Thinking of going to South Korea? I know very well that all the K-pop bands, movies, and dramas have made you desperately want to visit this country.
Not just that, the food? Oh my God, I know so many people would drool over just watching it on TV. Moreover, this country is also rich in culture and offers a variety of modern attractions.
Don’t just sit and explore the county through your screen, make a plan and live all the things you dreamed about in real life.
Now, get ready to take in all the information I’m about to share with you. Read details on how to travel to South Korea from India, including visa requirements, transportation, and travel tips.
Quick Answer on How to Go to South Korea
Take a flight to reach South Korea from India; it is the fastest way to your destination. It will take you just 7 hours by air for a non-stop flight.
Some cities have direct flights to Seoul, while others have one-stop flights. For the connecting flights, the cost will be much less, but the travel time will be doubled.
I will discuss all the costs and flight details throughout the blog.
Know Why South Korea is a Popular Destination for Indians
The obvious answer is K-pop. Indians are crazy about that, I would say, not just indians but people all over the world.
I am sure everyone has become obsessed with BTS and Blackpink. I binged-watched dramas like Descendants of the Sun, Reply 1988, Boys Over Flowers, and many more that I’ve lost count of, even back in 2016.
Now in 2025, they are Squid Game, Parasite, and Past Lives, which are globally recognised for their storytelling and cultural appreciation.
However, this country didn’t just rely on its entertainment industry to attract people. They continued to cover people well, making them feel like they were one of them through cultural and social aspects, such as food, fashion, skincare, makeup, and many more.
Basically, half of the tourists are going to buy different things from South Korea, like innovative snacks, cute accessories, and especially skin care products. I say, it’s all worth the money you spend.
Visa Requirements for Indians
When you are planning your trip, the first mandatory thing is a Visa. Additionally, you need to be very serious about applying for one, or obtaining a letter and gathering all the necessary documents if the country is visa-free.
Do Indians Need a Visa for South Korea?
Yes, an Indian passport holder must obtain a visa to visit South Korea.
However, the hard truth is, it is not as easy as you think. You need to be very careful when applying, ensuring you have all the necessary documentation and proof required. I think it’s good to learn about the South Korea tourist visa for Indians when you are planning your trip.
Documents Required for Visa Application
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa application form
- Recent passport-size photographs with a white background
- Trip Itinerary Document
- Confirmations on hotel bookings
- Bank statements with sufficient funds (last 6 months)
- Employment certificate or student proof ( could be a leave letter or salary slip)
- Cover letter explaining your reasons to visit the country
Best Time to Travel from India to South Korea
Spring (April to May) is the best time to explore South Korea. And the second best option is Autumn (September to November).
I know many countries have summer as their peak tourist season, but here, Spring is the busiest time.
It’s essential to know how to travel to South Korea, but it’s crucial to know the best time to visit the country to make the most of your experience.
Let’s see a season-wise breakdown
- Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms, mild temperatures, and best for sightseeing.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with rainy days. However, it’s the perfect time of year with fewer crowds and better deals on hotels and flights.
- Autumn (September-November): Enjoy gorgeous fall colours, comfortable weather, and great for trips and roaming the city.
- Winter (December-February): Extremely cold but perfect for skiing, hot springs, and snow festivals.
India to South Korea Distance & Travel Time
Though South Korea is far from India, we always felt it was close and very relatable. That is because of the similar cultural background, like family importance and respect for elders. It might feel like home, but it’s far away from India.
How far is South Korea from India?
South Korea is approximately 4,700 to 5,500 kilometres away from India; the exact distance varies depending on your departure city.
How to Reach South Korea from India: Flights & Cost
This is the detail you have been waiting for. I will provide you with the flight details, cost, routes, and all the necessary information here.
Air travel is the most convenient, fastest, and best way to travel. You can take a direct flight from India to South Korea.
The flights are listed below in the most convenient range, based on travel duration and lowest cost. Therefore, it will be helpful for you to plan your trip and create your South Korea itinerary based on this information.
