How to use points and miles for travel to South Korea in 2024

This article series on credit cards, points and miles, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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With South Korea's deep history and culture, lively culinary scene, and stunning natural landscapes, there’s an abundance of experiences waiting for everyone, regardless of style, personality, or budget.

If you're just starting out with points and miles, Seoul is a perfect launching pad, featuring numerous flight options from various major U.S. airlines and their alliance partners.

Upon arrival, you'll find a wide selection of points hotels, making it easy to score a free night or two simply by applying for a new travel credit card and leveraging its attractive welcome bonus.

Here’s everything you need to understand about traveling to South Korea using points and miles — plus our top recommendations for activities there.

Getting started with travel points and airline miles

The most affordable award flights to South Korea

When traveling from the U.S. to South Korea, you’ll probably land at Incheon International Airport (ICN), which is only a 30-minute drive from Seoul.

We’ll highlight the top points-and-miles redemptions available from both the West Coast and East Coast of the U.S., and you can also find nonstop flights from Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines, Korean Air, or Asiana Airlines.

• Lowest economy class ticket to South Korea: 45,000 (off-peak), 55,000 (standard), or 60,000 (peak) ANA Mileage Club miles for a round-trip

• Lowest business-class ticket to South Korea: 80,000 (off-peak), 90,000 (standard), or 95,000 (peak) ANA Mileage Club miles for a round-trip

• Lowest first-class ticket to South Korea: 160,000 Korean Air Skypass miles for a round-trip (off-peak)

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Korean Air SkyPass

The easiest way to travel from the U.S. to Seoul is on Korean Air, with direct flights available from cities like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, Las Vegas, New York (JFK), San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC.

Korean Air offers a seasonal award chart for its fleet, so be sure to check their website for off-peak and peak travel dates before planning your trip.

Generally, here’s the number of Skypass miles required for flights from the U.S. to Seoul with Korean Air:

• Economy Class: 70,000 miles (off-peak), 105,000 miles (peak) for a round-trip

• Business Class: 125,000 miles (off-peak), 185,000 miles (peak) for a round-trip

• First Class: 160,000 miles (off-peak), 240,000 miles (peak) for a round-trip

You can also redeem Skypass miles for flights with Korean Air’s SkyTeam partners, including Delta Air Lines, which offers nonstop service from its hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Seattle.

Creating a travel budget with points and miles

Here’s the mileage required for Delta flights from the U.S. to Seoul:

• Economy Class: 80,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 140,000 miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 180,000 miles for a round-trip

A lesser-known tip is to use Emirates Skywards miles for flights to Seoul on Korean Air. Simply enter your desired airports into Great Circle Mapper to determine the distance, then check Emirates’ partner award chart for the mileage needed. It’s best to look for award availability on Delta’s website and then call Emirates to verify.

Here’s the mileage needed for Skywards to fly to Seoul, whether you’re departing from the West Coast or the East Coast:

• Economy Class: 88,000 to 104,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 176,000 to 208,000 miles for a round-trip

To quickly earn Korean Air Skypass miles, consider Marriott Bonvoy, the only transferable points partner (3:1). Accumulating Emirates Skywards miles is simpler, as they can be transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards (1:1) or from Marriott Bonvoy (3:1).

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Receive 60,000 Bonus Points and 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months from account opening. The Free Night is valued at 50,000 points, with some hotels having resort fees.

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Gain 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after making $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.

• Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Receive 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.

Is it better to book travel using cash or points?

ANA Mileage Club (All Nippon Airways).

One of the top strategies for maximizing points is to use ANA Mileage Club miles for flights on the airline's Star Alliance partners, including United and Asiana.

Keep in mind that ANA has different charts for flights on its own aircraft via Tokyo and for those booked with partner airlines. United offers a nonstop flight from San Francisco, while Asiana provides direct flights from Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and New York (JFK).

ANA redemptions are only available for round-trip bookings and can be made solely for yourself or immediate family members (friends are excluded). Check award availability on United’s website, then confirm with ANA to complete your reservation.

