Korean Air
South Korea’s full-service flag carrier, operating an extensive domestic and international network from its principal hub in Seoul.
About Korean Air
Korean Air is South Korea’s flag carrier and a full-service scheduled airline. It was founded in 1969 after the Hanjin Group acquired the state-owned Korean Air Lines, and it operates under the IATA code KE and ICAO code KAL. Its visual identity combines a pale-blue aircraft livery with a red-and-blue emblem inspired by the taegeuk symbol. The airline is part of the Hanjin Group and has acquired Asiana Airlines.
Seoul is Korean Air’s primary hub, with Incheon International Airport handling most long-haul and international connections and Gimpo International Airport supporting important domestic and regional services. The airline operates 343 routes serving 112 destinations across 45 countries. Busan and Jeju are other significant departure points, while its international network connects South Korea with East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and parts of the Middle East.
Korean Air uses a mixed Airbus and Boeing fleet for domestic, regional and long-haul flying. Aircraft associated with its route network include the Airbus A300-600, A320, A321, A330-200, A330-300 and A380-800, together with Boeing 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900 variants. Cabin configurations vary by aircraft and route, but services generally offer Economy Class and Prestige Class, with First Class available on selected long-haul aircraft and itineraries.
Korean Air was a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance in 2000. Its membership supports connecting itineraries and reciprocal benefits across eligible partner airlines, although baggage, lounge and priority-service entitlements depend on the fare and membership tier. The airline’s frequent-flyer programme is SKYPASS, through which members can earn and redeem miles on Korean Air and participating partners. Eligible elite members may receive additional baggage allowances and priority airport services.
A notable strength is Korean Air’s broad connectivity through Seoul, particularly for journeys linking South Korea with North America and other parts of Asia. Its full-service model commonly includes checked baggage and onboard refreshments, although fare conditions should always be checked. One challenge is the variation between aircraft generations, which can affect seating and cabin technology. Travellers must also check airport details carefully because Seoul itineraries may use either Incheon or Gimpo.
Good to know
Flying with Korean Air — what to expect
Check Seoul Airport
Korean Air uses both Incheon and Gimpo in the Seoul area. Confirm the airport before departure, especially when connecting between international and domestic flights.
Baggage Rules Vary
Cabin and checked-baggage allowances depend on the route, cabin and fare conditions. Partner-operated segments may apply different rules.
Cabins Differ
Seat design, entertainment and power access can vary across Korean Air’s mixed fleet. Check the scheduled aircraft when choosing a seat, while allowing for possible substitutions.
Allow Connection Time
Incheon is the principal international connecting airport, but some domestic services use Gimpo. An airport change requires a ground transfer and substantially more connection time.
SKYPASS Eligibility
SKYPASS members can earn miles on Korean Air and eligible partner flights. Accrual and elite benefits depend on the booking class, operating carrier and membership tier.
Request Meals Early
Special meals may be available on eligible services when arranged in advance. Availability and request deadlines vary, so submit requests well before departure.
Network overview
Where Korean Air flies
Korean Air operates 343 routes to 112 destinations across 45 countries, its longest sector reaching Atlanta to Seoul (11,488 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Korean Air flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Atlanta → Seoul
11,488 km · ATL → ICN
The longest sector in the Korean Air network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Korean Air
Tracked Korean Air routes touch Japan, United States, Thailand, South Korea, China, Peru, Taiwan, Chile.
LAX - NRTLos Angeles → Tokyo10h 34m8,753 kmNRT - LAXTokyo → Los Angeles10h 34m8,753 kmICN - BKKSeoul → Bangkok4h 43m3,667 kmBKK - ICNBangkok → Seoul4h 43m3,667 kmICN - TAOSeoul → Qingdao1h 8m556 kmTAO - ICNQingdao → Seoul1h 8m556 kmICN - NRTSeoul → Tokyo1h 57m1,257 kmNRT - ICNTokyo → Seoul1h 57m1,257 kmSCL - LIMSantiago → Lima3h 20m2,463 kmICN - TPESeoul → Taipei2h 11m1,462 kmTPE - ICNTaipei → Seoul2h 11m1,462 kmICN - KIXSeoul → Osaka1h 29m859 kmKIX - ICNOsaka → Seoul1h 29m859 kmLIM - SCLLima → Santiago3h 20m2,463 kmICN - SFOSeoul → San Francisco10h 57m9,086 kmMore from South Korea
Other airlines based in South Korea
FAQ
Korean Air — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Korean Air’s busiest departure centres are Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Tokyo and Beijing, ranked by number of routes. Seoul flights may use either Incheon or Gimpo, so passengers should verify the airport on their booking.
- Korean Air serves 112 destinations across 45 countries. Its network comprises 343 routes.
- Korean Air flies throughout South Korea and across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania and parts of the Middle East. Destinations include Tokyo, Beijing, Osaka, Shanghai, Los Angeles, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Korean Air’s longest route is Atlanta to Seoul, about 11,488 km nonstop.
- Tickets are often cheaper outside Korean public holidays, school breaks and peak summer or year-end periods. Comparing flexible dates and booking long-haul travel in advance can help identify lower fares.
- Korean Air’s carry-on allowance varies by cabin, itinerary and fare conditions. Passengers should confirm the current piece, size and weight limits with the airline, particularly when a partner operates part of the journey.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Korean Air’s primary hub is Seoul. Most international and long-haul flights use Incheon International Airport, while Gimpo International Airport handles important domestic and regional services.