SkyTeam members Air France and KLM are currently selling discounted premium economy tickets from three European countries to Seoul, South Korea. The premium economy light fare sells for €765 for departures from Milan. Unfortunately, it does not include hold luggage. The cheapest fare including checked bags is €153 more expensive when departing from Milan, though prices may vary by €10, depending on the origin.
You can find this fare with departure from:
- Milan at €765
- Rome at €768
- Budapest at €772 (~HUF 301,171)
- Bologna at €792
- Venice at €797
- Madrid at €822
- Barcelona at €852
Our availability calendar will forward you to KLM’s website with your selected flight dates. Departures at the quoted fare are available between November 2024 and March 2025.
Departing from Budapest, you can also flight with LOT. The airline offers a lower price when flying with checked bags:
While LOT flies either non-stop or with a change of planes in Warsaw, flights are operated with a change of planes in either Paris or Amsterdam. The short, European flights see you seated in economy class, while the long flights to Korea take place in premium economy. You might want to choose KLM’s premium economy over Air France if you have the choice.
Air France has two different types of premium economy seats. The seats in their Boeing planes do not recline in the conventional sense but instead slide forward. This can be a bonus, especially on a day-flight since you’re not disturbed by the person sitting in front of you. Tall passengers, however, have difficulties sleeping, as “reclining” leads to very limited leg room. The seats in Airbus A350 planes are better and are closer to the competition. Air France’s premium economy, however, has a major downside that has nothing to do with the seats: The cheapest fare includes 0 checked luggage to most destinations! Furthermore, the service and catering are often disappointing.
KLM has recently added a small premium economy cabin to most of its Boeing long-haul planes. The seats are among the best on the market, the service is good, and you also get SkyPriority services at the airport. However, there is a big downside to flying with KLM: Except on US flights, KLM’s premium economy includes no free luggage.
KLM operates flights to South Korea with their Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. Air France sends an Airbus A350-900 to Seoul.
Some EU citizens can enter South Korea visa-free and stay for up to 90 days until the end of 2024. Please check if you have to register via K-ETA before starting your trip.
Search & Book
According to the fare rules, these tickets are on sale until September 30, 2024. A minimum stay of three days in South Korea is required to get the lowest fare. You can find departures between November 2024 und March 2025.
Finding these fares is difficult, as Google Flights is very unreliable when it comes to previewing flight dates. Not only are prices are roughly €200 higher than on KLM’s website, most of the dates don’t translate into the €800 fares when trying to book them.
KLM’s best price calendar is more accurate, but comes with the caveat of only previewing outbound flight dates. You can open it by entering origin, destination and travel class in the search mask on their homepage. Then click search flights without entering dates. This method comes with the added benefit of booking directly on the airlines’ website.
Miles & Points
Both Air France and KLM issue economy segments in booking class A and long-haul segments in booking class Y. A roundtrip with both airlines from Milan earns the following:
- 17,376 RDM + 2,889 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 12,814 Miles on MEA Cedar Miles
- 12,416 Miles on GOL Aéreos Smiles
- 11,861 Miles on ITA Volare
- 11,861 Points on SAS EuroBonus
- 11,728 Award Miles on Etihad Guest
- 11,728 Miles on Korean Air Skypass
- 11,728 Miles on Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles
- 11,461 Award Miles + 120 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 10,204 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 9,204 Miles on Aerolíneas Argentinas AerolíneasPlus
- 9,199 Miles on Saudia Alfursan
- 9,071 Miles on Garuda Indonesia GarudaMiles
- 9,071 Miles on Air Europa Suma
- 6,298 Points on Malaysia Airlines Enrich
- 5,919 Award Miles on Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
- 2,404 Award Miles + 58 XP on Flying Blue
- Customize Calculation
Destination
Information & Tips for Seoul
Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital, offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and shopping districts like Myeongdong. The local currency is the South Korean won (KRW), and credit cards are widely accepted. The cost of living is moderate, with affordable street food and both budget and high-end dining options. Seoul experiences four distinct seasons: hot and humid summers, cold winters with snow, and mild spring and autumn, making spring and fall ideal times to visit.
→ All Dealz for Seoul
Information & Tips for South Korea
South Korea offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions, such as the palaces in Seoul, the temples in Gyeongju, and the scenic landscapes of Jeju Island. The local currency is the South Korean won (KRW), and credit cards are widely accepted. Prices can vary; street food and public transport are affordable, while high-end dining and shopping can be expensive. The weather has four distinct seasons—hot and humid summers, cold winters, and mild spring and autumn, with the best times to visit being spring (April–June) and fall (September–November).
South Korea’s transport infrastructure is highly efficient and easy to navigate. In cities, the subway systems in Seoul and other major cities are extensive, affordable, and user-friendly, with English signs in many places. Buses and taxis are also widely available. For intercity travel, the KTX high-speed trains are fast and comfortable, connecting major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu in under 3 hours. Public transportation is reliable, but rush hours can be crowded, especially in big cities.
→ All Dealz for South Korea
Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange