Review : Asiana Business Lounge, Seoul Gimpo (GMP)

After 3 very intense days in Seoul, including a gourmet restaurant that we recommend, the Mosu, we are back in Gimpo for our return flight to China, still in economy class

Check-in

Seoul-Gimpo Airport (GMP) has two terminals: one domestic and one international. Naturally, it is by Uber that we get dropped off at the international terminal of Gimpo. Please note that depending on your departure time from the city, Uber may not be available: don’t worry – your hotel can call a cab with no problem and they take credit card and even American Express.

Many automatic check-in kiosks, but going through the counter was necessary for me today to check in a bag

The international terminal is not very big, and the check-in counters are at the very back of it. Zero waiting at the Business/Star Gold counter, and I am checked in for Beijing, with my luggage being taken care of immediately.

Terminal

Security and immigration controls are located on the first floor of the terminal, accessible by escalator.

Boarding is on the mezzanine

There is no priority passage for business or loyal passengers, only for families with babies or disabled persons.

The lines are impressive but go quite fast
It is important to choose the right lane

The first control of boarding passes is finally quite fast, and we pass first the security control, also fast, which leads to the immigration.

Even if it is a little slower, we are finally airside in less than 10 minutes all inclusive, which is a performance.

Same airside, a nice table of departures

Once airside, everything is obviously very beautiful and well organized. Duty free is an institution in Korea, and it shows, with dozens of counters to withdraw purchases made in town. I will also do some travel shopping.

Some pay-in lounges are available just after the immigration

The lounges are located in the same area, on one of the upper floors of the terminal. They are accessible by stairs or elevator.

Elevators to the lounges
4th floor for everyone
To the left, at the exit of the elevator!

Reception

Once on the lounge floor, it is impossible to miss the Asiana lounge, the first one on the way.

The entrance of the lounge makes you want to enter
All Star Alliance airlines are welcome!

The welcome is very cordial, more Japanese than Chinese, and I am invited to settle down.

Today, I don’t travel light!

Lounge design

The lounge is quite small, but sufficient to handle the flights from Gimpo which are finally medium-haul Asian style.

The tones are dark, which reinforces the elegance of the lounge, even if its design is quite basic.

Sobriety and elegance are the rule
Restoration areas are installed at the window sills

The relaxation areas are very comfortable, with nice wide chairs.

The tones are quite elegant

The toilets are, as often in Asia (except China), immaculate.

Catering

The food offering is rather short, with few breakfast options available.

Quite dry, for an early morning offering!
The sandwiches are nevertheless rather well presented
The pastries are of poor quality

The offer of drinks is also rather short.

Not great to have sodas in vending machines, on the other hand, here, they know how to drink beer!
A little early for alcoholic beverages

Lounge facilities

The lounge has no specific facilities apart from the rest and catering area.

The weather is clearing as we approach boarding

Bottom line

A rather qualitative waiting area, without more. We are a little bit disappointed.

Olivier Delestre-Levai
Olivier Delestre-Levai
Olivier has been into airline blogging since 2010. First a major contributor to the FlyerTalk forum, he created the FlyerPlan website in July 2012, and writes articles with a major echo among airline specialists. He now co-runs the TravelGuys blog with Bertrand, focusing on travel experience and loyalty programs.
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