About this flight
From October 27, 2024, Korean Air resumed operations on the Nagasaki–Seoul (Incheon) route with four flights per week, making access from Nagasaki to Korea even more convenient.
I decided to take the inaugural flight on the Incheon–Nagasaki route on October 27.
The day before, I traveled from Nagasaki to Hakata by “Kamome,” then took an overnight bus to arrive in Namba on the morning of the 27th. From Kansai Airport I flew to Incheon on Asiana Airlines, and then boarded the Korean Air flight departing Incheon at 14:40 and arriving in Nagasaki at 16:10.
At Nagasaki Airport, many people gathered to watch the inaugural ceremony. As an important route connecting Korea and Nagasaki, further development is anticipated.
After arriving in Nagasaki, I headed to Haneda.
This time, I also used the ANA Lounge at Kansai Airport for the first time in a long while. The last time I used it was around the year 2000, so it had been 24 years since my previous visit.
Kamome
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Nagasaki–Seoul Route Launch Poster
Flight KE798 from Nagasaki operates every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. With both morning and afternoon departures, travel to Seoul becomes even more convenient.
Nagasaki Station
A large poster announcing the launch of the Nagasaki–Seoul route is displayed inside the station, giving a sense that a new era of international flights is beginning.
Ticket Gate
Passing through the ticket gate at Nagasaki Station, I board the Kamome Shinkansen.
Platform
The 21:18 departure takes about an hour and a half to Hakata.
Kamome No. 64
The car number “2” design is stylish and sophisticated.
Information Board
Following Kamome No. 64, trains to Mojiko depart in the 22:00 hour, and to Shin-Omura in the 23:00 hour.
Inside the Train
The seat backs are made of wood, with calm green cushions on the seats, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Quiet Cabin
Since it is nighttime, there are fewer passengers, making for a peaceful and relaxing ride.
Kamome Art
A decorative piece displayed inside the train. Designed by renowned railway designer Eiji Mitooka, the elegant and refined illustration is truly impressive.
Express Bus
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Inside the Bus
After getting off the Kamome, I took an express bus from Hakata and arrived in Namba just before 8 a.m.
Approaching Namba
This is the scenery of Namba. Buildings reflected in the waterside and mountains rising in the distance — a calm and peaceful morning.
Kansai International Airport
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Flight Information Board
A long list of flights is displayed.
Inside the Terminal
The arched ceiling creates a sense of openness.
SKYTRAX Awards
Kansai Airport has received high praise for its smooth baggage claim and user-friendly LCC terminal. The quality of its airport services is widely recognized.
Security Checkpoint
This is the area near the departure gates.
Priority Lane
The priority lane is available for business class passengers, elite status holders, and travelers who meet specific conditions.
Eligible Passengers
This lane may be used preferentially by the following passengers:
Wheelchair users and those with physical disabilities
Elderly passengers
Passengers using a cane
Pregnant passengers
Passengers traveling with infants
Those with certain heart conditions or other health issues
Information Signage
In addition to airline lounges such as the ANA Lounge and JAL Sakura Lounge, there are also lounges available for credit card members.
Waiting Area
Digital advertisements and interactive screens are installed. The wood-grain ceiling design is distinctive.
Souvenir Shop
Located in the restricted area near the departure gates, this souvenir shop is convenient for last-minute purchases. It appears quite lively.
Ramen Shop Near the Departure Gates
MENSHO, a ramen brand with global presence. Its bright red counter really stands out.
Flight Information Terminal
An interactive touchscreen information device is installed on the right side.
View from the Window
Through the terminal windows you can see a Lufthansa aircraft, Osaka Bay beyond it, and the bridge extending into the distance.
Lounge
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ANA Lounge
We arrived at the ANA Lounge.
In addition to ANA passengers, elite members and business class passengers of Star Alliance airlines such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and United Airlines may also use this lounge.
ANA Lounge Entrance
On the right side is a SKYTRAX award plaque, recognizing high ratings particularly for cleanliness, comfort, and service quality.
SKYTRAX 5-Star Certification
A 5-Star Airline is a title awarded only to airlines that have achieved the highest ratings.
Lounge Reception Desk
The Halloween decorations are adorable. The mascot “Myaku-Myaku” from the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo is also displayed.
Myaku-Myaku, with its blue body and red polka-dotted head, is designed to represent “water” and “cells,” embodying the concept of the Expo.
Inside the Lounge
We have entered the lounge.
