Korean Air has officially launched its new route connecting Seoul's Incheon Airport (ICN) and Kobe, with flights now operating twice daily as of April 18th, 2025. The airline is the first in South Korea to service this route, offering travelers a new option for reaching Japan’s Kansai region.
Conveniently, the schedule includes both morning and afternoon departures. The first daily flight leaves Incheon International Airport at 8:25 AM and arrives in Kobe at 10:00 AM. The return flight departs Kobe at 11:00 AM and lands in Incheon at 1:00 PM. An afternoon option departs Incheon at 3:50 PM, arriving in Kobe at 5:30 PM, with the return flight departing Kobe at 6:30 PM and arriving in Incheon at 8:40 PM. Each flight takes approximately two hours.
Kobe, one of the Kansai region’s key cities, is known for its rich blend of cultures and coastal beauty. As a port city that first opened to the world in 1868, Kobe developed into a hub of international exchange and modern industry. Today, its attractions include the historic Kitano Ijinkan district, the vibrant Chinatown of Nankinmachi, the waterfront shopping and dining area of Harborland, and natural escapes like the famous Arima Onsen. The city is also renowned for its Kobe beef and scenic night views.
With Expo 2025 also commencing in nearby Osaka this month, interest in the Kansai region is on the rise. Thanks to its central location, Kobe offers easy access to a host of major cities including Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, and Okayama—all reachable within an hour by public transit.
