Travellers can now fly between South Korea and Vancouver with a new low-cost airline that officially launched this weekend.
South Korean airline T'way Air made its inaugural flight out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR), its first North America stop, on Saturday, July 12.
The airline is now running four weekly flights, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, leaving Vancouver at 5:25 p.m. and arriving local time in Seoul the next day at 9:35 p.m. (KST).
Flights from Seoul depart Incheon International Airport at 9:05 p.m. (KST) and arrive in Vancouver at 3:25 p.m. (PST).
The route uses an Airbus 330-300 aircraft with 347 seats, including 12 lie-flat options in its Business Saver class, and can carry about 2,700 passengers weekly.
Travellers can find summer fares in T'way Air's economy class starting from at least $50 to $100 less than competitor prices.
“This new service to South Korea is about more than travel convenience—it represents a strategic investment in connectivity, trade and Canada’s place in the global economy,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO at YVR.
“YVR is excited to further expand our ability to connect Canada with the world, to support industry and families, attract investment and to further build resilience in supply chains.”
This new international route is estimated to generate $39.8 million in economic output and 237 full-time jobs in the province.
T'way Air CEO Sang Yoon Lee said the Vancouver-Incheon route is more than just a new destination. Rather, it is a "meaningful bridge" connecting people, culture and the economy.
"As the first Korean low-cost carrier to serve Canada, we’re excited to welcome onboard travellers to Korea while continuing to deliver reliable service," said Lee.
Increasing cargo capacity and transportation is also a benefit of the newly established route between the two countries.
In 2024, YVR had a record-breaking year for cargo output from the airport, with more than 339,000 tonnes of goods moving through the airport, according to a media statement.
South Korea was its second-largest air export destination.
T'way Air was established in 2010 and flies to more than 40 destinations both domestically in South Korea and around the globe, including to Europe, Asia, Australia and now North America.
-with files from Elana Shepert, Vancouver is Awesome
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