A return flight from London to Seoul cost around £800 in 2019. For the same dates in late 2025, it runs between £1,150 and £1,400. Air Traveler Club puts the rise in fares to South Korea at nearly 50% over five years.
The biggest factor is Russian airspace, which planes can no longer cross. That adds up to three hours to a journey, which means more fuel and often extra pilots to cover the longer shift. Airlines pass those costs on to passengers.
Fewer seats, pricier green fuel
Competition has thinned. Virgin Atlantic dropped the London-Seoul route altogether because the detour made it unprofitable. Korean Air is buying Asiana Airlines, and regulators made the two hand some flights to a smaller airline that is still getting set up.
New EU rules also require airlines to use costlier eco-friendly fuel on departures from Europe. The site says that fuel can cost up to five times as much as regular jet fuel. Meanwhile, K-Pop and Korean drama fans are booking trips in large numbers, so carriers have little trouble filling planes at premium prices.
Where the savings are
T’way Air, a South Korean low-cost carrier, now flies direct from Paris, Frankfurt, Rome and Barcelona to Seoul Incheon. Its fares run €600 to €800 round trip. Korean Air and Asiana charge €1,100 or more for similar direct routings.
Another route is through Warsaw on LOT Polish Airlines, which often saves €200 to €300 compared with leaving from London, Paris or Frankfurt.
Travellers should also check entry rules. South Korea temporarily waived the K-ETA electronic travel authorization for 22 countries, including the UK, France, Germany and the US, through December 2024. For travel in late 2025, passengers need to confirm whether that waiver was extended. If it has lapsed, the K-ETA must be applied for at least 72 hours before the flight and costs 10,000 KRW, about €7. Airlines will refuse boarding at the European departure point without a valid K-ETA or waiver.
On arrival, the AREX Express train runs non-stop from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in 43 minutes for about €7 (9,500 KRW). A taxi costs €40 to €60 and can take 70 to 100 minutes in traffic.
