✈️ Flight Guide: Atlanta (ATL) → Seoul (Any)

May is prime festival season in Seoul and nearby cities. The Lotus Lantern Festival, celebrating Buddha's birthday, lights up downtown Seoul with lantern parades and temple fairs. The Seoul Rose Festival brings vibrant blooms to Jungnangcheon Stream. Incheon hosts its famed Pentaport Rock Festival just a short ride from SELA. Don’t miss food fairs in Suwon or Daejeon, both accessible via high-speed rail from Seoul. Early May is ideal to catch cherry blossoms and street food markets, while late May launches K-pop and cultural events.

May is one of the most pleasant months for flights from Atlanta to Seoul, as Korea enjoys mild spring weather, cherry blossoms, and a packed festival calendar. Early to mid-May offers the most competitive fares and fewer crowds, while late May tends to be busier with rising prices as students and families begin summer travel. Consider scheduling your flight mid-week and booking at least 6-8 weeks in advance to get both the lowest fares and best seat selection for this high-demand period.

Direct flights from ATL to SELA are the most convenient, cutting total travel time to about 14-15 hours, minimizing jet lag, and reducing the risk of missed connections. Korean Air and Delta Air Lines typically offer these nonstop routes in May, though they book up quickly and are sometimes pricier. Connecting flights (e.g., via Dallas, LAX, or Detroit) can be several hundred dollars cheaper, especially in May, but can add 3-8 hours to your journey. Choose direct for speed and comfort, connecting for flexibility and savings.

Delta Air Lines and Korean Air are the primary direct carriers from Atlanta to Seoul (All Airports), both known for excellent in-flight service, lie-flat seats in premium cabins, and generous checked baggage allowance on international fares. Korean Air is praised for authentic Korean cuisine and multilingual crew, while Delta scores high in entertainment and Sky Club lounge access at ATL. Asiana and American (with connections) offer competitive fares but require layovers. For the best overall experience in May, book early with Delta or Korean Air to secure nonstop comfort and full amenities.

May weather in Seoul is mild and sunny, with daytime highs around 68-77°F (20-25°C), making it perfect for exploring. Pack light layers, a rain jacket for occasional showers, and slip-on shoes for easy airport security. Arrive at ATL at least three hours early, and pre-book airport transfers from Incheon for a smooth arrival. Use Korean transit cards for city travel, and download translation or navigation apps. Take advantage of airport lounges at both ATL and SELA to recharge before and after your flight.

Typical nonstop flight time from Atlanta (ATL) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) is approximately 14 to 15 hours. In May, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air both offer direct daily departures in the afternoon. One-stop options, mainly via Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, or Los Angeles, will add 3-6 hours to total travel time. Check airline schedules weekly, as seasonal adjustments or added flights may occur approaching peak summer months.

Airfare between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Seoul (All Airports) (SELA) in May generally ranges from $950 to $1,350 for economy class roundtrips, with occasional deals under $900. For maximum savings, book flights on mid-week dates, use price alerts, and check both direct and one-stop options via Seoul Incheon and Gimpo airports. Consider large carriers like Delta, Korean Air, and Asiana, but check smaller online travel agencies for flash sales or last-minute discounts. Flexibility on travel dates within May can yield the lowest prices.