Seoul Incheon (ICN) — consistently rated the world's best airport — has 4,518 live award deals. Economy starts from 31,000 Flying Blue miles one-way. Business class on Korean Air or Asiana typically runs 60,000–80,000 miles one-way.
| Program | Economy OW | Business OW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Blue | 31k–45k | 70k–90k | Air France/KLM via CDG/AMS |
| Alaska Mileage Plan | 35k–50k | 60k–80k | Asiana (Star Alliance) partner |
| Virgin Atlantic | 40k–60k | 65k–85k | Delta connections via ICN |
| United MileagePlus | 40k–55k | 70k–90k | Asiana Star Alliance partner |
Seoul is served by two major Korean carriers — Korean Air (SkyTeam) and Asiana Airlines (Star Alliance) — giving award travelers two independent program ecosystems. For Korean Air flights, Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) and Delta SkyMiles both have SkyTeam access to Korean Air award inventory. Flying Blue Promo Awards have included Korean Air routes at reduced rates. For Asiana, Alaska Mileage Plan maintains a bilateral partnership offering access to Asiana-operated OZ transatlantic flights at competitive fixed rates — often better than United MileagePlus for the same Asiana metal.
Asiana's business class on the A380 (Smarti Class) and 777 routes is highly regarded for transpacific travel. Korean Air's PrestigeClass business cabin is a consistent performer. Both carriers operate nonstops from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, and Atlanta. The practical tip: check both Korean Air and Asiana flight schedules on their own sites first to confirm award space exists, then book through your preferred loyalty program for the best rate.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) consistently ranks as the world's best airport — a distinction it has held for 12 consecutive years. Beyond the famous transit lounge amenities (indoor golf, spa, cultural performances, a transit hotel), ICN's geographic position makes it an excellent hub for a multi-country Asia trip. From Incheon, Korean Air and Asiana operate frequent short-haul service to Tokyo (NRT/HND, 2 hours), Beijing (2 hours), Shanghai (2 hours), Hong Kong (1.5 hours), Bangkok (5 hours), Singapore (6 hours), and Manila (3.5 hours).
For US travelers planning a multi-city Asia itinerary, routing the award flight through Seoul as an entry point gives access to one of the most comprehensive short-haul networks in the region. Korean Air operates a free transit city tour program for passengers with 5–24 hour ICN layovers — a unique opportunity to see Seoul's palaces (Gyeongbokgung), markets (Namdaemun, Gwangjang), and the Han River waterfront without paying for accommodation. Apply for the tour at ICN's transit desk on arrival.