Travelling domestically and internationally from South Korea is becoming ever cheaper with the addition of new airlines and routes. Previously, leaving Korea by air meant selecting a ticket from a small selection of major airlines. Recently however, several new Korean and foreign budget airlines began travelling to popular Asian destinations from Seoul’s international airport. If you’re on a budget and looking to travel to other countries via Korea, you may want to consider some of these airlines.
Eastar Jet
Eastar Jet (eastarjet.com) was one of the first true budget airlines to originate from Korea, and began operating domestically in 2008 with flights from Seoul to Jeju Island. Jeju, often referred to as the “Hawaii of Korea” is a popular destination for Korean and foreign travelers alike. After a successful launch, Eastar began offering flights to Jeju from three different Korean cities, and out of the budget carriers they offer the most domestic routes to the island.
Performing flawlessly in Korea, they have extended routes to Sapporo and Kochi in Japan, as well as Phuket, Thailand. In addition, the company has nearly completed arrangements for flights to Malaysia. A very ambitious airline, they are planning to eventually serve China and Russia as well. Although they have not expanded their international routes as quickly as some competitors, Eastar’s service exceeds their low ticket prices.
Jin Air
Korean Air’s subsidiary, Jin Air (jinair.com), was the company’s answer to the budget airlines that first began servicing Korea. Jin Air started domestically in 2008 with flights from Gimpo to Jeju Island. The company offers no frills service with a laid back attitude, as you are sure to notice at first glimpse of their employees. Staff uniforms (pilots included!) consist of blue jeans, t-shirts, and baseball caps. Jin Air’s relaxed service and low-cost tickets quickly became popular with travelers and an additional service from the Korean city of Busan to Jeju was added.
The airline’s popularity continued to grow strongly and at the beginning of 2010 the company began offering its first international service with a daily flight to Bangkok Thailand. Now, including Bangkok, Jin Air serves five Asian destinations outside of Korea. Daily flights to Guam, Macao, Clark Field in the Philippines, and Qingdao in China are typically priced well below the major competitors. Jin Air is definitely worth a look when flying in or from Korea.
Air Asia
This low-cost Malaysian airline is one of the continent’s best. Most widely known for their budget services in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, Air Asia (airasia.com) serves most popular Asian destinations and even offer international flights to France and the UK. With the addition of a daily flight between Seoul and Kuala Lumpur in mid 2010, the airline now flies to over 20 countries internationally. Kuala Lumpur is also home to Air Asia’s “low cost carrier terminal” and flying from here will allow you to connect with any of the destinations served by the company.
Unlike some budget airlines, Air Asia allows passengers to choose their seats online instead placing them randomly. They also offer an onboard menu that is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite. As an added bonus, passengers are able to save time and avoid disappointment by booking their meals in advance online with discounts of up to 25%.
After ten years in business and numerous awards to show for it, Air Asia is one airline to keep in mind. They will undoubtedly serve more destinations from Seoul in the near future.
Jeju Air
Jeju Air (jejuair.net) is another independent low-cost airline based in South Korea. Like Jin Air and Eastar Air, it too first began as a domestic airline serving Jeju Island. Upholding a mandate to, “Compete with the exclusive, monopolistic, and expensive dominance of the two big airlines in Korea,” they’re very serious about saving customers money. After just a few years in service Jeju Air now offers scheduled flights within Korea and chartered flights to Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines and several destinations in Japan.
Unfortunately, these international destinations were only recently added. Passengers are only able to book flights from Hong Kong to Seoul using Jeju Air’s English website. If you’re looking to book a flight to another destination you will be forced to use the Korean website until the English version is updated. Jeju Air has exceptional service however, and a call or email to their staff would answer any questions you might have. You can be assured their English website will offer full service very soon.
Air Busan
Busan is Korea’s second largest city and home to the country’s most popular beach, an international film festival, famous seafood, and of course, Air Busan (airbusan.com). Korea’s major carrier Asiana created the subsidiary in order to compete with the other budget airlines, and like them it began operating in 2008 with domestic flights to Jeju. The airline’s quality and service are on par with competitors but keep in mind that all flights originate from Busan, which is located in the southern end of the country. Seoul is located in the north so make sure you consider location when booking flights.
Currently Air Busan’s only international destinations are Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, but you can expect more in the future. Considering the increased competition from the low-cost carriers operating in Seoul, and that Air Busan will often code share with its parent company Asiana, travelers should look forward to other international destinations from this southern city.
Stedman Charlton - Stedman graduated from university in the summer of 2009 with a degree in media and television broadcasting. Shortly after he began working ...
Join the Conversation