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Korean Air is set to open a sweeping new flagship lounge at Los Angeles International Airport on March 6, unveiling a two-level premium space that blends modern Korean luxury with Southern California ease and positions LAX as the carrier’s showcase hub in North America.
A Landmark Investment at a Key U.S. Gateway
Located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, the redesigned Korean Air lounge will become the airline’s largest overseas facility directly operated by the carrier. The space spans 1,675 square meters, roughly 18,000 square feet, making it about 27 percent larger than the previous lounge and signaling a major capacity and comfort upgrade for long-haul travelers.
The project follows a 22‑month redevelopment and a reported investment of about 65 billion Korean won, or roughly 45 to 48 million U.S. dollars. The scale of the revamp reflects LAX’s importance in Korean Air’s global network as a primary North American gateway linking the United States with Asia, as well as routes onward to Central and South America.
The lounge will officially welcome passengers on March 6, following a two-day preview event in late February that brought together Korean Air leadership, Hanjin Group executives, industry partners and invited guests for a first look at the new design and services. The opening comes ahead of Korean Air’s planned integration with Asiana Airlines, positioning the LAX facility as a template for the merged airline’s premium ground product.
Korean Air has indicated that the Los Angeles opening will be followed by further lounge upgrades at other major international hubs, including New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport later this year, as the carrier works to solidify its global premium credentials.
Design Marrying Modern Korean Luxury and LA Energy
Singapore-based hospitality firm LTW Designworks led the redesign, creating a two-level space that aims to feel airy, residential and distinctly Korean while acknowledging its Southern California setting. The lounge is perched on upper levels of the terminal, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony terrace that overlooks the bustling concourse below.
Natural light is central to the concept, with expansive glazing and open sightlines intended to mirror Los Angeles’ bright, coastal atmosphere. Warm wood finishes are paired with premium stone surfaces to create a calm, understated palette described by the airline as “modern Korean luxury,” avoiding flashy touches in favor of refined textures and subtle detailing.
Throughout the lounge, curated Korean artworks reference traditional aesthetics in a contemporary way. Motifs inspired by buncheong ceramics, brushstroke-style ink paintings and the rounded silhouette of classic moon jars introduce cultural depth without turning the space into a museum. The result is a series of zones that read more like an upscale urban hotel than a conventional airport waiting area.
Seating has been diversified to support different travel needs, from quiet nooks and window-side loungers to communal tables and business-focused workstations. Power outlets, including USB-A and USB-C ports, are integrated at many seats, reflecting the expectations of premium passengers who increasingly blend work and leisure on long-haul journeys.
First Class Retreat with Boutique-Hotel Service
The sixth-floor First Class Lounge is designed as the most exclusive tier of the new facility, with just 25 seats and a strong emphasis on privacy and personalized service. Korean Air has positioned this upper level as a tranquil retreat that feels closer to a boutique hotel living room than an airline club.
Two private suites provide secluded spaces for travelers seeking complete quiet, whether for rest, private conversations or focused work. Furnishings favor plush sofas and generously padded chairs, with an overall layout that encourages lingering rather than quick stopovers.
Dining in the First Class section is fully à la carte, supported by an on-site kitchen rather than pre-plated catering. Passengers can order made-to-order Korean and Western dishes tailored to their preferences, from comfort classics such as beef gomtang or pork kimchi stew to international options like seared salmon or gourmet burgers.
The bar program is equally elevated, with a dedicated counter offering Champagne, premium spirits and cocktails prepared to order. High-end touches such as fine crystal glassware and designer flatware reinforce the setting’s luxury positioning, while service is framed as “high touch and low tech,” prioritizing attentive human interaction over screens and self-service.
Prestige and Miler Club Lounges Focus on Variety and Flow
Most premium passengers will enter on the fifth floor, home to the Prestige Class lounge and the Miler Club area for top-tier frequent flyers. Together, these zones seat around 200 guests and form the core of the new LAX flagship experience.
A standout feature is the open-kitchen concept, where chefs prepare a rotating selection of dishes at live cooking stations. The menu blends Korean comfort food with globally familiar fare, from janchi guksu noodles, mandu dumplings and bibimbap to Western plates like braised meats, pastas and salads. The shift to full on-site kitchens represents a significant operational upgrade, allowing fresher preparation and more flexibility in changing menus.
Food is complemented by a beverage program that highlights the lounge’s Los Angeles location. Local craft beers and a signature house coffee blend are poured alongside standard soft drinks, juices and machine-made espresso. In many seating areas, passengers can order items digitally by scanning QR codes, a feature designed to ease congestion at buffet counters and keep the atmosphere relaxed.
The fifth-floor layout is organized into distinct zones to help manage flow. The Miler Club near the entrance gives frequent flyers a semi-private enclave with cushioned seating and two-person tables, while the main Prestige space offers a mix of window-side armchairs, dining areas and quiet corners. The balcony terrace, carried over from the previous lounge but refreshed, opens onto views of the terminal interior and reinforces the space’s open, loft-like character.
Enhanced Amenities and Access for Premium Travelers
Across both levels, the new lounge places a strong emphasis on pre-flight comfort for long-haul passengers. Shower suites are available upstairs and downstairs, with differentiated amenities: Aesop products for First Class guests and Byredo toiletries for those in the Prestige and Miler areas. The facilities are designed for quick refreshes between connections as well as longer stays before overnight departures.
Dedicated quiet rooms and business zones give travelers choices beyond standard armchair seating. Workspaces are equipped with ample charging options and desk-style surfaces, while family zones provide more casual seating for groups and those traveling with children.
Korean Air and SkyTeam premium customers will be the primary beneficiaries once the lounge opens its doors. Access is expected to extend to Korean Air First and Prestige Class passengers as well as eligible frequent flyers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members on qualifying itineraries, solidifying LAX as a central hub for the airline’s high-yield traffic between the United States and Asia.
For Korean Air, the Los Angeles lounge is more than a refreshed waiting area. It is a visible expression of the carrier’s ambition to anchor a new era of Korean-branded luxury in one of America’s busiest airports, setting a higher benchmark for comfort and service as competition intensifies for premium travelers on transpacific routes.