SEOUL, 2026-Jan-13 — /Travel PR News/ — Korean Air has taken another step in redefining the premium airport experience with the unveiling of its newly renovated Prestige East (Left) Lounge at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. The reopening, which follows earlier lounge upgrades completed in 2025, forms part of a broader infrastructure expansion as the airline prepares for its integration with Asiana Airlines and a significant increase in passenger volumes.
Spanning more than 1,550 square metres and offering 192 seats, the refreshed lounge has been designed to mirror the atmosphere of a high-end hotel, with distinct zones for dining, relaxation and work. The space includes buffet and live cooking stations, a bar, shower facilities and work-friendly seating, reflecting Korean Air’s aim to accommodate both leisure and business travellers seeking comfort and flexibility before departure.
A notable feature of the renewed lounge is the introduction of experiential zones that move beyond traditional airport lounge concepts, as outlined in the company’s press release. Among them is the Ramyeon Library, a self-service area where passengers can customise and prepare instant noodles, highlighting the global appeal of Korean cuisine. The Cooking Studio L’atelier, operated in collaboration with chefs from the Grand Hyatt Incheon, offers interactive culinary sessions such as chocolate-making classes, while a dedicated arcade room provides entertainment options for families and younger travellers.
Digital services also play a central role in the upgraded lounge experience. Korean Air has introduced advance lounge reservations for passengers using vouchers or mileage, alongside real-time crowd monitoring displayed on its website and mobile app. During peak periods, a mobile queuing system alerts passengers when seating becomes available, helping to reduce congestion and improve overall comfort. First and Prestige Class passengers, as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus members, continue to enjoy priority access.
The reopening of the Prestige East (Left) Lounge builds on the first phase of Korean Air’s lounge renewal programme, completed in August 2025. That phase included redesigned Miler Club and Prestige East (Right) Lounges, as well as the introduction of two Prestige Garden Lounges located at opposite ends of Terminal 2. These spaces offer quieter environments, combining refined food and beverage options with views of landscaped Korean and Western-style gardens.
Across the renewed lounges, design elements blend traditional Korean influences, such as Hanok-inspired structures, with contemporary materials including marble and metal. Dining concepts feature rotating seasonal menus prepared at live stations, offering Korean specialities alongside Western dishes, supported by dedicated bartenders and in-house baristas. Wellness areas, meeting rooms and private shower suites further position the lounges as extensions of the airline’s premium cabin experience.
Further renovations are scheduled to continue through the first half of the year, including upgrades to the First Class Lounge and the Prestige West Lounge. Once all phases are complete, Korean Air’s total lounge footprint at Incheon Terminal 2 will expand from just over 5,100 square metres to more than 12,270 square metres, with seating capacity increasing from 898 to 1,566. The expansion is intended to ensure sufficient capacity and service quality as the airline enters its next phase of growth following the Asiana integration.
