[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] Korean Air announced on the 27th that it has launched the 'Korean Air Card,' the first airline credit card in Korea.
The 'Korean Air Card,' introduced through a private label credit card (PLCC) partnership with Hyundai Card, comes in four types: the '030,' '070,' and '150' cards, each reminiscent of aircraft flight numbers, and 'the First,' available only to Morning Calm and higher elite members.
This card features benefits optimized for air travel. First, 1 mile is earned for every 1,000 KRW spent on the card, and depending on the card type, new subscribers receive a special bonus ranging from 3,000 miles up to 30,000 miles.
Additionally, when purchasing Korean Air tickets directly, 2 to 5 miles are earned per 1,000 KRW spent, and depending on the card type, extra mileage is accumulated based on spending at duty-free shops, hotels, department stores, golf courses, and overseas usage.
Members holding the '150' and 'the First' cards are also provided with annual airline ticket discount coupons and in-flight duty-free (or Cyber Sky Shop) discount coupons. The top-tier 'the First' card users can choose one benefit: either a one-time Korean Air elite 'Silver' membership for one year upon spending 30 million KRW within five years, or a 10% mileage payback benefit (up to 5,000 miles annually) when spending over 10 million KRW per year.
Moreover, depending on the card type, users can enjoy various benefits offered by Hyundai Card and brand partners, such as discounts on concerts and coffee shops, airport lounge access, and valet parking services.
The card designs are also distinctive. Customers can choose from differentiated designs inspired by air travel motifs such as boarding passes, baggage tags, and aircraft wings, as well as card designs featuring the Taegeuk pattern and motifs symbolizing the aurora, catering to individual preferences.
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