Korean Air has reopened a renovated flagship lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport. The two-level, 1,675-square-meter (18,030-square-foot) space — the carrier’s largest directly operated lounge outside Korea — opened March 6 after nearly two years of work. Designed by LTW Designworks and built for about 65 billion South Korean won (roughly $45.1 million), it’s the airline’s first overseas lounge refreshed ahead of its integration with Asiana.
Location and layout
The lounge occupies the fifth and sixth floors of TBIT, located just beyond security and reachable by elevator. Its placement is most convenient for Korean Air and other SkyTeam flights operating from that terminal; passengers flying SkyTeam routes from other LAX terminals may need alternative facilities.
Design and atmosphere
The interior pairs contemporary Korean luxury with Southern California ease: warm wood paneling, stone tile, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and softer, layered lighting create a relaxed yet upscale feel. Traditional Korean artwork — Buncheong ceramics, ink brush paintings and moon jars — adds cultural texture. An outdoor balcony terrace, carried over from the previous lounge, offers an airy overlook of the terminal.
Fifth floor — Prestige Class lounge and Miler Club
The fifth floor is home to the main Prestige Class lounge and the Miler Club, with roughly 200 seats. The space features diverse seating vignettes for dining and lounging, two- and four-top tables, window-facing chairs, and work zones equipped with universal outlets plus USB-A and USB-C ports. Quiet spaces support focused work. The Miler Club is a semi-private room near the entrance with two-top tables and cushioned seating for a smaller crowd.
Sixth floor — First Class lounge
The First Class lounge upstairs is intentionally intimate, with just 25 seats and a ‘‘high touch, low tech’’ hospitality approach. It resembles a boutique hotel living room more than an airport lounge, with finer details such as crystal glassware and premium flatware. First Class guests also have a dedicated bar serving Champagne, beer and spirits.
Culinary upgrades — on-site kitchen and fresh dining
A major operational change is the installation of a full on-site kitchen, replacing the prior catered model. That enables made-to-order dishes in First Class (examples include Korean options like beef gomtang and pork kimchi jjigae, alongside Western plates such as a cheeseburger and seared salmon) and live cooking stations for Prestige guests.
Downstairs dining emphasizes warm Korean comfort food — janchi-guksu noodles, kimchi vegetable mandu, abalone porridge, Korean steamed eggs and a build-your-own bibimbap station — accompanied by a Western buffet featuring minestrone, harissa honey chicken, braised pork shoulder and ricotta tortellini with vegetable bolognese. Beverage offerings include self-serve soft drinks, coffee machines and a full-service bar; desserts, rotating charcuterie and fruit selections round out the spread.
Amenities and services
Shower suites are available on both floors; First Class guests receive Aesop amenities upstairs, while Prestige and Miler guests are provided Byredo products downstairs. The lounge also includes quiet rooms for calls or focused work and family-friendly seating areas to accommodate varied traveler needs.
Access rules
When the lounge opened, access is available to:
– Korean Air First Class passengers (access to the First Class Lounge plus Prestige and Miler areas)
– Korean Air Prestige Class passengers (Prestige and Miler)
– SkyPass elite members, including Million Miler and Morning Calm Premium, when traveling on eligible Korean Air or SkyTeam flights (Prestige and Miler)
– SkyTeam first and business class passengers departing on international SkyTeam flights
– SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling internationally on a same-day SkyTeam flight
Premium economy alone does not guarantee entry; access depends on elite status and fare conditions.
Bottom line
Korean Air’s new LAX flagship is a clear investment in the premium experience: two levels, an on-site kitchen for made-to-order dining, thoughtful design details and amenities aimed at long-haul travelers. With other carriers upgrading their LAX offerings, SkyTeam customers now have more high-end lounge choices. Korean Air also plans a new lounge at JFK later in the year with a distinct Big Apple edge. Based on this first look, the LAX lounge is a polished, welcoming space worth lingering in before departure.