WestJet Group launched its first flight to Seoul from Calgary Friday, establishing a direct link between Alberta and South Korea. The nearly sold-out WestJet flight 86 marked the first of 140 flights between Calgary and Seoul this summer, with the 787 Dreamliner service operating three times per week through Oct. 27, returning again in Spring 2025.
Korea Tourism Organization celebrated the launch with a special event in Calgary. The evening, designed to immerse key travel trade partners in Korean culture, featured an array of Korean cuisine, traditional dance and drum performances, and highlighted the many attractions Korea has to offer.
“I’m delighted by the expansion of opportunities for Canadians traveling to Korea this year with the introduction of WestJet’s Calgary-Incheon route,” said Director of Korea Tourism Organization Toronto Jane Kim.
“This new route has great significance in 2024, which has been designated as the Year of Korea-Canada Cultural Exchange. 2024 also marks Visit Korea Year as officially declared by the Korean government. Alongside the launch of the Calgary-Incheon route, I hope there is more cultural exchange between Canada and Korea, and I look forward to the expansion and establishment of the Calgary-Incheon route as regular service in the future.”
To celebrate the historic inaugural flight, all passengers received a special goodie bag provided by the KTO that contained a traditional Korean snacks like Yakgwa, Korean tea, a T-Money Card (public transit card), and other promotional items. Additionally, a gate activation ceremony took place before the flight that featured an enthusiastic Korean traditional drum performance.
“Canada and South Korea’s decades-long history in mutual support, shared values, and bilateral trade initiatives have set the stage for WestJet’s service to Seoul, marking a significant milestone in strengthening cultural exchange and economic ties between the two nations,”
“WestJet’s brand-new service to Seoul will inspire Canadians to explore their horizons in South Korea with the convenience of flying a familiar airline,” said WestJet Group Executive VP John Weatherill. “We have gone above and beyond to ensure all guests have an elevated experience onboard including introducing the option of western and Korean inflight meals, Korean entertainment options and onboard Korean announcements.”
Guests will also have access to six additional cities across four Asian countries from Incheon International Airport (ICN) through WestJet’s codeshare agreement with Korean Airlines.