Here’s a breakdown of the Mileage Club miles required for ANA flights (be sure to check the website for seasonal variations):

• Economy Class: 45,000 (low), 55,000 (regular), or 60,000 (high) miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 80,000 (low), 90,000 (regular), or 95,000 (high) miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 165,000 (low and regular) or 180,000 (high) miles for a round-trip

Here’s how many miles you’ll require to fly with one of ANA’s Star Alliance partners:

• Economy Class: 60,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 95,000 miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 180,000 miles for a round-trip

You can quickly accumulate ANA Mileage Club miles by transferring points from Marriott Bonvoy at a rate of 3:1 or from American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months after account opening.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Card Membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. Free Night valued at 50,000 points; some hotels may have resort fees.

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months of Card Membership.

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Avianca LifeMiles

Using Avianca LifeMiles to book flights with its Star Alliance partners is another fantastic option. For award travel between the U.S. and South Korea, your best choices are United and Asiana.

United has a direct route from San Francisco, while Asiana operates flights from New York (JFK), Honolulu, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. For additional connections, you might consider Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, or EVA Air, all of which are part of the Star Alliance.

Here’s the number of Avianca LifeMiles required for a flight to Seoul from the U.S.:

• Economy Class: 70,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 150,000 miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 180,000 miles for a round-trip

You can quickly gather Avianca LifeMiles by transferring points from Capital One Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Bilt Rewards, or American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, or from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months.

• Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of account opening.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

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Air Canada Aeroplan

For those traveling from Toronto or Vancouver, Air Canada offers two options for redeeming points and miles for award flights—either on its own aircraft from these Canadian airports or with its Star Alliance partners.

Air Canada utilizes a distance-based award chart, so you’ll need to determine the mileage using Great Circle Mapper beforehand.

If you’re not located near Toronto or Vancouver, consider saving enough miles for a repositioning flight (via Aeroplan or another points program) if it allows for greater savings by flying through those airports instead of another U.S. airport.

Here’s the number of Aeroplan points required for a direct flight to Seoul from Vancouver or Toronto on Air Canada's aircraft:

• Economy Class: 90,000 to 180,000 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 150,000 to 350,000 miles round-trip

• First Class: 220,000 to 500,000 miles round-trip

Here’s the Aeroplan points needed for a flight to Seoul with one of Air Canada’s Star Alliance partners (from any U.S. location):

• Economy Class: 100,000 miles for a round trip

• Business Class: 150,000 miles for a round trip

• First Class: 220,000 miles for a round trip

Boost your miles by transferring from Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Rewards (1:1), or Marriott Bonvoy (3:1).

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. This is worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening, equating to $900 toward travel when redeemed via Chase Travel℠.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Gain 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of your account opening.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Receive 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of account opening.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of membership.

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Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Within the points-and-miles landscape, Mileage Plan miles hold significant value, allowing travel with any of Alaska Airlines' Oneworld partners like American Airlines and Cathay Pacific. They can also be redeemed for flights on Korean Air, which is not part of the alliance.

American Airlines provides one nonstop flight from Dallas, while Cathay Pacific routes necessitate a layover in Hong Kong. Korean Air offers direct flights from various cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC.

In 2024, Alaska Airlines adopted a new award chart, so you should first determine the distance between the relevant airports using Great Circle Mapper.

To travel to Seoul from the U.S., here's how many Mileage Plan miles you will require:

• Economy Class: 75,000 miles for a round trip

• Business Class: 150,000 miles for a round trip

• First Class: 210,000 miles for a round trip

Enhance your points balance by transferring from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio. Alternatively, consider applying for one of the airline’s cobranded credit cards to take advantage of their attractive welcome bonuses.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® card: Receive 70,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees starting at $23) by spending $3,000 or more within the first 90 days of account opening.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles along with Alaska’s $99 Companion Fare (fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after making $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Get 60,000 Bonus Points and a Free Night Award after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. The Free Night is valued at 50,000 points, with certain hotels charging resort fees.

