19 Mar Korean Air Unveils Comprehensive Lounge Renovations and Premium Economy Launch in Strategic Service

Image by Rattakarn from Pixabay

Korean Air is set to revolutionize its passenger experience by upgrading its airport lounges and introducing new Premium Economy cabins as part of its broader service enhancement strategy. Following the recent unveiling of its refreshed corporate identity in anticipation of the Asiana integration, the airline is investing in major renovations at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. The plan includes constructing new “Prestige Class Garden Lounges” in both the east and west wings—areas that were added during the airport’s Phase 4 expansion—to accommodate rising passenger numbers resulting from the terminal’s redevelopment and the relocation of Asiana Airlines.

The project will see the existing Prestige Class Lounge in the east wing being doubled in size, alongside an expansion of the Miler Club Lounge, with these four enhanced lounges scheduled to open in phases beginning in August 2025. Meanwhile, the First Class Lounge and Prestige Class Lounge in the west wing are slated for comprehensive renovations and are expected to reopen in April 2026. Once all the upgrades are finalized, Korean Air will operate six lounges at Incheon, expanding overall lounge space by 2.5 times and doubling the available seating capacity.

Korean Air is also set to transform its First Class Lounge into a premium haven that goes well beyond conventional airport lounge standards, creating an elegant, refined space reminiscent of luxury hotel lounges. Enhancements in food and beverage services will further elevate the experience, with live kitchens serving fresh and diverse cuisines, along with on-site bartenders and baristas crafting cocktails and specialty drinks. Dedicated bakeries, patisseries, and a signature noodle bar will offer an array of freshly prepared treats, ensuring every dining experience is exceptional.

In addition to these improvements at Incheon, the airline will renovate its lounges at key international hubs, including Los Angeles (LAX) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where redesigned, city-themed atmospheres will reflect local cultural vibes.

Further enhancing the lounge experience, Korean Air is updating its mobile app to include real-time information on lounge locations, amenities, reservations, and crowd levels, thereby simplifying travel planning and ensuring passengers can fully enjoy their pre-flight time.

As part of its commitment to meeting growing market demand, Korean Air will also introduce Premium Economy seating by retrofitting 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This retrofit involves removing First Class cabins to install Premium Economy sections, with the first of these aircraft entering service in the second half of 2025. The new configuration will offer a three-class service—Prestige (Business), Premium Economy, and Economy—with further fleet modifications scheduled through 2026 to extend Premium Economy availability across additional routes.