. If your schedule is flexible, consider departing on a weekday.

🏨 How to choose when and where to stay to save on accommodation costs

Accommodation costs also vary significantly depending on the combination of area and timing.

Consider areas other than Gangnam for your accommodation

Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae have good transportation access and tend to offer more affordable accommodation than Gangnam.

Since Gangnam, where many beauty clinics are located, can be reached by subway in approximately 20–30 minutes, staying in another area is also an option.

Accommodation costs also tend to rise during Korean holiday periods (Lunar New Year and Chuseok)

Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok are Korea’s longest holiday periods.

During these periods, not only does the number of travelers increase, but some stores and facilities may also be closed, so if this is your first trip to Korea, it is best to avoid these times if possible.

💆 Things that are easier to enjoy precisely because it’s the off-season

There are some points that we especially want those who wonder, “Can I enjoy traveling to Korea even during a less crowded period?” to know.

Many aesthetic clinics operate year-round

Korean aesthetic clinics operate year-round, regardless of the tourist season.

During less crowded periods, appointments are easier to book, and it is also easier to spend your recovery time relaxing at your accommodation after treatment.

Enjoy food and shopping at a more relaxed pace

Even popular restaurants tend to have shorter wait times than during busy periods.

Shopping in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun is also relatively more relaxed and easier to enjoy than during busy periods.

✅ About using LCCs (low-cost carriers)

There are plenty of LCC options on routes between Japan and Korea. However, baggage restrictions and whether transfers are required vary by airline, so it is best to check the baggage conditions and any additional fees in advance.

📋 Points to Check Before Your Trip

✅ Points on Reservations and Transportation

・Starting to check airfare around 2–3 months before departure can give you more options

・LCCs may offer better deals when you take advantage of early-bird discounts and sales during specific periods

・For beauty clinic consultations, tentatively scheduling an appointment online before traveling can help things go smoothly on the day

・The Airport Railroad (AREX) is convenient for getting from Incheon Airport to the city, and the estimated travel time to Seoul Station is approximately 50–60 minutes

✅ Estimated Holiday and Crowded Periods (subject to annual changes)

・Lunar New Year (Seollal): A major holiday lasting 3–5 days, usually around January to February each year

・Chuseok: A major holiday lasting 3–5 days, usually around September to October each year

・Japan’s major holiday periods (Golden Week, Obon, and the year-end/New Year holidays) are also times when demand for airfare increases

・Periods when holidays in Japan and South Korea overlap tend to be especially crowded, so plan with plenty of time to spare

✨ Summary: Checklist for Choosing the Right Time

To enjoy Korea while keeping travel costs down, make sure to check the following before departure.

☑️ Check that your travel dates do not overlap with Lunar New Year, Chuseok, or Japan's major holiday periods

☑️ Consider late January to February, early April, or November to early December as options

☑️ Compare a weekday departure schedule with a weekend departure at least once

☑️ Choose your accommodation area based on the balance between convenience and cost

☑️ Confirm your beauty clinic appointment online in advance for a smoother experience on the day

☑️ Check the baggage allowance rules of low-cost carriers in advance

☑️ Start looking at flight options 2–3 months in advance

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