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of opening your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after making $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after using your new Card for $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

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Hotels in South Korea that you can book with points

South Korea is filled with hotels where you can redeem points, whether you're in Seoul or exploring other vibrant destinations like Busan and Jeju Island. Staying at properties affiliated with IHG One Rewards, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, or Marriott Bonvoy will help you save on accommodations.

Begin by enrolling in your favorite brand's loyalty program for free to start earning points for future stays. Additionally, applying for the brand's hotel rewards credit card allows you to leverage the welcome bonus effectively.

Some cobranded cards provide extra benefits for regular visitors. For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire gives cardholders $200 in statement credits, which can be used to offset resort fees and other expenses at Hilton properties globally.

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Seoul

In the vibrant capital city, you'll discover various Hilton Honors properties, including the Conrad Seoul, where rooms start at 70,000 points per night.

Experience local neighborhoods in Seoul by staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Seoul Gangnam (starting from 39,000 points per night) or the DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo (starting from 28,000 points).

With the welcome bonus from the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you can enjoy two nights at the Conrad, four nights at the Hilton Garden Inn, or six nights at the DoubleTree.

The welcome bonus from The Platinum Card® from American Express is sufficient for one night at the Conrad or two nights at either the Hilton Garden Inn or the DoubleTree.

Short on points? You can transfer from American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:2 ratio to secure that next complimentary night.

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Busan

Approximately a four-hour drive from Seoul, Busan is a stunning coastal city featuring a historic fish market and the famed Haeundae Beach. Enjoy hiking, relaxing by the shore, visiting the spa, exploring the area's rich history and culture, and indulging in some of the most distinctive cuisine in the nation.

After a full day of exploration, pamper yourself with a stay at the Park Hyatt Busan, offering nightly rates starting at 21,000 points.

The welcome bonuses from the World of Hyatt Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and Chase Sapphire Reserve provide enough points for two complimentary nights at the Park Hyatt Busan. To enjoy three free nights, enhance your balance by transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1).

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Jeju Island

Take a break from the city's chaos with a serene getaway to Jeju Island, a tropical haven where you can hike a dormant volcano, enjoy picturesque nature walks, and savor local delicacies like barbecued black pork and haemul tang, a delicious seafood hot pot.

Select from various Marriott Bonvoy properties, including the newly opened JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa and the Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott Resort, both offering award stays starting at 30,000 points per night.

The welcome bonus from the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card provides sufficient points for two complimentary nights at either hotel. To obtain three free nights, transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards (1:1).

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Ground transportation and activities

In this country, driving occurs on the right side of the road from the left side of the vehicle, and renting a car is an excellent way to explore the region or take day trips from Seoul if you're pressed for time.

Navigating Seoul and the rest of South Korea is quite convenient due to an excellent public transportation network featuring high-speed trains, buses, and ferries. Within major cities, subways, taxis, and bike-sharing services are popular, budget-friendly choices, while reaching Jeju Island will require a quick flight or ferry ride.

Holders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve should explore the Chase Travel℠ portal for discounts on guided tours and car rentals.

Depending on your card, Ultimate Rewards points can be valued at either 1.25 cents or 1.5 cents each, leading to potentially significant savings.

Certain travel credit cards offer additional savings. The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides a $300 annual credit for travel-related expenses. Other cards, like the Capital One Venture and Capital One Venture X, allow members to redeem miles for travel costs at one cent per mile.

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Final thoughts

A trip to South Korea can definitely be budget-friendly, especially if you take full advantage of travel rewards, pay attention to airline alliances, and cleverly utilize welcome bonuses to your advantage.

By utilizing points and miles for your flights, accommodations, car rentals, and guided tours, you can significantly reduce costs on this journey and accumulate even more rewards for your next adventure, whether it’s to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, or beyond.

* Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For further details, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain. These entities have not reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content.