How many hours is PST behind KST?
As abbreviations, KST is always 17 hours ahead of PST: PST is UTC−8 and KST is UTC+9. To convert, add 17 hours.
Check which label you actually need: PST (Pacific Time is on PDT today). A time written with an abbreviation that is not in use is usually meant as the local time, so convert between the places instead: right now KST is 16 hours ahead of PST.
When the PST to KST time difference changes
For most of the year KST is 16 hours ahead of PST. From 1 November to 31 December 2026, KST is 17 hours ahead of PST instead, because the two places change their clocks on different dates. Meetings booked by the usual gap land an hour off in those weeks.
| Dates | KST vs PST | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 8 March 2026 to 31 October 2026 | 16 hours ahead | 238 days |
| 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 | 17 hours ahead | 61 days |
| 1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027 | 17 hours ahead | 72 days |
| 14 March 2027 to 6 November 2027 | 16 hours ahead | 238 days |
| 7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027 | 17 hours ahead | 55 days |
Best time for a meeting between PST and KST
- When KST is 16 hours ahead of PST: no shared 09:00 to 17:00 hours; try 17:00 in PST (09:00 in KST).
- When KST is 17 hours ahead of PST: no shared 09:00 to 17:00 hours; one side has to take the call outside office hours.