Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is expanding its intercontinental travel network by opening its first direct service from Scandinavia to South Korea. A new direct route between Copenhagen and Seoul will begin operation on Sept. 12, 2025. The new route will operate four times weekly throughout the summer season and three times weekly during winter.
Copenhagen as a gateway for intercontinental travel
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is committed to strengthening Copenhagen’s position as a gateway for intercontinental travel. An intercontinental gateway airport serves as a central hub, facilitating flights across continents and connecting them to flights into closer regions.
After the launch of the route to Seattle in May 2025, SAS will officially offer 14 intercontinental destinations from Copenhagen, which connects to over 100 destinations across Europe. Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, is Scandinavia’s busiest and largest airport, perfect for travellers with connecting flights.
Through the direct connection with one of Asia’s most popular hubs, SAS will be able to expand their network reach. Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is one of the world’s busiest hubs for international freight. The new route will provide connections through the SAS network to the rest of Europe from their hub in Copenhagen.
Anko van der Werff, president and CEO of SAS, has stated that
As a proud SkyTeam member, this route further strengthens the seamless connectivity we provide, linking Scandinavia to key destinations across the globe. We are excited to welcome passengers on board this landmark service
New Destination
Starting Sept. 12, 2025, the new route will operate four times weekly throughout the summer season and three times weekly during winter. Flights will be scheduled with evening departures. An Airbus A350 will operate the route, carrying 300 passengers.
Korean travellers are showing increasing interest in visiting Scandinavia. Copenhagen is a wonderful travel destination offering a unique mix of modernity and rich history. With over 390 kilometers of designated biking lanes, it’s a great place to explore on two wheels. It’s an ideal location to immerse yourself in Scandinavian cuisine and culture.
South Korea has seen an increase in Scandinavian tourists, encouraged by its rich culture and global phenomena like the Korean Wave. The Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, is the surge of global popularity for Korean pop culture, including K-pop music and Korean dramas. The Korean Tourism Organisation conducted a survey that revealed that Hallyu-related tourism accounted for 55.3% of all inbound tourism.
Visitors to Seoul can explore a variety of attractions in this beautiful and futuristic city. Seoul boasts skyscrapers, historical palaces, world-class shopping streets, and renowned cuisine. Seoul is also a vital business centre with strong links to Scandinavia, particularly in green technology, the digital industry, and innovation.
This new route highlights our commitment to meeting customer demand and enhancing connectivity between two dynamic regions. Seoul, renowned as a global centre of culture, innovation, and business, is a strategic addition to our growing network,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.
Would you want to visit Seoul? Or would you rather visit Copenhagen? Let us know in the comments below!
