Aero K

Established in 2016, this domestic airline is based primarily at Cheongju International Airport. It began its first scheduled flights on the 'Cheongju-Jeju' route in April 2021 and has since expanded its international routes to Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. In 2020, it unveiled genderless cabin crew uniforms emphasizing mobility and comfort, and features in-flight content 'Aero K Mixtape' and an independent magazine

Q. Rather than simply following the conventions of existing airlines, AeroK has asked itself, "What is truly necessary for an airline?" What was the first thing AeroK sought to change to break away from the conventions of the aviation industry?

AeroK has pursued a young and egalitarian culture suited to the changing times. In particular, we have sought to break away from the seniority- and hierarchy-centered culture that has long been entrenched in the aviation industry, aiming to create an organization where individual abilities and capabilities are respected rather than age or years of service. We believe that a culture of freely sharing opinions and respecting each other's judgments leads to better communication and is essential for customer safety.

This direction is also reflected in our recruitment process. Instead of standardized self-introduction letters, we introduced an 'Experience Portfolio' screening process that examines the experience and potential applicants have accumulated to date, and people with diverse experiences and backgrounds are working together to create a new aviation culture.

AeroK's flight attendant uniforms

To perform the most important duty of passenger safety

I thought it should be made easy.

Q. This philosophy is also clearly reflected in the genderless uniforms unveiled in 2020. What was the first thing you considered when designing the flight attendants' attire?

From this perspective, breaking away from entrenched perceptions of existing airline uniforms, we prioritized the flight attendant's role and actual working environment over appearance, making safety and mobility key criteria. We eliminated gender-specific elements and designs that restricted movement, replaced skirts with breathable and functional trousers, and introduced athletic shoes.

At the time, as the uniforms garnered attention both domestically and internationally, we were able to confirm a shared understanding of the values AeroK has always held dear, and this attitude subsequently carried over into our brand identity. The considerations that began with the uniforms are expanding into recruitment campaigns, in-flight experiences, merchandise, and various collaborations.

Q. For AeroK, Cheongju is not only the location of its headquarters but also a hub from which major routes depart. Did starting in Cheongju influence the way you establish your routes?

Growing up in Cheongju, I came to view the region as a place where new movement and connections begin. Rather than focusing solely on familiar routes linking major cities, I have taken an interest in directly connecting cities that are not yet sufficiently connected. When reviewing routes, I do not consider only the size or recognition of a city. I examine whether demand originating from Korea and demand coming into Cheongju from the local area can coexist, whether there is a reason to visit in every season, and whether I can continuously cooperate with local governments and tourism organizations to promote the route and generate demand even after the launch.

Beyond simply adding new destinations, we place a key criterion on creating connections that allow for continuous travel between Cheongju and the respective regions.

Airlines, from before arriving at the destination

Making you experience that region

I think it can serve as a point of contact.

Q. For travelers arriving in Cheongju from overseas, AeroK often serves as their first impression of the region. Are you considering ways to allow them to experience Cheongju and Chungcheong from the moment they board the plane?

Accordingly, we are contemplating ways for travelers encountering Cheongju and Chungcheong for the first time to naturally experience the region's charms from the moment they board the plane. Through AeroK, we hope this place transcends a mere gateway to entry and becomes the starting point for a journey to discover the allure of a new region. To this end, we introduce music by local artists on board, and

Q. For this edition of <Edit Debt: Neo Local>, you are showcasing flight attendant sneakers created in collaboration with Motherground. How did the two brands come to work together?

Although the two brands originated in different fields—an airline and a sneaker brand—they discovered a common thread in that they do not settle for familiar methods but instead propose new options based on their respective perspectives and approaches. This philosophical alignment naturally led to a collaboration.

Considering the actual working environment of flight attendants who must work and move for long hours in a cramped cabin, we examined comfort and mobility to design Motherground's Velcro-type model as an Aero-K edition. The shoes are inscribed with "SAFETY FIRST," embodying Aero-K's principle of prioritizing "safety," the essential role of a flight attendant, while the Velcro features in-flight safety messages, naturally incorporating the product's origins and significance.

Q. What does AeroK, which is based in Cheongju and has established relationships with various regions, consider a 'good local brand' to look like?

I believe it is a brand that reinterprets the region's unique assets from a fresh perspective, creates new experiences and values in its own way, and continues sustainable growth together with the community.

Based in Cheongju, AeroK has been presenting a new option for travelers in the central region to begin their journeys without passing through airports in the capital area. At the same time, by collaborating with various local partners, including local governments and tourism organizations, we are introducing the culture and charms of Cheongju and the Chungcheong region in innovative ways and creating points of contact where travelers can experience the region more deeply. We believe the power of a good local brand lies in staying rooted in the region while attracting more people to the area with its own unique style and individuality, and expanding its value to a wider audience.

Q. Recently, you launched new routes to Hakodate and Matsuyama, and you are continuously seeking cities to connect from Cheongju, such as Kumamoto and Hualien. What kind of relationships do you hope to build through these new routes?

I want to continue discovering cities that, while each possessing its own distinct charm, have not yet been sufficiently connected to Cheongju, and build relationships that allow for continuous exchange between the city and these regions. I aim to create a relationship where travelers do not stop at a single visit, but rather continue to engage with the city's stories, revisit it, and gradually come to accept it as a familiar travel destination.

I believe the role of an airline does not end simply with launching flights. This is because, even after the launch, we can create new travel demand by consistently introducing local people, culture, and reasons to travel. Our vision is for a single route departing from Cheongju to transcend a mere means of transportation and establish itself as a relationship that continuously connects the two regions and their people.

Maker's Pick

Aero K × Motherground L001 AERO K

AeroK’s official uniform sneakers, developed for the actual working environment of flight attendants. Considering the movements of flight attendants working long hours in the cramped cabin, Motherground’s low-top Velcro model was created as an AeroK edition. The shoes are engraved with "SAFETY FIRST," and in-flight safety messages are printed on the Velcro. Produced in two models—White & Navy and White & Yellow—they are used as uniform shoes for cabin and flight crews and are also available for purchase by general customers. This is an example where a need discovered in the work of flight attendants became a product that extends into the daily lives of customers.

COMING SOON!

AeroK this coming September

Meet them in person at!

September 17 - 30, 2026, The Hyundai Seoul POP-UP ICONIC B1

fin.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗲 Aero K

Seeum Kim

Herehear

Edeit Seulgi Lee