"Travel Begins with the Lounge Experience"... Korean Air Completes 110 Billion Won 'Next-Generation Lounge'

Significant Expansion of Space and Seating Ahead of Integration with Asiana Airlines
Inside the Prestige West Lounge at Incheon Airport T2
Largest Single Lounge at Incheon Airport... Improved Congestion
'Private Room Experience' First-Class Lounge to Officially Open from the 17th

"In the past, airport lounges were simply basic facilities for having a meal, but now, travel begins with the lounge experience."

David Paisie, Vice President of the In-flight Catering Tray and Lounge Division at Korean Air, made this statement as he introduced the new Prestige West Lounge at Incheon International Airport to the media on April 15. In anticipation of increased lounge usage following the integration with Asiana Airlines, Korean Air has invested a total of 110 billion won over three and a half years to complete the construction of next-generation lounges at Terminal 2 (T2) of Incheon Airport. The Prestige West Lounge began welcoming guests from 4 a.m. that day, and the first-class lounge will officially open on April 17.

David Pace, Vice President of In-flight Catering and Lounge Division at Korean Air, is answering reporters' questions on the 15th at the Korean Air Prestige West Lounge prepared at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. Photo by Choi Young-chan

Vice President David Paisie emphasized, "With this expansion, the space has grown 2.5 times, from about 5,105 square meters to 12,270 square meters, and the total number of seats has increased threefold, from 898 to 1,566." He added, "The lounge was a bit crowded with Asiana Airlines moving to T2, but now we have a very spacious, comfortable, and luxurious space."

The newly opened Korean Air T2 Prestige West Lounge is now the largest single lounge at Incheon International Airport, accommodating up to 420 guests. While alleviating congestion, it retains the same brand identity as existing lounges. The gold, black, and ivory color scheme evokes the upper-class cabin experience of Korean Air, creating an elegant atmosphere, and the harmonious use of wood and stone offers a modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean architecture.

Interior of Korean Air T2 Prestige West Lounge. Photo by Youngchan Choi

A variety of amenities have been prepared for passenger comfort. Guests can enjoy a buffet, live stations, a lounge bar, wellness area with massage chairs, and shower rooms. For business travelers, dedicated workstations and a tech zone have also been set up.

At the live station, chefs from the Grand Hyatt Incheon prepare fresh dishes on the spot. The menu is updated quarterly to incorporate seasonal ingredients. The lounge buffet is divided into Korean cuisine, Western cuisine, bakery, and salad bar, allowing customers to choose their preferred dishes. Handmade desserts by Grand Hyatt Deli chefs, traditional Korean snacks such as yakgwa, seasonal fruits, and soft serve ice cream are also available for guests to enjoy. At the liquor bar, a bartender is on hand to craft cocktails and beverages tailored to individual preferences.

Korean Air T2 Prestige West Side Lounge Buffet. Photo by Youngchan Choi

Following this renewal, the Korean Air lounges at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 will operate as follows: First Class, Mileage Club, Prestige East (Left), Prestige East (Right), Prestige West, Prestige Garden East, and Prestige Garden West Lounges.

The first-class lounge, which will begin welcoming guests the following day, consists of an open hall and 11 private rooms. The area has expanded 2.3 times to 921 square meters, accommodating more guests than before. The central hall features wooden pillars, beams, and ramie fabric, drawing inspiration from the aesthetics of traditional Korean architecture to enhance the lounge's sophistication. Upon entering, guests are guided to private rooms, where they can enjoy a cozy and private rest before boarding their flight.

Dining in the first-class lounge is provided à la carte according to customer preferences. The meals are carefully prepared based on traditional recipes, highlighting the natural flavors and aromas of the ingredients. A dedicated staff serves a selection of wine, whiskey, craft beer, and other beverages. Premium tableware includes Christofle cutlery, Bernardaud dishes, Baccarat and Riedel glasses, as well as white porcelain by artist Lee Ki-jo, and blue celadon brassware by artist Lee Hyungkeun, offering a uniquely differentiated service.

Korean Air T2 Prestige West Lounge Restroom. Photo by Youngchan Choi

Emphasizing the importance of lounges in travelers' experiences, Vice President David Paisie also revealed plans to infuse more Korean elements into Korean Air lounges at global airports. He explained, "If the Incheon Airport lounge is the mother, then the Los Angeles Airport lounge is like a daughter with a similar design. However, the abundance of natural light and the warm color palette are unique to the LA airport."

A Korean Air official stated, "Following the integration, Korean Air will sequentially complete lounge renovations at major airports both domestically and internationally, including Gimpo International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, in order to further enhance customer service."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.