Korean Air, a South Korean airline, has launched a new route between Lisbon and Seoul Incheon, the South Korean capital, which will have three flights per week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with 278 seats, including 24 in Prestige Class and 254 in Economy Class.

Flights between Seoul and Lisbon take approximately 13 hours, while return flights take an estimated 15 hours, with the following schedule: Departure from the Korean capital at 1:10 pm and arrival at Humberto Delgado Airport at 8:10 pm (local time). The return flight will be at 10:10 pm, arriving in Seoul at 7:10 pm the following day (local time).

“The new Seoul-Lisbon route represents the second direct connection from Asia to Portugal, and should create new market opportunities not only in Korea but also in Japan, where Korean Air has a strong consolidated presence and could capture a significant share of the Japanese market through its connections via Seoul”, said Turismo de Portugal in a recently released statement.

“This route is a milestone in air connectivity and in strengthening relations between Portugal and Asia. Turismo de Portugal is focused on identifying and seizing opportunities in promising markets to meet tourism needs”, said Carlos Abade, president of Turismo de Portugal, when announcing the air links between its capitals, which will be active for two months, at least until October 25, but may be extended during the winter season, which begins on October 27 and runs until March 30, 2025.

South Korea is a market that has been growing in Portugal and, last year, it was the 25th tourist market in terms of external demand measured by the overnight stays indicator.

“Compared to the previous year, the number of guests in 2023 increased by around 189%, reaching 170.1 thousand. In terms of overnight stays, the increase was 136.2%, which led to 264.7 thousand overnight stays by South Koreans in Portugal”, adds Turismo de Portugal, arguing that “these figures reflect significant growth potential for Portugal in the coming years with the implementation of this new route”.