Alcohol Corner
The alcohol selection includes:
- • Suntory Whisky Chita
- • Suntory World Whisky Ao
- • Other Japanese whiskies
- • Red wine: Petalos de Alesan (Spain)
- • Smirnoff Vodka
- • Campari (Italian liqueur)
- • Satsuma Shiranami (sweet potato shochu)
- • Other Japanese sake (including chilled varieties)
- • Sparkling wine chilled on ice, etc.
Refrigerated Corner ①
Cold light meals are available, such as sandwiches (cucumber, tomato), salads, and glasses for drinks.
Refrigerated Corner ②
The refrigerated section also includes crackers, processed cheese, and matcha brownies.
Bakery Corner
Breads such as chocolate rolls, mini custard danishes, and croissants are available.
Rice & Soup Corner
ANA’s original chicken curry and beef consommé soup are offered.
Hot Meal Corner
Hot dishes include meatballs with brown sugar sweet vinegar sauce and salt yakisoba. On the right are George Steuart Tea bags.
Simmered Dish
A Japanese-style simmered dish with plenty of root vegetables.
Meal I Had
The drinks and food I selected.
Kansai Airport as an Asian Route Hub
Many of the displayed flights are bound for major Asian cities such as Shanghai, Xi’an, Beijing, Taipei, Seoul, and Singapore. This clearly shows how extensive Kansai Airport’s network is within Asia.
Not only full-service carriers but also many LCCs, such as Peach Aviation and HK Express, operate here.
Asiana Airlines Boarding
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United Airlines aircraft
The aircraft parked at the gate is from United Airlines. Since United operates flights from Kansai Airport to Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, this could be one of those routes.
AirAsia Aircraft
An AirAsia aircraft, and in the back right, the tail of an Asiana Airlines aircraft is also visible.
Today's Aircraft
Today’s flight is on an Asiana Airlines Boeing 777.
Boarding Gate
The boarding gate area.
Another Asiana Aircraft
Another Asiana Airlines aircraft.
Heading Onboard
The scene just before boarding.
Asiana Airlines In-flight
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Business Class Seat
The business class seat features a calm beige and gold color scheme, creating an elegant atmosphere.
Economy Class
The seating configuration is 3-3-3.
Economy Class Seats
A look at the seats in economy class.
In-flight Meal
A boxed meal set was served. The packaging features illustrations of sightseeing landmarks.
Under the spoon is a packet of gochujang (Korean chili paste).
Korean-style One-plate Meal
A Korean-style dish consisting of white rice topped with bulgogi (sweet and savory marinated beef), a fried egg, boiled green beans, and stir-fried carrots as side dishes.
Flying Over Kitakyushu
We have reached the skies above Kitakyushu.
The bottled water provided is “석수 (Seoksu)”.
Headphones
The in-flight headphones.
A note in English and Korean states: “These headphones are for in-flight use only and may not be taken off the aircraft.”
Incheon Airport
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Arrival at Incheon Airport
We arrived in Incheon.
The blue lighting decorations create a futuristic atmosphere.
Arrival Area
The flower beds and bright lighting create a relaxing environment.
Window Decorations
The colorful window decorations feature Korean-style design elements.
Display
The wall displays introduce Korean culture, including large images of traditional Korean cuisine.
Information Signage
Directions to Terminal 2, the concourse, gate numbers, and transfer (shuttle train) information are indicated.
Flight Information Board
As a major international hub for Seoul, many international flights transit through Incheon.
There are also many flights bound for Japanese airports such as Tokyo Narita, Osaka Kansai, and Fukuoka.
Shuttle Train Platform
We take the shuttle to Terminal 2, where Korean Air flights operate.
Flight Information Display
Flight information for departures from Terminal 2 is displayed, allowing passengers to check their connecting flights.
Signage to Terminal 2
Signs indicate directions to Terminal 2 and the 229–270 gate area.
Terminal 2
The main area of Terminal 2 features a spacious open atrium.
Indoor Garden
An indoor garden brings nature into the terminal, creating a relaxing space.
Korean Air Boarding
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Boarding Pass
This is the boarding pass for Korean Air flight KE797, departing at 14:10 for Nagasaki.
View from the Window
A view from the window near the boarding gate. Several Korean Air aircraft are lined up.
Gate
We arrived at Gate 245. A DELTA codeshare display is also visible.
Boarding Gate
The next flight after KE797 bound for Nagasaki is a flight to Busan.
View from the Boarding Gate
You can see the aircraft right in front of the boarding gate.
View from the Window
Behind the Korean Air aircraft, you can also see Jin Air, a South Korean LCC.
To the Boarding Gate ①
This escalator leads down toward the boarding gate. From here, we proceed to the boarding bridge that connects to the aircraft.
To the Boarding Gate ②
The boarding bridge is coming into view.
Its glass-walled structure allows a close-up view of the aircraft and engines.
