From 26 June 2026, SAS will increase capacity on the direct route between Copenhagen and Seoul by 50 per cent. The only direct connection between Scandinavia and South Korea will thus have up to six departures per week during the summer season.
When SAS strengthens traffic between Copenhagen and Seoul, the South Korean capital becomes more accessible from the Nordic market. The route runs between Copenhagen Airport Kastrup and Incheon International Airport and has a travel time of approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes.
The expansion follows a growing Nordic interest in South Korea, where Korean culture, K-pop, and gastronomy have gained increasing traction. Seoul is also an important Asian hub for technology, innovation, education, and international business, making the route relevant for both leisure and business travellers, as well as students keen to study in Korea.
For the Swedish market, the Copenhagen route represents a clear connection point. From Stockholm, there are several daily SAS flights to Copenhagen, where travellers can continue on the direct flight to Seoul. The total journey time is often around 14-17 hours, depending on layover time.
The SAS route from Copenhagen complements the other European connections to South Korea. The route is also the only direct connection between Scandinavia and Seoul. From June 2026, the route will be operated daily except Saturdays in the Copenhagen–Seoul direction and daily except Sundays in the Seoul–Copenhagen direction. In addition, there are other European alternatives for travel to South Korea, including direct flights between Helsinki and Seoul as well as connections via major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Munich, and Istanbul.
Swedish citizens can travel visa-free to South Korea for up to 90 days. South Korean authorities have also extended the temporary exemption from K-ETA, the digital pre-registration that is normally required even for visa-free visitors. The exemption currently applies until 31 December 2026.
