Korean Air completes overhaul of first, prestige class lounges

Korean Air's modernized First Class Lounge at Incheon International Airport / Courtesy of Korean Air

By Lee Min-hyung

• Published Apr 22, 2026 11:14 AM KST

Flag carrier expands lounge seating capacity to 1,566 at Incheon airport

Korean Air has completed a yearslong overhaul of its major lounges for the airline’s first class and prestige class passengers.

The flag carrier spent 110 billion won ($74.4 million) for the 42-month-long modernization of its lounge network at Incheon International Airport, in an effort to prepare for increased passenger volumes ahead of the airline’s planned integration with Asiana Airlines.

Designed under the concept of a “home away from home,” the new facilities prioritize passenger experience through enhanced dining and amenities, the company said.

Spanning 921 square meters, the First Class Lounge is 2.3 times larger than the previous one and is designed to have its focus on ensuring the 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 draws inspiration from traditional Korean architecture, as the facility incorporates wood pillars, beams and ramie, also known as mosi in Korea. Upon entry, passengers are guided to independent suites for a private preflight experience.

Key features for the modernized first class lounge include special dining and an art collection.

Meals are served a la carte by using traditional recipes that emphasize natural flavors. A la carte is a French term meaning dishes or sides can be separately ordered for more flexible dining experiences.

The space also functions as a curated gallery featuring works by globally renowned artists, such as Anish Kapoor, as well as acclaimed Korean artists, including Kim Young-joo, Lee Bae, Yoo Bong-sang and Chae Sung-pil. The collection focuses on the deep traditional Korean tones of yellow and black.

The wellness zone features premium massage chairs, and shower suites are equipped with powder rooms and private shower booths, Korean Air said.

The Prestige Class West Lounge spans 2,615 square meters with over 420 seats — the largest single lounge facility at Incheon International Airport.

The design mirrors the brand identity of Korean Air’s premium cabins, incorporating a palette of gold, black and ivory.

Passengers can enjoy special culinary experiences at the lounge with an expansive buffet featuring Korean and Western cuisine, live cooking stations and a full-service bar.

The buffet includes handmade desserts and traditional Korean snacks crafted by Grand Hyatt chefs, as well as seasonal fruits and soft serve ice cream. The menu is updated quarterly to include seasonal ingredients.

Dynamic digital art is displayed at the facility and the content changes according to the time and viewing angle.

The lounge also offers a dedicated “tech zone” with work stations for business travelers and a wellness area with premium massage chairs.

With the completion of both lounge facilities, Korean Air’s total lounge footprint at the airport has expanded to 12,270 square meters, increasing total seating capacity from 898 to 1,566.

Travelers can manage their visit through the "Korean Air Lounge Reservation" section on the airline’s website and mobile app.

Following the completion of the lounges, Korean Air will continue its infrastructure upgrades at other major hubs, including Gimpo International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, to ensure a consistent premium service experience across its global network.