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The first branded Oneworld lounge opened in January 2024 at Seoul Incheon International Airport. It welcomes eligible travelers flying with American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and other Oneworld carriers — plus a single non-alliance airline. A few months back, I had the chance to stop in before a Finnair flight to Helsinki.
Here’s a quick look inside the lounge, along with details on its hours and who’s eligible to visit.
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Oneworld Lounge at Seoul Incheon Overview
If there wasn’t already a reason to fly through Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), there is now. Oneworld, alongside Swissport and Aspire Airport Lounges, took over an old Jeju Air lounge, gave it a breath of fresh air, and decorated the space as a subtle tribute to South Korean culture.
It’s a relatively small but functional lounge — and an easy place to spend a few hours before your flight. Even better, it’s accessible if you’re flying in first or business class or hold Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status through any Oneworld member airline. In addition, the lounge is also open to eligible customers flying through Seoul on VietJet Air.
Related: Guide to Oneworld Lounges and How To Access Them
Location and hours
The Oneworld lounge at ICN is located in Terminal 1 near Gate 28 — right next to the Korean Air (KAL) lounge. Just head up the escalator or elevator to the fourth floor; you won’t miss the branded signage. The lounge is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 12:50 a.m.
How to Access the Oneworld Lounge at Seoul Incheon
To access the Oneworld lounge, you’ll need a boarding pass for a flight departing ICN that’s operated by a Oneworld airline (or VietJet Air). At the time of writing, the following Oneworld carriers serve ICN:
- American Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Finnair
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- SriLankan Airlines
As long as you’re flying in first or business class or hold Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status, you can access the lounge with one guest age two or older (children under two don’t count toward the guest limit).
And as a reminder, Oneworld elite status comes automatically when you earn elite status with any Oneworld member airline. For example:
- Alaska Airlines
- Oneworld Sapphire: MVP Gold
- Oneworld Emerald: MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold 100K
- American Airlines
- Oneworld Sapphire: AAdvantage Platinum
- Oneworld Emerald: AAdvantage Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum
- British Airways
- Oneworld Sapphire: Club Silver
- Oneworld Emerald: Club Gold
Note: Admirals Club, Alaska Lounge+, and Qantas Club memberships do not provide access to this lounge. Also, be aware that discount business fares like Qatar Airways’ Business Lite and Finnair’s Business Light do not include lounge access.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
Which non-alliance airlines offer access to the ICN Oneworld lounge?
Only one non-Oneworld airline offers eligible guests access to the Oneworld lounge at ICN: VietJet Air. Travelers on eligible SkyBoss business class tickets receive access to business class lounges — and at ICN, that's the Oneworld lounge.
Since VietJet Air isn’t a Oneworld member and this is an alliance-branded lounge, it’s worth confirming your eligibility directly with the airline before you try to visit. Oneworld doesn’t list VietJet Air on its lounge webpage, and access policies could change at any time.
Oneworld Lounge at Seoul Incheon Amenities
The Oneworld lounge at ICN is comfortable and functional. It's got plenty of seating options, including areas to rest, socialize, or get some work done. The Wi-Fi was snappy, which is a plus if you're working remotely or touching base with friends and family before getting on a plane.
You'll also find plenty of food options at the central buffet. It's not a big lounge by any stretch, but the buffet was stocked with hot food (including vegetarian options), cold food, and more. There are also some locally inspired dishes on offer, too.
In addition to the buffet, there's a smaller snack bar. Here, you'll find a coffee machine as well as a self-serve Cup of Noodles station.
There's also a bar located near the lounge entrance, along with another coffee machine. Drinks at the bar are free of charge.
And for those who want to refresh before departure, the lounge offers a couple of shower suites that you can grab a key for at the front desk.
Final Thoughts
ICN has several lounges for Oneworld travelers — including airline-branded spaces like the Qatar Airways Lounge. But if you're eligible, the Oneworld lounge is a strong all-around option, especially thanks to its modern design and consistent access rules.
The Oneworld lounge at ICN checks all the boxes of a quality airport lounge. It offers plenty of food, ample seating, fast Wi-Fi, and even shower suites. If you're passing through Seoul on an eligible ticket — or have Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status — be sure to stop by.
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