Apron Area
The apron area is clearly visible.
Boarding Bridge
Walking through the boarding bridge.
In Front of the Cabin Door
The cabin crew is preparing to welcome passengers.
Korean Air In-Flight
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Earphone Distribution
Earphones for passengers were available immediately upon entering the aircraft.
Economy Class
The seats feature a blue-tone design with adjustable headrests.
Economy Class Seats
The seat layout is 3-3.
Economy Class
The warm-colored cabin lighting creates a comfortable atmosphere.
View from the Aircraft Window
A Finnair aircraft can be seen parked in the distance.
Cabin Seat Area
Each seat is equipped with a personal monitor.
Just After Takeoff
You can see the runway area of Incheon Airport and its surroundings.
In-Flight Monitor
The flight map is displayed. It appears we are flying over the Busan area.
Drink Service
The drink service has begun.
Korea’s representative beer, “Cass,” was also available.
Meal Service
Despite the short flight, a meal was served. The tray includes a foil-wrapped main dish, dessert, and light snacks.
Main Dish
The main dish consists of rice, teriyaki-style chicken, and steamed vegetables. The chicken is well seasoned and tender, making it easy to enjoy. The colorful vegetables add balance, making it a satisfying meal despite being an in-flight dish.
Flight Map
We are approaching Nagasaki.
View Before Landing
The aircraft begins its descent toward Nagasaki Airport. Below, you can see lush Kyushu landscapes, with towns appearing through gaps in the clouds.
Isahaya Reclamation Area
The Isahaya reclamation area spreads out below. The sharp contrast between the reclaimed land and the sea forms a distinctive landscape.
Sunset and Silhouette of the Mountains
Sunlight shines through the clouds, creating a dramatic interplay of sea and mountains. The view from the window looks almost like a painting.
Inside the Cabin
A view of the cabin.
Toward Nagasaki Airport
The shimmering water and the green runway create a landscape characteristic of Nagasaki.
Safe Arrival
After landing, the thrust reversers activate to slow the aircraft.
Inaugural Flight Ceremony
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Apron Area View
We have arrived at Nagasaki Airport.
Water Salute Preparation
To celebrate Korean Air’s inauguration of the Nagasaki route, fire trucks are preparing a water salute. Two red fire trucks are positioned on both sides of the aircraft, and water is already being sprayed from one of them. You can feel the warm welcome from Nagasaki Airport for this special flight.
Passing Through the Water Salute
The aircraft passes through the water salute—an iconic moment unique to inaugural route ceremonies.
Arrival at the Stand
You can see a Jetstar Japan aircraft parked outside.
Water droplets remain on the window, still showing traces of the ceremony.
Boarding Bridge
After disembarking, we proceed through the boarding bridge of Nagasaki Airport.
Aircraft
The aircraft we arrived on today.
Stained Glass
A stained-glass artwork reminiscent of Western churches is displayed in the arrival area.
The colorful geometric patterns feature blue glass symbolizing Nagasaki’s ocean and sky, while red and yellow represent the lively spirit of the city.
Photographs showcasing historical architecture of Nagasaki are also on the wall, creating a space where visitors can feel the region’s culture and history.
Commemorative Ceremony
In front of a commemorative panel announcing the resumption of the "Nagasaki – Seoul Route," people are holding a banner reading “현에 오신 것을 환영합니다” (“Welcome to Nagasaki”).
Distribution of Commemorative Goods
Staff members in pink uniforms are handing out eco-bags printed with the ICN (Incheon) – NGS (Nagasaki) logo.
International Check-in Counter
The Korean Air check-in counter.
Eco Bag
The eco-bag I received.
Commemorative Ceremony
Participants pose for photos with banners. A child holding the South Korean flag appears in the scene, adding to the warm and festive mood celebrating the route’s revival.
Airport Decorations
A colorful dragon decoration inspired by the “Nagasaki Kunchi” festival’s dragon dance hangs from the ceiling.
There is also an advertisement for “M!SOLA,” a Nagasaki souvenir shop located inside the airport, offering information for travelers.
Fukusaya Castella
This is the “Fukusaya” cube castella handed out at the ceremony. The luxurious navy and gold packaging is distinctive.
Back of the Castella Box
I also took a photo of the back of the box as a keepsake.
Nagasaki Airport
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Part of the Restrooms Under Construction
Travelers were directed to use the alternative restrooms.
Flight to Haneda
I arrived at the boarding gate for my flight to Haneda.
Apron Area View
An ANA propeller aircraft is parked, and in the background, a Korean Air aircraft can be seen taxiing toward the runway.
Aircraft Door
Time to board.
