SEOUL— Korean Air (KE) will strengthen its presence in Japan with the launch of a daily service between Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) from December 23, creating a new direct link between South Korea and Japan’s Chugoku region.
The airline will operate the route with Airbus A321neo aircraft, with flight KE2183 leaving Seoul Incheon at 10:35 a.m. and reaching Hiroshima at 12:15 p.m.
The return KE2184 will depart Hiroshima at 1:25 p.m. and arrive in Seoul at 3:25 p.m.
Korean Air Adds Hiroshima
The new route will expand Korean Air’s network across regional Japan as the carrier continues to increase connectivity beyond the country’s largest metropolitan areas.
Hiroshima is the largest city in the Chugoku region and combines tourism, manufacturing and transport links with western Japan.
The destination offers several internationally recognized attractions, including Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s Three Views. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Shukkeien Garden provide further attractions for international visitors.
Seoul Incheon-Hiroshima schedule
| Route | Flight | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul Incheon-Hiroshima | KE2183 | 10:35 | 12:15 | Daily |
| Hiroshima-Seoul Incheon | KE2184 | 13:25 | 15:25 | Daily |
Hiroshima also offers traditional hot spring destinations, golf courses and a strong local food culture. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oysters and regional beef are among the specialties that could help support leisure demand on the new route.
Japan Network Expands
The Hiroshima service forms part of a broader expansion of Korean Air’s regional Japanese network.
The airline has increased Seoul Incheon-Aomori operations to five weekly flights during the summer season and expanded its Seoul Incheon-Okayama service to four weekly flights.
Korean Air also operates daily flights from Seoul Incheon to Niigata and Komatsu. A late-night service to Osaka Kansai provides additional scheduling options for passengers traveling between South Korea and Japan.
The new Hiroshima operation will therefore add another regional destination while giving travelers a direct alternative to connecting through larger Japanese airports.
Hiroshima Offers Business Demand
Hiroshima is more than a tourism destination, with a significant industrial base that could generate business travel demand.
Mazda Motor Corporation has its headquarters and manufacturing operations in the city, while Micron Technology, JFE Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries also maintain important operations in the region.
The city’s transport infrastructure further strengthens its role as a regional gateway. High-speed Sanyo Shinkansen services connect Hiroshima with major western Japanese cities, including Okayama, allowing travelers to combine air travel with onward rail journeys.
The new service will operate daily in both directions, giving passengers consistent options throughout the week.
With an Airbus A321neo assigned to the route, Korean Air will add capacity while continuing its strategy of strengthening links between Seoul and regional Japanese markets.
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