Korean Air’s Inaugural “Taipei–Busan” Flight Departs at 11 AM, Perfect for Sleep-Lovers

▲Korean Air’s “Taipei–Busan” inaugural flight departs at 11 AM, perfect for sleep-lovers.

Reported and photographed by Yan Yuncen / Taipei–Busan

Busan, located in the southeastern part of South Korea, is the country’s second-largest city, boasting beautiful seascapes and mountain views. It is also home to an international film festival and attracts a large number of tourists every year. To meet the travel needs of passengers from Taiwan and South Korea, Korean Air officially launched the “Taipei–Busan” direct flight route on the 25th, operated by a B737-800 aircraft. The flight offers a total of 12 business class seats and 126 economy class seats, providing travelers with a comfortable journey.

Korean Air resumed the Taipei–Seoul direct flight route in December 2002. On January 26, 2016, after evaluating market demand, it added flights between Taipei and Busan. Section Chief Yoo Ji-hyun stated that prior to the inaugural flight today (the 25th), those wishing to fly to Busan with Korean Air had to rely on “charter flights,” which accommodated 138 passengers and required an 80% occupancy rate to operate. With the launch of the Busan route, passengers now have daily flight options, making travel to the Yeongnam region more convenient.

▲Photo of the Korea Tourism Organization branch director and Korean Air’s inaugural flight cabin crew.

Established in 1969, Korean Air is one of the world’s top 20 largest airlines. It currently operates a fleet of 166 aircraft, employs over 20,000 professionals, and flies more than 430 flights daily to 129 cities across 46 countries on six continents. In 2014, it transported over 23 million passengers.

However, even before Korean Air launched its service, domestic carriers such as China Airlines and TransAsia Airways, along with Korean airlines like Jeju Air and Air Busan, had already entered the Busan route market as early as 2015 or before. When asked about Korean Air’s advantages, Kuan Ting-fan, General Manager of the Taipei Branch, explained that compared to low-cost carriers, Korean Air offers business class facilities, and even its economy class seats are more spacious than those of budget airlines. Additionally, the aircraft are equipped with a new AVOD audio/video on-demand system, ensuring passengers are entertained throughout their journey.

▲Korean Air Taipei Branch General Manager Kuan Ting-fan (left) and Korea Tourism Organization Taipei Branch Director Chung Ik-soo.

After the launch of the Taipei–Busan route, Korean Air flights depart daily at 11:15 AM from Taoyuan Airport and arrive at Busan Gimhae International Airport at 2:35 PM local time. Return flights depart Busan at 8:30 AM and arrive in Taoyuan at 10:15 AM. On Wednesdays, both departure and arrival times are 25 minutes earlier: 10:50 AM from Taipei and 8:05 AM from Busan.

Passenger Ms. Chen was among those who took Korean Air’s inaugural Taipei–Busan flight. She told reporters that she chose Korean Air for its “just-right” timing. “Previously, when I flew to Seoul, I had to leave at around 4 AM for a 7 AM flight,” Ms. Chen said. With Korean Air’s schedule, she can sleep in until 6–7 AM before leaving, enjoy lunch on the plane, and arrive ready to start exploring—making it her top choice for traveling to Busan.

▲Korean Air’s in-flight meal features stir-fried pork rice and stir-fried beef noodles.

▲Korean Air provides three stickers on board to help passengers who want to sleep avoid being disturbed.

Korean Air Busan Flight Schedule

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays:
Taipei–Busan: Departs 11:15 AM ~ Arrives 2:35 PM
Busan–Taipei: Departs 8:30 AM ~ Arrives 10:15 AM
Wednesdays:
Taipei–Busan: Departs 10:50 AM ~ Arrives 2:00 PM
Busan–Taipei: Departs 8:05 AM ~ Arrives 9:50 AM