Lounge Review: Oneworld Lounge, Incheon International Airport, South Korea
Incheon Oneworld Lounge, Korea
Noteworthy Details
The first Oneworld lounge opened worldwide
Located at Incheon airport, Korea
Modern overall appearance, spacious and comfortable
High quality food and drink offerings
Korea has become a very popular travel destination for business and leisure, and Incheon Airport serves as the major international airport. Incheon International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. The airport has won numerous awards for its service quality and facilities.
The world’s first Oneworld branded lounge at Incheon is a fantastic addition to the lounge options at Terminal 1, and it is certainly the pick of the lounges in Korea. Asiana has closed its first class lounge, the Asiana business class lounge is sub-standard with disappointing food offerings, and with Korean Air operating out of Terminal 2 the KE satellite lounge is small will likely disappear.
Lounge Availability and General Access Information
The Oneworld Lounge Incheon is located in Terminal 1, where all oneworld airlines depart from. Passengers are guided to Gate 28, however this can be confusing as it is not in the vicinity of gate 28. After clearing customs, walk in the direction of gate 28 but look left for the MontBlanc duty free store, and the KAL lounge:
The entrance way into the lounge, before ascending the escalator to the 4th floor.
Many passengers have been frustrated walking to Gate 28, only to find no lounge in sight.
The new Oneworld lounge stretches across 555 square metres and features stylish seating in a contemporary new setting for up to 148 customers. It is not a vast space, but it has an attractive, modern design wrapping around the central bar area. Our contributing writer has visited 3 times over the past 6 months, and while it can be busy seats are readily available and food is in constant supply.
The lounge is open daily between 7:30am and 00:50 am as of the time of writing (please visit oneworld.com for the most up to date lounge opening hours). Guests may enter 3 hours before their flight departs, however guests can enter earlier if making a connecting flight.
Access is available to the seven oneworld member airlines flying to Seoul, for passengers travelling in business or first class, or with Saphire or Emerald tier status. Also, while not part of oneworld, Jetstar business class passengers with a max bundle fare are eligble to access the oneworld lounge (please check guest policy for your fare /status type).
Overall Lounge Atmosphere and Layout
Tended bar at the Incheon Oneworld Lounge
Opening in 2024, the oneworld lounge is modern in design, with the focal point on entry being a full service bar. The lounge is bright, colourful and vibrant. I was impressed with the centerpiece above the bar drawing from Korean design elements (it is shaped like a traditional Korean hat). Floor to ceiling windows add to the open, unrestricted feeling of space, overlooking the tarmac for plane-spotting!
Once you gain access through the front desk, you’ll walk towards a the bar and seating area, with the buffet and self serve drinks section to your left. The lounge features:
Shower facilities
Restrooms (far left side of the lounge)
Premium coffee machines
Full service bar, and bar seating
Buffet food options
Ramen noodle stations (this is Korea of course!)
Flight status monitors
High speed wi-fi
View back towards the bar and entrance
Private seating options
Food and Drink Offering at the Oneworld Lounge
A limited buffet is available with a mix of Korean and international options, and the food has always been very good and regularly replenished. The ribs are often available and have always been tender and delicious.
If you prefer to mix your own drinks there is a self serve bar area as part of the buffet, stocked with a good assortment of alcoholic and non-alc beverages.
There are 2 premium coffee machines, one at each end of the lounge, and the coffee has been good despite it not being the barista quality passengers can enjoy at the Qantas lounges in Australia.
The Bottom Line
Overall, in my three recent visits I have been very happy with the oneworld lounge at Incheon. It is a compact lounge, and might not have the ‘wow factor’ of some of it’s oneworld carrier counterparts, but it is a lot better than using the Korean Air or Asiana contract lounges.
It is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours working or relaxing before your flight, and the quality of the food and the human element of the full service bar make it a very enjoyable way to start your journey.
Well done oneworld for upping the standard of lounges at Incheon airport! The two local carriers should take note.
Thanks very much for reading and I hope this review helps you to ‘travel bright’ with oneworld!.