Seoul Flights Sold Out? Fly to Japan for Skiing From Busan (Gimhae)

David

If flights from Incheon or Gimpo to Japan are full or expensive, check Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan. Gimhae has nonstop flights to Sapporo New Chitose on Air Busan, Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Jin Air and T'way, and to Tokyo Narita on Air Busan, Jin Air, Korean Air and T'way (Gimhae airport routes). From Seoul, the KTX to Busan takes about two and a half hours.

Which Japan ski airports can you fly to from Busan?

Routes and frequencies change by season, so confirm on the airline's site for your dates. For Hokkaido, New Chitose is the main gateway; for Honshu, Narita or Nagoya work for the Hakuba Valley. Regional airports can be closer to some resorts.

When does the Busan route help most?

Over Korean holidays. The 2027 Seollal holiday runs from Saturday, February 6 to Tuesday, February 9 (Office Holidays), and Christmas and New Year are also busy. Those dates fall in Japan's peak snow season, so flights from Seoul to Sapporo fill early. Gimhae flights serve a different catchment and can still have seats or lower fares when Incheon does not, but this varies by date. Compare both airports on a flight search site with the origin set to PUS and ICN before deciding. The snow differences behind these trips are in Korea vs Japan for skiing.

How do you get from Seoul to Gimhae Airport?

1. Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station. Most trains take between about two and two and a half hours, and a standard seat costs around 60,000 won. Book on the Korail app, especially over holidays.
2. From Busan Station, take Busan Metro Line 1 to Seomyeon, change to Line 2 to Sasang, then take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail to the airport (LRT). Allow about an hour. Airport limousine buses and taxis are simpler with a ski bag.
3. Arrive at Gimhae at least two hours before an international flight.

With a ski bag, the transfers are the hard part. If you are going to rent skis anyway, travel light; see bringing gear vs renting.

Is it worth staying a night in Busan?

For an early morning flight, yes. Staying near Seomyeon or Sasang puts you a short ride from the airport, and it avoids a 5 a.m. KTX. Add the train fare and a hotel night to the flight price before comparing with Incheon. Flying from Southeast Asia instead? See budget airlines from Southeast Asia to Japan.

FAQ

Are there direct flights from Busan to Sapporo?

Yes. Air Busan, Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Jin Air and T'way fly Gimhae to New Chitose nonstop.

Is flying from Busan cheaper than Incheon?

Sometimes, especially on holiday dates when Seoul departures sell out. Compare the total including the KTX.

For a short trip plan, see our Seoul to Sapporo weekend guide.