Originally Posted by
31570324
I don't think that he can get a express visa. I know that a US citizen can't get a express visa from a chinese embassy in europe, maybe you have luck and this is different if you go to a chinese embassy in the US.
Who said anything about Europe? Based on my read, the OP's father lives near Washington, DC, in which the PRC's embassy is located. While Monday wait times can be longish, a morning drop-off and afternoon pick up is a pretty simple procedure.
As for air fares, apart from the usual suspects, I advise calling some Korean travel agents (doesn't matter where); the IAD-ICN flight rarely goes out full.