Korean Air operates four direct flights per week between Kaohsiung and Busan, with tickets starting from NT$4,999

▲ After Air Busan’s inaugural flight to Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan travelers now have another option for traveling to South Korea. (Photo provided by Air Busan)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Kaohsiung and Busan became sister cities in 1966 and have maintained frequent exchanges. Korean Air’s subsidiary, Air Busan, officially launched its direct Kaohsiung–Busan route on December 11.
The Busan–Kaohsiung route operates every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Flights depart Kaohsiung at 12:40 and arrive in Busan at 17:00, while flights depart Busan at 10:40 and arrive in Kaohsiung at 12:40. Ticket prices start from NT$4,999 (excluding tax).

To celebrate the inaugural flight, the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau welcomed passengers on Air Busan’s first flight to Kaohsiung with indigenous dance and drum performances. Air Busan also held a “Kaohsiung–Busan Route Inauguration Ceremony” at the international departure gate of Kaohsiung’s Xiaogang Airport. Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Lee Yung-te, Air Busan Chairman Kim Soo-cheon, Korea Tourism Organization Taipei Branch Director Liu Chen-hao, and Kaohsiung Xiaogang International Airport Director Chu Yao-kuang were among those present to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inaugural flight.

%The mother (speechless), Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung City (left 3), Air Busan Chairman Kim Soo-cheon (left 4), and Director of Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau Hsu Chuan-sheng (left 7) jointly cut the ribbon to celebrate the inaugural flight. (Photo provided by Air Busan)

Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Lee Yung-te stated that every year during the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival, the Busan City Government sends a delegation to participate, and the city government has also frequently taken part in international events hosted by Busan. With the launch of direct flights between the two cities, it will enhance tourism and golf-related exchanges between Korean visitors and Kaohsiung.

Air Busan Chairman Kim Soo-cheon also noted that both Kaohsiung and Busan are the second-largest port cities in their respective regions and both place great emphasis on urban cultural and creative development. He hopes that direct flights operated by Air Busan between the two cities will foster closer tourism and cultural exchanges, and that the direct flights to Kaohsiung will provide Taiwanese and Korean travelers with a more convenient travel experience.