Korean Air unveils flagship Incheon First and Prestige Class lounges | News
Korean Air has officially completed a comprehensive, 42-month infrastructure overhaul of its lounges at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 with the unveiling of its renovated flagship First and Prestige Class West Lounges, opening on April 17 and 16 respectively.
Following an investment of KRW 110 billion, the airline has successfully modernized its entire lounge network in Incheon. The expansion will more than double the airline’s total lounge capacity at the terminal, in preparation for increased passenger volume ahead of its planned integration with Asiana Airlines.
The new facilities are designed around the concept of a ‘home away from home’ and prioritize the passenger experience through enhanced dining and amenities.
First Class Lounge: very personal and private luxury
The First Class Lounge, which spans 921 square meters – 2.3 times larger than the previous facility – has been redesigned to focus on ultimate privacy. The space is divided into an open hall and 11 private suites, allowing passengers to relax in a secluded environment before boarding.
The interior is inspired by traditional Korean architecture, using wooden pillars, beams and ramie (mosi) textures. Upon entry, passengers are escorted to self-contained suites for a private pre-flight experience.
Key features include:
Food and tableware: Meals are served à la carte, according to traditional recipes that emphasize natural flavors. In addition to Christofle cutlery, Bernardaud porcelain and Baccarat and Riedel glassware, the lounge features white porcelain by Lee Ki-jo and traditional copperware by Lee Hyung-geun
Art Collection: The space functions as a curated gallery featuring works by world-renowned artist Anish Kapoor alongside acclaimed Korean artists including Kim Young-joo, Lee Bae, Yoo Bong-sang and Chae Sung-pil. The collection focuses on the deep traditional Korean shades of yellow and black.
Wellness: The wellness zone features premium massage chairs and shower suites are equipped with separate powder rooms and private shower cubicles.
Prestige Class West Lounge: improved capacity and design
The Prestige Class West Lounge covers 2,615 square meters with more than 420 seats and is the largest lounge facility at Incheon International Airport. The design reflects the brand identity of Korean Air’s premium cabins, using a palette of gold, black and ivory.
Culinary Experience: Features an extensive buffet with Korean and Western dishes, live cooking stations, complemented by a full-service bar. The buffet includes handcrafted desserts and traditional Korean snacks (yakgwa) prepared by Grand Hyatt chefs, as well as seasonal fruits and soft serve ice cream. The menu is updated quarterly with seasonal ingredients
Digital Art: The space features dynamic digital art and installations that change depending on time and viewing angle
Productivity and well-being: The lounge offers a dedicated Tech Zone with work stations for business travelers and a wellness area with premium massage chairs.
Strategic expansion for global leadership
With the completion of the First Class and Prestige West facilities, Korean Air’s total lounge area in Incheon has expanded from 5,105 to 12,270 square meters, increasing total seating capacity from 898 to 1,566 seats. Korean Air will operate seven lounges in Incheon Terminal 2: First Class, Miler Club, Prestige East Left, Prestige East Right, Prestige West, Prestige Garden East and Prestige Garden West.
Travelers can manage their visit through the “Korean Air Lounge Reservation” feature on the airline’s website and mobile app. Following the completion of the Incheon lounges, Korean Air will continue infrastructure upgrades at major hubs, including Gimpo International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, to ensure a consistent premium service experience across its global network.
