Qantas launches new 11-hour direct flight from Sydney to Seoul

It’s a destination Qantas hasn’t had a direct flight to in 15 years, and given Aussies’ eagerness to visit the popular city, Qantas relaunched the service.

If there is one destination Aussies can’t wait to travel to, it’s South Korea.

And who can blame them – it is home to the most vibrant districts and an eclectic fashion scene. It is the birthplace of K-pop and Hallyu – and of course boasts delicious street food (aka fried chicken and Korean barbecue).

Given demand is so high, Qantas has launched a new direct service from Sydney to Seoul allowing Aussies to get to the popular destination in just 11 hours.

The last time they had this service was 15 years ago.

Qantas now has direct flights from Sydney to Seoul to meet growing demand. Picture: iStock

Wasting no time to jump on-board the inaugural flight on Saturday morning was Anuli Wiwatowska, 30, and her four mates.

The group spent roughly 82,000 frequent flyer points (each way) on Business Class tickets to the popular destination.

The Sydney-sider said she has never been to Seoul and given her love of South Korean food, she was eager to delve into the city’s culinary landscape.

“We don’t have any actual plans other than going there to just eat,” Anuli told news.com.au from Sydney airport on Saturday.

“And to have some real fried chicken,” she added while laughing.

Anuli Wiwatowska, 30, from Sydney has been itching to head to Seoul. Picture: news.com.au

Here she is wearing her customised ‘Seoul Plane’ T-shirt. Picture: news.com.au

Other than Jetstar, Qantas is the only other Aussie airline currently flying direct from Sydney to Seoul.

“We are big foodies and flight nerds and the fact we can go on a trip to eat and also be part of the inaugural flight is a big win,” Anuli said.

The excited group also wore customised ‘Seoul Plane’ T-shirts with flight number QF87 printed on the front to mark the occasion. On the back of the shirts they listed what they hope to do and would like to happen including a “fried chicken overdose” and visiting the Samsung store.

The group of friends, who bought tickets using their Qantas points, are heading to the popular city ‘just to eat’ purely for a culinary adventure. Picture: news.com.au

Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said while there is no shortage of Aussies wanting to travel overseas, South Korea is at the top of the list for many.

“Australia has also grown in popularity as a destination for South Korean travellers, so we’re pleased to be welcoming more visitors just in time for them to experience summer in Sydney and beyond,” he said.

Seoul is one of the 28 international ports that Qantas has resumed or launched new services to since Australia’s borders reopened. Picture: iStock

It has been 15 years since Qantas had a direct service from Sydney to Seoul and while Jetstar, which is owned by Qantas, has the same direct route operating three days per week. Qantas’ new service will operate four days a week during the peak summer season.

In between May and October it will drop to three times a week.

The 11-hour Qantas flights to Seoul will operate four days per week during the peak summer season. Picture: iStock

“The combination of Qantas and Jetstar means we can provide business, premium leisure and low-cost travel options to a destination that caters to different budgets, with good connections for those travelling to and from other parts of Australia,” Mr David said.

The new route is also a win for tourism, says NSW Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin.

“We’re thrilled that the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction fund has created this opportunity to bring more people from Seoul to Sydney, providing a boost for our tourism operators,” Mr Franklin said.

Meanwhile, given the months ahead is a busy travel period, news.com.au understands Qantas and Jetstar have 20 aircraft on standby to provide operational spares to minimise disruptions and is rostering more crew to help support services in the days leading up to Christmas.

This will support sick leave as Covid levels are set to peak, as well as supply chain delays for aircraft parts.

This journalist travelled to South Korea as a guest of Qantas and South Korea Tourism.