Thursday, June 5, 2025
Korean Air recently celebrated a remarkable milestone—its 20th anniversary of connecting Seattle with Seoul. To honor this achievement, the airline hosted a series of festive customer appreciation events at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), acknowledging the support of passengers who have flown on this vital route for two decades.
As part of the celebration, Korean Air surprised the 20th passenger to check in for flight KE042, the airline’s daily nonstop service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon, with a complimentary round-trip ticket for the same route. This thoughtful gesture highlighted the airline’s appreciation for its loyal customers and added an extra level of excitement to the anniversary celebration.
In addition to the surprise giveaway, all passengers boarding the anniversary flight received a range of special commemorative gifts. Among the offerings was a travel pouch featuring the iconic Space Needle, a beloved symbol of Seattle, as well as chocolate-covered cherries from Chukar Cherries, a renowned local treat. Passengers were also gifted with a limited-edition bag tag, designed specifically for the occasion, making the celebration even more personal.
To further mark the occasion, Korean Air set up a vibrant photo wall at the gate, inviting passengers to snap pictures and capture the festive spirit of the event. The photo wall, adorned with visuals commemorating the airline’s 20 years of service to Seattle, provided a fun and interactive way for travelers to engage with the celebration and create lasting memories.
The nonstop flights between Seattle and Seoul, offered by Korean Air for the past two decades, have been a vital link connecting the Pacific Northwest with Asia. Whether for business, leisure, or cultural exchanges, this route has facilitated thousands of journeys, strengthening the ties between Seattle and Seoul. Korean Air’s commitment to providing exceptional service has played a key role in the success of the route, which continues to serve as an important gateway for travelers on both sides of the Pacific.
The anniversary celebration at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport not only highlighted Korean Air’s enduring presence in the region but also reinforced the airline’s dedication to its passengers. With a continued focus on delivering memorable experiences, Korean Air demonstrated its appreciation for the Seattle community and its passengers who have made the past 20 years possible.
“We truly appreciate the support of our passengers over the past two decades on our Seattle route,” said Jin Ho Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of the Americas Regional Headquarters, Korean Air. “This route remains a key part of our North American network and we remain committed to serving the region.”
Korean Air began its Seattle route on June 2, 2005, and has since transported over two million passengers on this vital link. As the nearest U.S. mainland city to Korea, Seattle has evolved into a key hub for both business and leisure travel. Home to major global corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, and Costco, the city plays an essential role in connecting the Pacific Northwest to the rest of the world.
Throughout the years, Korean Air has operated a variety of aircraft on this route, including the Boeing 777-300ER, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, and currently, the Boeing 787-10, which features the airline’s upgraded Prestige Class 2.0 for enhanced passenger comfort.
In addition, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves as a key hub for Delta Air Lines, a joint venture partner of Korean Air, offering smooth connections to numerous destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest, further strengthening the region’s global connectivity.
