Ranking
The 5 best lounges at ICN Terminal 1
A score-based guide to ICN Terminal 1's top-rated lounges, with two closures noted and the best open alternatives.
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1. Sky Hub Lounge East (T1)
ICN · Terminal 1 · Seoul
4.8/5 overallLounge Frog overall rating: 4.8
Rated 4.8/5 across 13 measures. Priority Pass, LoungeKey and DragonPass members: guests per the card's allowance (usually $35 each).
Get in with: DragonPass, LoungeKey, Priority Pass
2. Matina Lounge East (T1)
ICN · Terminal 1 · Seoul
4.7/5 overallLounge Frog overall rating: 4.7
Rated 4.7/5 across 14 measures. 4 showers. Priority Pass, LoungeKey and DragonPass members: guests per the card's allowance (usually $35 each).
Get in with: DragonPass, LoungeKey, Priority Pass
How we ranked ICN Terminal 1#
This ranking covers the 12 currently operating lounge pages in Lounge Frog’s guide to ICN Terminal 1. We ordered them by overall Lounge Frog rating, which combines the scored parts of the experience rather than rewarding a single standout feature. Food, drinks, seating, quiet, service, showers, workspace and other practical details can all affect the result. Every lounge in this published top five also has photography, so travelers can see the space before deciding where to spend a layover.
The top five#
At the top was Cathay Pacific Lounge, rated 4.9 overall, which has since closed; Cathay now sends eligible passengers to the oneworld Lounge near gate 28. In second place is Sky Hub Lounge East (T1), rated 4.8 overall. In third place was Asiana Business Lounge (East), rated 4.7 overall, which Asiana says closed on October 1, 2026. In fourth place is Matina Lounge East (T1), rated 4.7 overall. In fifth place is Asiana Business Lounge (Central), rated 4.4 overall.
The best open choices now#
With those two closed, the strongest open lounges in Terminal 1 are Sky Hub Lounge East, Matina Lounge East and Asiana Business Lounge (Central). Asiana Business Lounge (West) and Matina Lounge West are the next options by score.
Sky Hub Lounge East (T1) at Seoul sits in Terminal 1, near gate 25. It rates 4.8 overall. It has a full bar and room for about 300 people. Hours on file: daily 00:00-21:30, 22:00-23:59. Recorded access: DragonPass, LoungeKey, Priority Pass.
Matina Lounge East (T1) at Seoul sits in Terminal 1, near gate 11. It rates 4.7 overall. It has beer and wine, 4 shower suites and room for about 250 people. Hours on file: daily 06:00-22:00. Recorded access: DragonPass, LoungeKey, Priority Pass.
Asiana Business Lounge (Central) at Seoul sits in Terminal 1, near gate 26. It rates 4.4 overall. It has beer and wine, 4 shower suites and room for about 300 people. Hours on file: daily 06:00-22:00. Recorded access: Priority Pass, Star Alliance Gold Lounge Access.
Asiana Business Lounge (West) at Seoul sits in Terminal 1, near gate 42. It rates 3.4 overall. It has room for about 228 people. Hours on file: daily 06:00-00:30. Recorded access: Priority Pass, Star Alliance Gold Lounge Access.
Matina Lounge West (T1) at Seoul sits in Terminal 1, near gate 43. It rates 2.7 overall. Hours on file: daily 06:00-22:00. Recorded access: Priority Pass.
How I'd weigh access against the score#
The numbers are a useful starting point, but the best lounge for a particular trip is one you can enter without an unnecessary detour. Check the linked lounge pages for eligible programs, airline or cabin restrictions, guest rules, hours and location details. A slightly lower-ranked option may be the smarter choice when it is closer to your gate or matches the access already included with your ticket, status or card. Lounge policies and operating hours can change, so confirm same-day eligibility before heading to the terminal.
Putting this into practice#
The names I'd check against the actual boarding pass include Cathay Pacific Lounge, oneworld Lounge. I would start with the terminal and the time available after security. That turns a directory into a realistic shortlist. A lounge can be excellent and still be a poor choice for this departure if reaching it uses most of the waiting time. The location notes above should do as much work as the overall score.
Related reading#
Cite this article
Patrick Karsh. “The 5 best lounges at ICN Terminal 1.” Lounge Frog. Published 2026-09-27. Updated 2026-10-14. https://www.loungefrog.com/news/best-lounges-icn-terminal-1
Wikipedia citation
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Quick answers
What is the best lounge at ICN?
Sky Hub Lounge East (T1), in Terminal 1, rated 4.8/5 overall. Next come Matina Lounge East (T1).
Which lounge networks get you into these lounges?
DragonPass opens 2 of the 2; LoungeKey opens 2 of the 2; Priority Pass opens 2 of the 2. Each lounge's page lists every program and card that admits you.
Written and checked to our editorial standards. Scores follow our methodology. Join the discussion below.
