Alright, back to this trip. Virgin operates out of Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport. Public transport options include the Piccadilly Line, the Elizabeth Line, or the Heathrow Express – prices go up as journey time goes down. Due to where I live, I usually just take a taxi unless I’m travelling light and there’s a special train deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Virgin has a dedicated VIP check-in area at Heathrow called the Upper Class Wing, available to upper class passengers and select elite members. However, having tried it once before, I honestly think it\u2019s unnecessary. The regular check-in area is actually more convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, there are still dedicated counters for upper class and elite passengers in the main area.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-check-in-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAs expected, there was a bit of a hiccup at check-in. My mother is a Chinese passport holder, and can enter Korea visa-free under certain transit conditions, but since this is a brand-new route, the ground staff weren\u2019t very familiar with the rules. It took 10\u201320 minutes of typing, checking with other departments, and verifying our onward flights before everything was sorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The staff nearby were also curious and equally puzzled. So if you\u2019re travelling on a similar condition, it\u2019s best to allow extra time in case of similar issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After check-in, you can scan your boarding pass and take the lift up from the Upper Class Wing to access a dedicated fast-track security channel.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-upper-class-wing.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-upper-class-wing-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTerminal 3 at Heathrow is home to one of the few American Express Centurion Lounges worldwide. It was impressive when it first opened, but has since become quite crowded, so I skipped it this time and headed straight to Virgin\u2019s Clubhouse. At the entrance, there was a small Korean flag celebrating the new route.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-entrance-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-entrance-2-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nInside, it\u2019s the familiar Clubhouse vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-3-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe Clubhouse used to have many standout features, like complimentary haircuts and a jacuzzi, but these have gradually disappeared in the name of cost-cutting. What remains is arguably the longest bar in the entire airport. Last time I visited, there were even Peloton bikes (a bizarre idea), which have now been removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Virgin\u2019s deepening partnership with Delta Air Lines and its membership in SkyTeam, the lounge has become increasingly crowded. That said, the design is still very stylish.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-4.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-cruise.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-view.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVery recent renovations have introduced a few new concepts. First of all a cinema:<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-cinema.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSecond the workstations:<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-work-station-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-work-station-2-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNext up the spa \/ massage services, shamefully chargeable:<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-massage-1-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-massage-2-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut there are free \u201cWellness Pods\u201d featuring light and sound therapy:<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-wellness-pods-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-wellness-pods-2-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFinally an invitation-only Royal Box. It’s unclear how you can gain entry.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-royal-box.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNot knowing what the onboard catering would be like, I made sure to eat something in the lounge first<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-food-1-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-clubhouse-food-2-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOverall, the Clubhouse still delivers a solid experience – definitely better than British Airways lounges. Time to board:<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-boarding-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe aircraft is a Boeing 787-9, featuring the infamous older herringbone configuration (coffin seats). Back in the day, I thought it was fine – but after getting used to newer products, it really doesn\u2019t hold up. Sleeping was especially uncomfortable; I didn\u2019t manage even a minute.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-b789-1-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-b789-2-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-b789-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nYou can tell the aircraft is ageing from the details. For example, my entertainment system crashed and rebooted shortly after I started using it. The amenity kit is made from recycled materials, of which I’m not big fan.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-b789-amenity-kit.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOn the bright side, the food was quite good. The pre-order options didn\u2019t look great, but the onboard menu was more varied and even included Korean dishes. Glass noodles at the breakfast were particularly tasty.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-b789-food-1-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-b789-food-2-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-b789-food-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere was also a light snack service between meals, featuring a trio of dim sums. Before landing, sushi boxes were available at the bar for take away.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-b789-food-sushi.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSince the flight avoids both Russian airspace and the Middle East, the routing was quite indirect.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-b789-route.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nRemember to complete your electronic arrival card in advance to save time. The onboard announcement said non-Korean residents also needed to fill out a health declaration. I rushed to do it online, but it didn\u2019t seem to be required in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arrival at Terminal 2 was relatively efficient, though immigration still took about half an hour. There are plenty of airport bus options, but Incheon International Airport is quite far from the city. It took well over an hour to get into town.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-airport-bus-1-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.verylvke.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/virgin-atlantc-seoul-airport-bus-2-rotated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n