Korean Air Unveils First Phase of Lavish Lounge Renovations at Incheon International Airport, Elevating the Premium Passenger Experience
Korean Air has reached a major milestone in its ambitious lounge renewal program at Incheon International Airport, unveiling on August 18 a fully redesigned Miler Club and the revamped Prestige East (Right) Lounge. Alongside these refreshed spaces, the airline has also opened two entirely new Prestige Garden Lounges, strategically located at the far ends of the terminal as part of the airport’s recent Phase 4 expansion. This marks the first step in a comprehensive plan to redefine the pre-flight experience for its premium passengers.
The upgrades are not merely cosmetic. With meticulous attention to detail in design, culinary offerings, and passenger comfort, Korean Air is setting a new benchmark for airport lounges in Asia. By combining traditional Korean elegance with modern luxury, and pairing it with hotel-level hospitality, the airline is aiming to make time spent on the ground just as memorable as the journey in the air.
Luxury Meets Functionality: A New Standard for Pre-Flight Comfort
The redesigned Miler Club and Prestige East Lounge have been conceptualized to serve as more than just waiting areas—they are intended as premium retreats where travelers can transition seamlessly from the bustle of the terminal to an atmosphere of calm and indulgence. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by hotel-style lobbies that set a tone of refined sophistication.
Inside, the spaces are divided into distinct zones, each serving a different passenger need. Dedicated dining areas provide a refined setting for gourmet meals, while relaxation zones feature comfortable seating and soft lighting for those seeking a quiet escape. Meeting rooms, complete with large conference screens, allow business travelers to work uninterrupted, while a wellness area—fitted with massage chairs—invites passengers to rejuvenate before boarding. Spacious shower suites, with private powder rooms and luxury amenities, cater to travelers on long-haul journeys or those transiting between continents.
A Culinary Experience in the Sky—Now on the Ground
One of the standout features of the newly opened lounges is the introduction of “Live Stations,” a first for Korean Air’s lounge offerings. These open kitchens bring a theatrical, interactive dimension to the dining experience. Partnering with the Grand Hyatt Incheon, Korean Air now offers freshly prepared dishes made to order right in front of guests.
At these stations, travelers can watch skilled chefs handcraft signature Korean and Western dishes. The Korean selections highlight traditional flavors with a focus on premium ingredients—such as freshly rolled gimbap, hearty tteokguk (rice cake soup), and comforting janchi guksu (banquet noodles). For those with Western tastes, options include artisanal hand-tossed pizzas, chef-carved beef steak, and buttery croissants baked fresh on-site.
The beverage program is equally thoughtful. Dedicated bartenders prepare a range of cocktails, while in the Miler Club, a professional barista serves specialty coffees brewed to perfection. A rotating seasonal menu, updated quarterly, ensures that repeat travelers are greeted with fresh flavors throughout the year.
Design: A Marriage of Korean Heritage and Modern Sophistication
The aesthetic transformation of the lounges reflects Korean Air’s commitment to cultural identity as much as luxury. The interiors draw inspiration from traditional Hanok architecture, incorporating elegant wooden structures and roofline motifs that subtly reference Korea’s heritage. These elements are harmonized with contemporary materials such as brushed metals, marble, and glass to create an ambiance that is both timeless and current.
The color palette—comprising gold, charcoal, black, and ivory—mirrors the airline’s premium cabin interiors, creating a visual continuity from ground to air. Soft, warm lighting enhances the space, while premium furnishings, crafted from rich wood and high-quality marble, convey understated elegance.
This design overhaul was carried out in collaboration with an internationally acclaimed interior design firm, renowned for its work on luxury hospitality projects, including the Four Seasons Seoul and several five-star hotels across the Asia Pacific region.
New Prestige Garden Lounges: Nature Meets Travel
With Incheon International Airport’s Phase 4 expansion, Korean Air has seized the opportunity to introduce two new lounge concepts—the Prestige Garden East Lounge and Prestige Garden West Lounge.
These lounges are deliberately positioned at opposite ends of the terminal to offer more convenient access to premium passengers regardless of gate location. The Prestige Garden East Lounge looks out over a serene traditional Korean garden, providing a tranquil, almost meditative backdrop. In contrast, the Prestige Garden West Lounge offers views of a contemporary Western-style landscaped garden, bringing a fresh, modern aesthetic.
Both lounges offer a curated menu of food and beverages, though on a slightly smaller scale than the main lounges, making them ideal for travelers seeking a quick yet refined break before departure.
More Space, More Seats, More Comfort—The Road to 2026
The unveiling of these renovated and new lounges marks only the first stage of a broader plan. Korean Air’s full lounge renewal project at Incheon is set to be completed by 2026, and it will include the refurbishment of the First Class Lounge, the Prestige East (Left) Lounge, and the Prestige West Lounge.
During this transition, First Class passengers will temporarily be accommodated in the Miler Club, ensuring no compromise on service levels while renovations are underway.
Once the entire project is finished, Korean Air will have expanded its total lounge space at Incheon from 5,105 square meters to an impressive 12,270 square meters—more than doubling the current size. Seating capacity will grow from 898 to 1,566, significantly easing crowding during peak travel periods and ensuring a more exclusive atmosphere for passengers.
Strategic Investment Ahead of Asiana Airlines Integration
The timing of this ambitious renovation program is no coincidence. Korean Air is in the final stages of preparing for its full integration with Asiana Airlines, a move that will significantly expand its passenger base and global footprint. The enlarged lounge capacity and upgraded facilities are being designed to accommodate the anticipated influx of travelers while maintaining the airline’s commitment to premium service.
This project is part of a broader infrastructure investment strategy that includes fleet modernization, upgraded in-flight services, and improved digital touchpoints for passengers. Together, these initiatives reflect Korean Air’s vision of becoming not only a leading Asian carrier but also a global aviation standard-bearer for premium travel.
A Glimpse of the Future of Airport Lounges
Korean Air’s refreshed lounges at Incheon International Airport embody a shift in what passengers expect from pre-flight spaces. No longer simply places to eat a quick meal or check emails, these lounges are evolving into full-fledged hospitality environments—offering fine dining, wellness experiences, and spaces that rival top-tier hotels.
By blending traditional Korean aesthetics with international luxury standards, Korean Air is positioning its lounges as destinations in their own right, places where travelers can savor both cultural authenticity and modern comfort before stepping onboard.
For passengers passing through Incheon, the newly opened Miler Club, Prestige East Lounge, and Prestige Garden Lounges offer a taste of what’s to come. And if the first phase is any indication, the completed 2026 vision promises to make Korean Air’s ground experience one of the most coveted in global aviation.