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In my role as Travel Editor – and, more broadly, as a human living in Australia – it’s been impossible to ignore the stratospheric rise of one trending destination this year: Korea.
And in excellent news for Melbourne travellers, Korean Air is officially returning to Melbourne Airport, bringing back direct flights to Seoul just in time for the Aussie summer. The airline will resume the Melbourne–Seoul route this December (launching on December 18), taking over the service previously operated by Asiana Airlines following the completion of the two carriers’ merger.
RELATED READ: Here’s what’s in the works for Melbourne Airport
The seasonal service will run three times a week between Melbourne and Seoul Incheon, with flights departing Melbourne at 10pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – meaning you can get in a full day of work (or weekending) before heading to the airport.
Flights will operate from December 18, 2026 until March 14, 2027, aboard a Boeing 787-9. It also marks the first time Korean Air has operated out of Melbourne since 2013 – so, yep, it’s been a while.
For Melburnians dreaming of a Seoul escape, that means another direct option for getting to the South Korean capital without the faff of a stopover. And if you’re heading over in the cooler months, there’s a lot to look forward to: crisp winter days, steaming bowls of Korean food and Seoul’s famously buzzy shopping and nightlife scenes.
If Seoul has been sitting on your travel wishlist, consider this your sign to start planning.
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