Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Starlink service expands among Korean shippers, airlines
An image captured from Starlink's Korean website
By Lee Min-hyung
Starlink is rapidly expanding its presence following its official debut in Korea, with major local firms in network and aviation forging immediate partnerships with SpaceX’s satellite internet service.
Starlink started service in Korea on Thursday by offering multiple subscription options for homes, businesses and roaming service.
The home internet service is offered with two monthly options priced at 64,000 won ($43.5) and 87,000 won. Customers must separately purchase a kit including a satellite dish for 550,000 won.
Given Korea’s relatively small land area and extensive ground-based network coverage, most households are expected to continue using existing internet services provided by local companies, which offer faster speeds at lower prices.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying Starlink satellites, launches from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Tuesday. UPI-Yonhap
The general demand for Starlink in Korea is expected to focus on business-to-business subscription plans, ranging from 90,000 won to 3.42 million won per month, particularly among users who need connectivity for maritime and aviation operations.
Shortly after the launch of the service, SK Telink and KT SAT became the two major official resellers. SK Telink said it clinched a contract to supply the Starlink service to Pan Ocean, a shipping firm, for stable internet access while at sea.
SK Telink will provide technical support in installing and maintaining terminal equipment for Pan Ocean ships. The SK affiliate is also set to expand Starlink to a broad range of industrial areas, such as shipping, construction sites and disaster safety response networks.
KT SAT, a satellite navigation solutions provider, won a deal to supply Starlink to local ship management firm KLCSM and Lotte Property & Development. The Lotte affiliate decided to use the service to strengthen its disaster responsiveness for Lotte World Tower, the sixth-highest skyscraper in the world, located in southern Seoul.
Korean aviation players are also strengthening partnerships with Starlink.
A promotional image of a partnership between Hanjin Group's five aviation affiliates and Starlink / Courtesy of Hanjin Group
Hanjin Group’s five aviation affiliates — Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul — decided to introduce Starlink for their entire fleets to provide high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi.
Starting from as early as the latter half of 2026, customers across all cabins will have access to Wi-Fi service in the air. All five airlines will begin installation and testing procedures later this year.
It remains unconfirmed when exactly the service will be available for each carrier, Korean Air said. The flag carrier is conducting a phased operational takeover of Asiana Airlines to be completed by the end of 2027. The three other low-cost carriers are also planning to merge to become a single airline.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will initiate the service on their long-haul Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 aircrafts. The integrated full-service carrier will complete fleetwide installation by the end of 2027. Jin Air is scheduled to introduce the service in its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with Air Busan and Air Seoul reviewing which fleet will have the service first.
“Connectivity is an essential part of the travel experience, and with Starlink, our customers will stay connected with fast and seamless internet,” an official from Korean Air said. “As Korea’s flag carrier, we are committed to upgrading our services and infrastructure to deliver an elevated passenger journey.”