Emirates has expanded its retail presence in South Korea with the opening of a new Travel Store in Busan, the country’s second-largest city. The new facility marks the airline’s second dedicated retail location in South Korea, following its existing store in Seoul. It aims to provide travellers in Busan and surrounding areas with convenient access to personalized travel assistance, including international flight bookings and itinerary planning. The opening reflects Emirates’ continued efforts to strengthen its customer services in the South Korean market.
The new Travel Store was officially inaugurated on November 2, 2026, during a ceremony attended by representatives from the United Arab Emirates Embassy, the Busan Metropolitan Government, aviation and tourism organisations, and the travel and hospitality industries. The event featured welcome remarks from Ibrahim Ghanem, Country Manager of Emirates Korea, and Eisa Alsamahi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. and Deputy Head of Mission at the UAE Embassy. Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo and other local officials also attended the inauguration. The expansion provides customers outside Seoul with another direct channel to explore Emirates’ international travel services.
Emirates Expands Retail Network Beyond Seoul
The newly opened Travel Store is located in Jung-gu, central Busan, giving travelers in the city and nearby regions access to Emirates’ in-person customer services. The dedicated facility allows customers to explore the airline’s global network, which connects travelers to more than 140 destinations worldwide. Experienced travel consultants are available to assist with flight reservations, provide travel information and help customers plan their itineraries. The store is designed to offer personalized assistance to people who prefer face-to-face support when arranging international journeys.
The opening represents an expansion of Emirates’ customer-facing operations beyond the South Korean capital. By establishing a second retail location in Busan, the airline aims to make its services more accessible to travellers in the country’s southeastern region. Customers can visit the store to discuss their travel requirements and receive assistance directly from the airline’s consultants. The facility also provides another option for travellers seeking information about Emirates’ destinations, onboard products and international flight connections.
New Busan Store Strengthens Personalized Travel Services
Speaking at the inauguration, Ibrahim Ghanem, Country Manager of Emirates Korea, said South Korea remained an important market for the airline. He explained that opening the Busan location reflected Emirates’ commitment to serving local travellers and responding to their expectations for personalised customer service. Ghanem also highlighted the continuing role of physical retail locations in the South Korean travel market. The new store is expected to help the airline serve customers in Busan and surrounding areas more directly.
The Travel Store provides a dedicated environment where customers can receive assistance throughout the travel-planning process. Rather than relying exclusively on digital booking channels, travelers can speak with experienced consultants about flight options and international itineraries. This face to face service is intended to support customers with different travel needs and preferences. The new facility further strengthens Emirates’ direct engagement with travelers in South Korea.
Emirates Marks More Than 20 Years of Operations in South Korea
Emirates began operating in South Korea in 2005 and has since operated more than 14,000 flights, carrying over five million passengers between Seoul and Dubai. The airline currently operates 10 weekly flights connecting the two cities, supporting travel between South Korea and destinations across its international network. Its services also provide connections through Dubai for passengers travelling to various regions worldwide. The new Busan retail location complements these established flight operations by expanding access to the airline’s booking and travel-planning services.
Emirates has also deployed its newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on flights EK323 and EK325 between Seoul and Dubai. The upgraded aircraft features Premium Economy and an enhanced Business Class cabin, offering passengers additional onboard options. Travellers can explore the airline’s destinations and services through its official South Korean website or visit either of its Travel Stores in Seoul and Busan. The Busan store is located on the first floor of Namjeon Building, 118 Jungang-daero, Jung-gu, and operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding public holidays.
Busan Strengthens Its Position as an International Travel Hub
The opening ceremony also highlighted cooperation between Emirates and local authorities and business organisations in Busan. Representatives included Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo, Park Jae-hong, Director General of the city’s New Airport Bureau, and Yang Jae-saeng, President of the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Their participation brought together stakeholders from the aviation, tourism, government and commercial sectors. The event provided an opportunity to strengthen engagement between the airline and the local business community.
With its new retail location, Emirates is extending its direct customer services to another major South Korean city while maintaining its established operations through Seoul. The expansion gives travellers in Busan greater access to international flight information, reservations and personalised itinerary assistance. It also reinforces the airline’s presence in a market where it has operated for more than two decades. The new store adds another point of contact for South Korean travellers planning international journeys through Emirates’ global network.
