Korean Air Flight Attendant Salary and Benefits 

Korean Air is  one of the airlines around the world that has a very keen selection process for Flight Attendants. Simply because the airline wants the best for the said position. A Flight Attendant at Korean Air can earn an estimated annual pay of KRW 39,248,250 per year ($30,000). While the flying pay is estimated at KRW 18,315 per hour ($14), as per Careerbliss data. It’s undeniable that FAs get better salaries and benefits than most corporate job workers, this is also the reason why many aspirants choose this career.

Korean Air began as a modest Asian airline with only eight planes back in 1969 in Korea. Since then, the airline worked hard to expand into new markets and improve customer service through constant modifications and investments. Korean Air has risen to greater heights as a major global airline thanks to the love of its customers and the trust of the nation. Now, this airline is taking the next step and flying into the next century. The airline will be reincarnated as the “Wings of the World” and pledge to help build a better society for everyone.

korean air female flight attendants
Image: Korean Air

Cash Salary Breakdown

  • Basic Salary –  According to Careerbliss, a Flight Attendant working in Korean Air can earn an estimated annual pay of KRW39,248,250 per year ($30,000). So if you will divide this into 12, you’ll get KRW3,269,200 ($2,500) per month. Though the said website did not mention if the said rate is total or base pay.
  • Flying Pay –  Flight Attendants at Korean Air earn KRW18,315 per hour ($14). This flying pay is also known as per hourly rate. As an FA you will be paid for every hour you fly on air at a specific rate.
  • Layover Allowance – There is no publicized per diem pay or layover allowance for Korean Air Flight Attendants. The per diem pay is intended to cover the expenses of all your meals and other necessities during a stopover.
korean air flight attendant women
Image: Korean Air

Benefits

  • Health and Life Insurance – Korean Air can give you an excellent range of health and life benefits that can be extended to your family members. The airline provides a wide range of medical plans, as well as life, disability, and vision insurance.
  • Travel – Korean Air will give you and your family the possibility to go practically anywhere in the world through its flights. Flight Attendants are also being granted cheap travel on other airlines as well as special pricing on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and other services. This is one of the perks that aspirants want to achieve.
  • Per hour – Flight Attendants are entitled to have per-hour pay or “Flying Pay” which will become a huge part of your salary. Korean Air flight attendants get an estimated flying pay of KRW18,315 per hour ($14) per hour. This rate might start low but will eventually grow after a year or two. The rate per hour may also depend on your seniority level.
  • Per Diem Allowance – Aside from your hourly pay, you will also be compensated with Per Diem Pay. When you arrive at the layover location, your food and other work-related expenses will be compensated with the destination’s local currency. So no need to worry about your budget during international flights because the airline will get you covered.

Video: Korean Air – Superior Customer Experience

This video will give you a glimpse into Korean Air’s flights and what are some of the duties FAs do on every flight. The upload commends the airline’s Flight Attendants for giving a high-quality customer service experience.

korean air flight staff crew
Image: Korean Air

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of airline is Korean Air?

Korean Air is a full-service airline based in Seoul, providing flights to a wide range of foreign and domestic locations. The South Korean flag carrier operates a wide fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft ranging from the single-aisle 737 to the superjumbo A380.

2. What is the main goal of this airline?

“To be a respected leader in the global airline community,” this mission or goal was declared in 2004 to commemorate Korean Air’s 35th anniversary. The airline has strived, under the slogan “Excellence in Flight,” to give its clients safer and more distinguished services than any other airline. Korean Air celebrated its golden year (50th anniversary) in 2019.

3. Is Korean Air giving the highest salary rate for FAs?

There is a set national average for a Flight Attendants’ salary, some the airline strictly follow this margin or even exceed it, while others tend to give a bit less. As per Careerbliss, the annual pay for Korean Air FAs tends to be lower than the national average, but for many the rate is fair enough.

4. How much is the flying pay of a Flight Attendant at Korean Air?

According to Careerbliss, Korean Air FAs get an hourly rate of KRW18,315 per hour ($14).

5. Is it true that male Flight Attendants get paid less?

No. There are some airlines that favor female FAs over females. In fact, there are some airlines that do not allow males to become part of their cabin crew fleet. For Korean Air, there are no publicized details yet regarding the fair salary rates between male and female cabin crews.

korean air women crew
Image: Korean Air

Summary

A Flight Attendant at Korean Air can earn an estimated annual pay of KRW39,248,250 per year ($30,000), while the flying pay is set to be KRW18,315 per hour ($14). Korean Air is a well-known airline in Korea. Because the aforementioned airline is the largest in the country, it can cover hundreds of miles of domestic and international flights. In South Korea, becoming a flight attendant is quite difficult. Over 17,000 people applied for the role of a flight attendant in 2010, and yet only 150 people completed the challenge! But who knows? You might be the next.