Jeju lounges: Korean Air or Asiana, how to choose

Jeju's terminal has only two lounges, both on the third floor on the check-in side and quite close to each other: one run by Korean Air, the other by Asiana Airlines. At first glance they seem equivalent, since in both entry is valid for business passengers, for those with airline status and for those holding Priority Pass or an American Express Platinum card, but for travellers with these last two kinds of access the difference is substantial and worth knowing before heading to one or the other.At the Korean Air lounge, about fifty metres from the check-in desks and opposite gate 2, entry with Priority Pass or an American Express Platinum card is not tied to the flight's airline: it works for anyone departing from Jeju on any carrier. It is therefore the more convenient option for those not flying with Korean Air but holding one of these accesses, even though the food offering is limited to packaged snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, with no hot kitchen or bar. It naturally remains reserved as well for Korean Air Prestige passengers and members of the SKYPASS Million Miler Club and Morning Calm Premium Club programmes, as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus holders departing the same day on a Korean Air flight. The Asiana Airlines lounge, also on the third floor on the departures side next to the airline's check-in desks, follows a different logic instead: entry with Priority Pass or an American Express Platinum card is valid only if travelling on a flight operated by Asiana itself, not on other airlines departing from Jeju. The amenities include Wi-Fi, televisions and flight monitors, and the lounge remains the reference point for those flying business with Asiana, for those with Asiana Club status or for Star Alliance Gold members, with entry denied to unaccompanied minors. In both lounges, entry is never guaranteed if the lounge is full.

In short, at Jeju the choice depends mainly on the type of access you hold and the flight you're about to take. Those with Priority Pass or an American Express Platinum card but not flying with Asiana will find open doors only at the Korean Air lounge. Those travelling business or with status on an Asiana flight can instead rely on their own airline's lounge. In both cases it's worth arriving with some time to spare, because entry is never guaranteed if the lounge is full.