The South Korea Guide

Aero K to Suspend Hualien–Incheon Flights From End of July

· 2 min read Travel News
An Aero K aircraft on the apron at a South Korean airport

Contents

  1. What travellers should do
  2. Cheongju as the new hub

South Korean low-cost carrier Aero K Airline is suspending its direct route between Hualien in eastern Taiwan and Seoul Incheon at the end of July 2026, the carrier confirmed on 27 July. The airline cited rising international fuel costs as the primary reason for the withdrawal.

The suspension affects travellers with bookings on this route who have not already been contacted about the change. Aero K has confirmed that the route is expected to resume later in the year, with service planned to restart from Cheongju International Airport rather than Incheon - reflecting the carrier’s decision to relocate its main operating base south of the capital.

What travellers should do

Anyone holding a booking on the Hualien–Incheon route should contact Aero K directly to discuss options. Under standard aviation passenger rights, affected passengers are entitled to either a full refund or a rebooking on the next available alternative service at no extra cost.

Travellers still planning to fly between Taiwan and South Korea can check alternative connections through Incheon International Airport, which is served by multiple carriers including Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, and T’way Air on Taipei Taoyuan routes. Journey times via Taipei are manageable and onward connections from Taipei to Hualien are available by domestic flight or train.

Cheongju as the new hub

When the route reopens - currently planned for late October 2026 - it will operate between Hualien and Cheongju rather than Seoul Incheon. Cheongju International Airport is located approximately 130 km south of Seoul. The airport is connected to the capital by express intercity bus (around two hours) and by the KTX high-speed rail network from nearby Osong station.

Travellers intending to visit Seoul from the new Cheongju-based route should factor in the additional surface transfer time. Those who specifically need to arrive at Incheon - for example, to connect to another international flight - should book through an alternative carrier instead.

For an overview of all the major airports and flights to South Korea options available to international travellers, see our dedicated practical guide.