So, let’s explore the major cities in India and their corresponding flights.
| City | Flights | Departure | Layovers | Arrival in Seoul-Incheon | Amount in INR | Total Duration |
| Chennai | Malaysia Airlines MH | 183 | 11:45 | One stop in Kuala Lumpur (5h 10mins)
Change Plane: Malaysia Airlines MH | 66 |
07:10 | 29,478 | 15h 55m |
| Malaysia Airlines
MH | 181 |
23:55 | One stop in Kuala Lumpur (8h 20mins)
Change Plane: Malaysia Airlines MH | 38 |
22:30 | 29,478 | 19h 05m | |
| Kochi | VietJet Air VJ | 1812 | 23:50 | One stop in Ho Chi Minh City (5h 40mins)
Change Plane: VietJet Air VJ | 860 |
19:25 | 26,092 | 16h 05m |
| Mumbai | Vietnam Airlines VN | 978 | 23:10 | One stop in Ho Chi Minh City (3h 10mins)
Change Plane: Vietnam Airlines VN | 402 |
16:25 | 16,631 | 13h 45m |
| New Delhi | Air India
AI 312 |
00:05 | Non-stop | 10:40 | 35,240 | 07h 05m |
| Vietnam Airlines VN | 980 | 23:35 | One stop in Hanoi (5h 10mins)
Change Plane: Vietnam Airlines VN | 414 |
16:35 | 16,659 | 13h 30m | |
| Bengaluru | VietJet
Air VJ | 1802 |
23:35 | One stop in Ho Chi Minh City (6h 20mins)
Change Plane: VietJet Air VJ | 860 |
19:25 | 36,072 | 13h |
| Hyderabad | Vietnam Airlines VN | 984 | 23:45 | One stop in Hanoi (5h 05mins)
Change Plane: Vietnam Airlines VN | 414 |
16:35 | 30,380 | 13h 20m |
Note: Flight costs vary based on the season, holiday, and last-minute bookings. Therefore, it’s advisable to book in advance for better deals and to have a structured budget plan.
How to Travel Within South Korea
Now that you have figured out how to travel to South Korea from India, the next big task is knowing the best ways to travel within the country.
You can take domestic flights or buses to other cities, or take a local bus or metro to go to nearby attractions. Or simply hire a cab.
It’s easy to say, but it can be overwhelming when in a foreign country. However, the best part is that South Korea has the most efficient transport systems in Asia. Let me help with.
Metro
You can take subway networks, which are available in major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Incheon. The cost will also be affordable, and the stations have dual-language options, Korean and English.
There are literally so many metro lines operating in each city, it’s good to know how you can get around. It’s better to have any of the metro apps to navigate the routes and know the cost
Intercity Train
If you are travelling from one city to another, you don’t have to spend a lot on domestic flights.
You can take KTX (Korea Train eXpress), which is the fastest way to travel between cities with speeds over 300 km/h.
You can check the prices, departure city and the arrival city, all on the Korea Train eXpress website.
Bus vs Cabs
Buses are a cheaper option compared to cabs. Also, you can choose buses to travel with in and out of the city. It is cheaper, but you will have many stops along the way.
You can download apps like Kakao Bus to book buses that run intercity.
Cabs are affordable in Korea, but not as cheap as buses. Also, you don’t have to go anywhere, just book and the driver will come pick you up from your hotel or anywhere you are.
If you want to book cabs in South Korea, check out popular apps like K-RIDE and TABA.
Conclusion
With all this information on how to travel to South Korea, will you still be postponing your trip? It is just a few hours away, making it one of the easiest countries in East Asia to explore.
When you land and start discovering all the ancient temples, modern skyscrapers, shopping districts, and landscapes, you will feel it is worth it for a lifetime.
Start by preparing your visa, booking flights early, and keeping the main information I shared in mind. If you require assistance with planning your trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our team will help you with visa, flights, accommodation, sightseeing and your entire trip. Not just South Korea, Dimaak Tours helps you with all international travel from India.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Go to South Korea from India
How much can you expect to spend when you visit South Korea?
For a 6-day trip, a budget traveller needs 90,000 INR – 1,20,000 INR. Mid-range travellers, it can exceed 1,80,000 INR. And the luxury travellers, you may need to start preparing, as it costs more than 3,00,000 INR.
Are there direct flights from India to South Korea?
Only from Delhi do you have a direct flight to South Korea. Other major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore will have a one-stop.
Should an Indian passport holder need a Korean visa?
Yes, it is mandatory to take a visa if you are an Indian passport holder to visit South Korea.
Which city should I land in first, Seoul or Busan?
Most of the flights land in Seoul (Incheon International Airport). So, exploring Seoul is the best option. After that, you can take a KTX train or a domestic flight to Busan.