Korean Air Unveils Refreshed Flagship Incheon First and Prestige Class Lounges
- Joe Breitfeller
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Following a multi-year overhaul, Korean Air has unveiled their refurbished flagship First Class and Prestige Class Lounges at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport.
On Thursday (April 16, 2026), Korean Air announced the official completion of a comprehensive 42-month infrastructure overhaul of their lounges at Incheon International Airport (ICN) Terminal 2 with the unveiling of their renovated flagship First and Prestige Class West Lounges, with opened on April 17th and 16th, respectively. Following a KRW 110 billion investment (US $75 million), the airline has successfully modernized their entire lounge network at Incheon. The expansion more than doubles Korean Air’s total lounge capacity at the terminal, preparing for increased passenger volumes ahead of the planned integration with Asiana Airlines.
Korean Air’s newly refreshed Incheon lounges have been designed around the concept of providing a ‘home away from home,’ and elevating the guest experience through enhanced dining and amenities. The 921 square-meter First Class Lounge is 2.3 times larger than the previous space, and offers highly personalized and private luxury. Divided into an open hall and 11 private suites, the space allows passengers to relax in a secluded environment before boarding. Drawing inspiration from traditional Korean architecture, the design features utilizing wood pillars, beams, and ramie (mosi) textures. Upon entry, guests are guided to independent suites for a private pre-flight experience.
First Class Lounge meals are served à la carte, using 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 brassware by Lee Hyung-geun. The space also serves as a curated art 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 tones of yellow and black. Additionally, the space features a wellness zone with premium massage chairs and shower suites are equipped with distinct powder rooms and private shower booths.
Korean Air's Newly Refreshed Prestige West Lounge at Seoul's Incheon International Airport - Courtesy Korean Air
Korean Air’s Prestige West Lounge spans 2,615 square meters, offering over 420 seats. This is the largest single lounge facility at Incheon International Airport. The design mirrors the brand identity of Korean Air’s premium cabins, utilizing a palette of gold, black and ivory. Prestige West features an expansive buffet offering Korean and Western cuisine, and live cooking stations, complemented by a full-service bar. The menu is updated quarterly to include seasonal ingredients. The buffet also features handmade desserts and traditional Korean snacks (yakgwa) crafted by Grand Hyatt chefs, as well as seasonal fruits and soft-serve ice cream. Additionally, the space features dynamic digital art and installations that change according to the time and viewing angle. The lounge offers a dedicated Tech Zone with work stations for business travelers, and a wellness area with premium massage chairs.
With the completion of the First Class and Prestige West facilities, Korean Air’s total lounge footprint at Incheon has expanded from 5,105 to 12,270 square meters, increasing total seating capacity from 898 to 1,566 seats. In total, Korean Air will now operate seven lounges at Incheon Terminal 2, including First Class, Miler Club, Prestige East Left, Prestige East Right, Prestige West, Prestige Garden East, and Prestige Garden West.
Korean Air Lines’ guests can manage their lounge visits 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 upgrading infrastructure at major hubs, including Gimpo International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), to ensure a consistent premium service experience across their global network.
Source: Korean Air
