Introduction: Finding my Seoul-mate
Review: Cathay Pacific Lounge Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4
Review: Cathay Pacific Business Class B777-300ER Singapore – Hong Kong
Mini-Review: Cathay Pacific Business Class A330-300 Hong Kong – Seoul Incheon
Review: ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
Review: Conrad Seoul
Review: Millennium Seoul Hilton
Review: Asiana Airlines Lounge Seoul Gimpo Airport
Review: ANA Regional Business Class B787-8 Seoul Gimpo – Tokyo Haneda
Review: Hilton Tokyo
Review: United Club Tokyo Narita Airport
Review: ANA Lounge Tokyo Narita Airport
Review: EVA Air Business Class A321 Tokyo Narita – Taipei Taoyuan
Getting to Seoul Gimpo Airport was relatively easy. From the Millennium Seoul Hilton, I took the hotel shuttle bus to Seoul station and simply hopped onboard the airport railroad train. This is a stopping service and it took me close to an hour to reach Seoul Gimpo.
Be warned though, it is a long, long walk from the train station to the terminal itself. Me being the glutton that I am, I had purchased close to 20 kg of snacks from Lotte Mart and had a good workout pushing 4 bags weighing a combined total of almost 50 kg up an incline travellator from the train station to departures :’). The walk was almost 10 minutes long.
The departures area of Gimpo was rather small given that it mainly serves domestic flights rather than international flights.
The check-in counters for ANA were located at the far right of the departures area and thankfully there wasn’t anyone in the queue.
Sadly, I was not able to check all my bags as the total weight exceeded my entitlement of 40 kg (oops) and I had to lug my carry-on around with me. Even to the toilet. Up until now, I still have no idea how I managed to push 50kg worth of bags myself by public transport. My bags were tagged to Tokyo Haneda and I was off to the transit area.
Immigration and security were a breeze but there was a minor hiccup as my power bank (30,000 mAh) was too “dangerous” and I had to wait 10 minutes while an ANA representative came to sign a form to release the power bank.
Entering the transit area, the lounges were towards the left of the transit hall.
The Asiana Airlines lounge was a good 5 minute walk from the exit from security and you will pass by the only Priority Pass lounge in Gimpo on the way there – Sky Hub lounge. Sadly, I didn’t have a Priority Pass membership and couldn’t access it. Poor me.
After a short 5 minute stroll, you’ll reach a set of elevators that will take you up to the Asiana Airlines lounge. If you were feeling healthy, you can also choose to take the stairs. The KAL lounge can also be found on the same floor as the Asiana Airlines lounge.
In fact, they are just beside each other.
The Asiana Airlines lounge in Seoul Gimpo is on the small side. If you fall in one of the following groups, you will have access to the Asiana Airlines lounge:
- Asiana Airlines Business Class passengers
- Star Alliance Business Class passengers
- Star Alliance Gold members flying in Economy Class and above
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club – Worldwide holders traveling on a Star Alliance airline
- United Club holders traveling on a Star Alliance airline
Presenting my ANA boarding pass, I was admitted into the lounge and was told that boarding calls will be made. The lounge wasn’t that big and was packed when I entered around 12.30 pm.
If you needed to charge your devices, universal power ports and USB outlets are available at the sofas and the tables facing the apron.
The buffet area was small and did not have any hot food. Instant ramyeon was available if you were into that.
Thankfully I had a full breakfast and was looking forward to trying ANA’s catering on my flight so I did not really mind the lack of food. I assembled a small plate of sandwiches and had a coffee. If you wanted soft drinks or juice, paper cups were available. Yes, paper.
There was a small restroom in the lounge which was fairly clean.
I didn’t stay long in the lounge and instead headed out for some last-minute window shopping at the duty-free shops and to process my tax refunds. My flight that day was departing from Gate 38, one of the last gates in the terminal. It was my first time flying on ANA’s 787s albeit it being their regional product.
Stay tuned to the next installment as I review their regional seats and hamburg steak. Oh, and definitely not forgetting the bidet.
