As part of their service enhancement strategy, Korean Air will introduce Premium Economy, and is also upgrading their airport lounges. This follows the unveiling of their new corporate identity and livery ahead of the Asiana integration.
On Monday (March 17, 2025), Korean Air announced that they will refresh their airport lounges and introduce Premium Economy onboard their aircraft. These changes are part of the airline’s service enhancement strategy, and follows the March 12th unveiling of their new corporate identity and refreshed aircraft livery. Korean Air will expand and renovate their existing lounges at Seoul Incheon International Airport’s (ICN) Terminal 2. The carrier’s new ‘Prestige Class Garden Lounges’ will be built in both the east and west wings, areas previously added during the airport’s Phase 4 expansion. This will accommodate increased passenger traffic following the relocation of Asiana Airlines into Terminal 2.
As part of the upgrade, the existing Prestige Class Lounge in the east wing will double in size, while the Miler Club lounge will also be expanded. Starting August 2025, these four lounges will open in phases. In the west wing, the First Class Lounge and the Prestige Class Lounge will also be refreshed before reopening in April 2026. The First Class Lounge will be transformed into an elegant, refined environment, offering sophisticated comfort often associated with luxury hotel lounges. Additionally, the food and beverage offering will be elevated with live kitchens offering fresh, diverse cuisine. Bartenders and baristas will prepare beverages, and dedicated ant patisseries will serve croissants, pizzas, and desserts. Additionally, a signature noodle bar will offer freshly prepared dishes.
When all upgrades are completed, Korean Air will operate a total of six lounges at ICN, expanding the overall lounge space by 2.5 times, while doubling seating capacity. Korean Air will also renovate their lounges at major international hub airports, including Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK). The carrier is also introducing a new feature in their mobile app which will provide customers with real-time information on lounge locations, amenities, reservations and crown levels.
As previously mentioned, Korean Air is also introducing Premium Economy seating. The carrier will retrofit 11 Boeing 777-300ERs, and will remove First Class cabins to install Premium Economy. The first refreshed aircraft will enter service during the second half of 2025, and will feature a three-class cabin, including Prestige (Business), Premium Economy and Economy. These fleet modifications will continue into 2026 to expand Premium Economy across more routes.
Source: Korean Air