Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge in Seoul

I was about to experience something new. Having heard glowing reports on Asiana Airlines service, especially in First Class. I was excited to finally try it for myself.

After my quick stay at the Hyatt Regency Incheon, I returned to the airport, and proceeded directly to Asiana First Class Check in. By this time in my trip, I had accumulated quite a bit of extra items, so I decided to check a bag. Rather impressive to see my checked bag wrapped in a heavy duty yellow plastic bag denoting Asiana First Class. I was also given access to the First Class lounge. I decided to walk around the terminal a bit before going to the lounge, but once I was there, I found a nearly empty lounge. Maybe this was foreshadowing…

Asiana First Class Lounge Seoul Incheon Airport

The Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge has already been given an thorough review here by James. I’ll try to put on my own take on my visit there.

The lounge was nicely appointed with a rather classic motif. I prefer a more modern look, but it was plenty elegant. When I first arrived, I nearly had the lounge to myself, and by the time I left, there were only a few other people there.

The main part of the lounge was one large room, but there were several smaller more private areas as well. In addition, there were a few separate rooms for sleeping, lounging and TV.

A massage chair in the Asiana First Class Lounge

I found a place to sit near the windows facing the tarmac, in an area with dark walls, and bookshelves. It seemed like an old library.

“Library” seating area

As I found out despite the nice looking books, they weren’t much for reading:

The books are real, but there isn’t any printing on them…

Despite the window seat, it was hard to get a good photo due to the shaded windows.

This was the 747 that I would be taking to Frankfurt.

Asiana First Class Lounge Dining

The seating areas were cozy, and the ambiance was nice, but I was also quite impressed with the food options. There is a buffet of various hot and cold items. Nothing too amazing, but I was excited to see fresh passion fruit. Not something I see much in the US. The hot items were in small portions, and were constantly refreshed during my visit. There was a selection of Korean items as well as western (and eastern) items such as the Chicken Tikka with mango.

Fresh fruit options includes passion fruit!

Chicken Tikka with Mango in the Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge

There was a decent selection of drinks as well. There were a few wines along with a self serve alcohol selection. Given the early hour, I did not try any of the countless liquor options. There were also a few beers, and I laughed at the Budweiser along with the Korean selections.

Like passion fruit, green tea/matcha flavored items are something that I rarely can pass up. Too early for alcohol, but not too early for Green Tea ice cream. Things like this are why I run nearly every day, especially when traveling and eating like this.

Green Tea Haagen Dazs, yes please

After enjoying the elegant lounge, and more than a few snacks, it was time for me to head to the gate for my flight to Frankfurt. I declined the offer of an escort to the lounge, so I apparently this also meant that no one would be taking my way to the gate. No big deal, as obviously I can find my own way.

This was a very nice lounge, and a peaceful way to relax before a flight. It is not as over the top as some other First Class Lounges such as the Lufthansa First Class Terminal (and Lounges) and the Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge, but I’d be happy to return in future travels. Better yet, I would like to experience the remarkable Asiana Airlines First Class in flight. That story is coming soon.