A direct international flight route connecting Datong in North China’s Shanxi Province and Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea (ROK), officially resumed operations on July 9, 2026. The inaugural flight, operated by Korean low-cost carrier Eastar Jet, landed successfully at Datong Yungang International Airport. Relaunched just in time for the peak summer holiday season, this convenient air corridor is expected to significantly boost tourism, cultural interactions, and business exchanges between the two popular Asian regions.
The direct service operates twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, offering flexible schedules for both independent holidaymakers and tour groups. On Thursdays, flights depart Seoul at 1:30 p.m. and arrive in Datong at 3 p.m., with the return leg leaving Datong at 4 p.m. On Sundays, the flight leaves Seoul at 3:40 p.m. and lands in Datong at 5 p.m., returning at 6 p.m. (all local times). This seamless connection offers international travelers a much faster transit option to explore the profound historical heritage of Northern Shanxi without needing time-consuming layovers in larger hub cities.
For overseas tourists planning their China travel itineraries, Datong serves as a premier historical destination. The city is globally celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yungang Grottoes, the gravity-defying Hanging Temple, and the sacred landscapes of Mount Heng. Local tourism operators note that the resumption of the Seoul route will make it easier for global guests to experience these ancient architectural marvels firsthand, adding a highly distinctive cultural stop to summer and autumn vacations in China.