Where to transit when going to Korea? Important notes for transit

Overview of traveling to Korea from Vietnam

Korea has two main airports:Seoul Incheon (ICN)– the main international airport, andBusan Gimhae (PUS). From Vietnam, you canfly direct(3-4 hours, most convenient) ortransit(save 15-30% cost).

Direct flights from Vietnam to Korea

Direct airlines:

• Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines:Daily, good service
• Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways:4-5 flights/week, competitive prices
• Asiana Airlines, Jin Air:5-6 flights/week

Cost:400-1,200 USD round trip depending on season

Popular transit points to South Korea

Bangkok (BKV) – Top choice:Thai Airways, T’way Air have many flights to Seoul (5.5-hour flight).Visa-free Thailand for 30 days, can visit Bangkok.

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Cheapest:AirAsia X, Malaysia Airlines offer the best prices.Visa-free Malaysia for 30 days, flight time 6.5 hours.

Singapore (SIN) – Good service:Singapore Airlines, Scoot with world-class Changi Airport. Flight time 6 hours.Note:No VFTF (transit visa exemption) for Vietnamese citizens.

Taipei (TPE) – Short flight:China Airlines, EVA Air only 2.5 hours to Seoul.Developed country visa required(USA/EU/Australia) for transit visa exemption.

Transit flight comparison table

South Korea visa procedures you need to know

C-3-9 Tourist Visa:

• Time:90 days, fee 45 USD, processing 5-7 days
• Finance:3-month statement, minimum 50 million VND
• Documents:Passport (6 months), application form, photo, statement, flight ticket, hotel booking

Special Visa Exemption:

• Jeju Island:30 daysonly if flying directto Jeju (CJU)
• Seoul Transit:72 hours not leaving the airport transit area

Important Transit Visa:

• Bangkok/Malaysia:Visa-exempt for 30 days entry
• Singapore: No VFTFfor Vietnamese citizens, visa required to leave
• Taipei:US/EU/Australia/Canada visa required for transit visa exemption

Important notes for transit

Safe layover time:

• Bangkok: 3-4 hours | Singapore: 2.5 hours | KL: 3-4 hours | Taipei: 2-3 hours

Ticket Booking:

• Prioritize tickets with the same booking code (PNR):Direct baggage, protected for transit
• Separate risky tickets:Full visa required, must collect baggage and re-check in

Documents to bring:

• Original passport + Korean visa
• Print all flight tickets and boarding passes
• Hotel booking with specific address

Estimated cost of traveling to Korea

Quick calculation formula for 5 days:

$$\text{Total costi−}=\text{Ve−Flight ticketa−Cost}+(5\times \text{/dayi−Visaa y})+\text{Example of average level:}$$

600 USD (ticket) + (5 x 100 USD) + 45 USD (visa) = 1,145 USD

$$600\text{ USD (ve−)}+(5\times 100\text{USD})+45\text{ USD (visa)}=1,145\text{USD}$$

Daily costs:

• Savings: 40-70 USD | Average: 80-130 USD | Premium: 150-350 USD

Best time to visit South Korea

• Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms, best, crowded, high price
• Summer (June-August): Cheapest, hot and humid, many festivals
• Autumn (September-November): Red leaves, ideal weather, high price
• Winter (12-2): Skiing, cold, cheap (except Tet)

Essential preparation checklist

Mandatory documents:

• ✓ Passport (6 months) + South Korea visa
• ✓ Printed flight ticket + hotel booking
• ✓ International travel insurance

Finance & technology:

• ✓ Visa/Mastercard + cash 200-500 USD
• ✓ C/F power adapter + WiFi egg/South Korean SIM
• ✓ Apps: Subway Korea, Kakao Taxi, Google Translate

Conclusion – Quick recommendation

Direct flight is thebestchoice for the first time – convenient, no transit visa hassle.

Suitable for transit when:

• Want to save 15-30% of costs
• Combine multiple destinations
• No suitable direct flights at the right time

Top 3 transit points:

1. Kuala Lumpur– Cheapest, easy visa-free
2. Bangkok– Balanced price/amenities, visitable
3. Singapore– Best service (visa required to exit)

Most important note: Luôn ưu tiên vé cùng PNR, chuẩn bị visa kỹ lưỡng, và sẵn sàng khám phá văn hóa K-culture độc đáo của Hàn Quốc!