Korean Air is redefining luxury air travel by enhancing its in-flight dining experience, upgrading its amenities, and rolling out new services as part of a corporate transformation. With the merger with Asiana Airlines on the horizon, the airline is improving its services to offer a higher standard of comfort and convenience for its passengers.
New First-Class Dining Experience
Korean Air’s revamped in-flight services, which began on April 12, are now available on major long-haul routes, including flights to New York, Paris, and London. The airline has introduced a fresh menu in first class, replacing previous dishes like gold-plated grilled beef and bibimbap with new gourmet offerings. The updated menu includes Sinseollo (a traditional hot pot dish with meat, seafood, and vegetables), octopus rice, and kimchi – a popular addition following customer feedback.
The airline has also elevated the dining experience with amuse-bouche and caviar served as appetizers. New cooking techniques, such as papillote (steaming ingredients wrapped in cooking paper), have been incorporated, showcasing dishes like Stone Flounder in papillote, along with new recipes featuring duck breast steak and lamb.
Upgraded Tableware and Service
Korean Air is committed to providing a high-end dining experience, with an upgraded selection of tableware. First-class passengers now dine with French Bernard China, Christofle cutlery, and German Riedel wine glasses—a significant upgrade from the previous British Wedgwood collection. Meanwhile, Prestige class passengers will also enjoy meals using Armani Casa tableware and wine glasses.
To ensure the best possible service, Korean Air has worked closely with chef Kim Seo-kyung from Cesta and Hyu135 in Seoul for the past two years to develop these new menus. This marks the first major overhaul of Korean Air’s in-flight dining in 15 years.
Luxury Sleepwear and Toiletries
In addition to food and tableware upgrades, Korean Air has enhanced passenger comfort with luxury sleepwear and bedding from the Italian brand Prête, along with Graft toiletries sourced from the British brand. These improvements were introduced on select long-haul routes starting on April 12, with plans to roll them out across all long-haul routes by June.
Enhanced Lounge and Airport Services
Korean Air is also focused on improving the experience at its airport lounges. The check-in lounge underwent a complete redesign in December, creating a more hotel-like atmosphere with dimmed lighting, carpets, and dark furniture. The airline has plans to continue renovations, with first-class and prestige lounges at Incheon International Airport set for transformation by April next year.
In the airport lounges, Korean Air will offer fresh, made-to-order food and beverages, including cocktails and wines prepared by bartenders and baristas. A dedicated bakery and patisserie will provide passengers with a selection of desserts and baked goods.
Premium Economy and Future Upgrades
Korean Air is also introducing a new premium economy class, which will replace the first-class seats on 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft later this year. This upgraded class will offer enhanced comfort compared to the standard economy seats.
As part of its commitment to improved service, the airline will open two new ‘Prestige Garden’ lounges at Incheon Airport, bringing the total number of lounges to six.
With these improvements, Korean Air aims to provide its passengers with a luxurious and unforgettable experience, both in the air and on the ground.
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