Korean Air unveiled its refreshed corporate identity at the exclusive “Rising Night” event, featuring a modernised Taegeuk symbol, updated aircraft livery, and enhanced inflight services.The ceremony itself was held in the airline‘s headquarters hangar in Seoul, and was attended by approximately 1,000 guests including staff, industry practitioners, and the press.
Korean Air’s New Aircraft Livery: A Modernised Design
The new deep blue Taegeuk emblem, redesigned to honour Korean Air‘s heritage while embracing contemporary tastes, reflects today’s global branding patterns while upholding its distinctive personality.
The updated logotype, “KOREAN AIR,” positioned next to the Taegeuk symbol, incorporates subtle brushstroke-inspired details, smooth curves, and open connections, offering a refined visual identity. The unveiling also featured the introduction of Korean Air new aircraft livery on a Boeing 787-10, registered as HL8515. This aircraft, featuring the airline’s latest Prestige Suites 2.0 cabin interiors, is set to enter service on 12 March, operating from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita.
Korean Air’s new livery features a more dynamic “KOREAN” modernised symbol, reflecting its pride as the flag carrier of South Korea. The new livery includes a bigger logo and symbol for better visibility while maintaining balance. While retaining its signature sky-blue colour, the airline introduced a new metallic-effect paint specially developed to make it look more premium. Gone is the traditional cheatline, substituted by a smooth, flowing curve that runs along the fuselage for a cleaner, more contemporary look.
During his address, Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Hanjin Group and Korean Air, highlighted the airline’s vision for the future:
“As a unified Korean Air, we are committed to more than just transportation—we aim to connect people, cultures, and the world through the skies. With this foundation, we will build an industry-leading safety system, elevate the customer experience, and strengthen trust through open communication with all stakeholders. Together, we’ll create a more connected and better world.”
Cho further emphasised Korean Air’s evolving role, stating :
“With the full integration of Asiana Airlines, our responsibility as Korea’s flagship carrier has grown even more significant. We will bring together our expertise, refine our strengths, and unite cultures to create an innovative, unmatched airline experience.”
Korean Air has also introduced a proprietary typeface and iconography reflecting the new logotype’s design elements. These rebranding adjustments will be rolled out to airport facilities, lounges, and onboard environments.
This is the airline’s first major brand update since 1984, when it initially used the Taegeuk symbol, an internationally recognised symbol of the airline and the nation. The new corporate look will be rolled out to aircraft liveries, onboard amenities, and key customer touch points.
Enhancing the Inflight Experience: New Menus and Upgraded Services
Korean Air has also introduced its new inflight meals at Grand Hyatt Incheon to match its new corporate image with its culinary options. Together with Chef Seakyeong Kim of Seoul’s Cesta, the airline has developed an exclusive menu of fine-dining-inspired cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary methods.
For business-class passengers, longer amuse-bouche choices, more new main dishes, and high-end desserts—like Papillote and Petit Four—are the inflight menu highlights. Economy-class meal options have also been expanded beyond traditional beef bibimbap to include salmon bibimbap and spicy stir-fried octopus with pork.
Korean Air attempts to strengthen its premium international carrier image while sustaining the heritage which has defined the airline for over five decades. The branding will be introduced to its fleet and customer service structures seamlessly, opening a new page in Korean Air‘s history.
Korean Air is ushering in an exciting new era with its refreshed identity and new upgraded services. What do you think about its new corporate identity? Please share your opinions in the comment section below.
