I’d love to share some happy news along with a fun trip to Hong Kong.
On June 5, 2025, HK Express launched a new direct route from Cheongju Airport to Hong Kong, welcome news for those of us in the Chungcheong region. I flew it with my elementary-school son for a family trip to Hong Kong, and here’s a detailed look at the flight and our itinerary.
I hope this honest review helps families planning a trip abroad.
HK Express Cheongju Direct Route Information
Basic flight information (as of 2025)
- Airline: HK Express
- Launch date: June 5, 2025
- Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (four times a week)
- Flight time: about 3 hours 30 minutes
- Departures: Cheongju to Hong Kong at 7:30 a.m., Hong Kong to Cheongju at 2:20 a.m.
- Average fare: from about 100,000 to 200,000 won round trip, varying by season
Key Advantages of Flying From Cheongju
1. Better access
For people in and around Chungcheong, getting to Incheon or Gimpo takes time and money. Flying from Cheongju cuts that burden significantly and lowers the real cost of travel.
2. A pleasant airport
Cheongju Airport is quieter than the big international airports, so security and departure procedures are quick and easy. It was a low-stress environment with a child.
3. A family-friendly schedule
The HK Express Cheongju departure at 7:30 a.m. suits children’s body clocks. It’s less tiring than a dawn departure or late-night arrival, making it ideal for families.
HK Express Flight Review
Cabin and service
As a low-cost carrier, the HK Express Cheongju flight keeps basic services to a minimum, but for a 3.5-hour flight it was perfectly satisfactory.
Seats and space
Standard low-cost seats are a little tight for adults but fine with a child. Seat selection costs extra, so families should book seats in advance.
Meals and onboard services
Meals can be pre-ordered or bought on board, and I recommend them if you want something hot. Meals and drinks cost extra, but prices are reasonable.
Pre-ordering gives you a wider menu choice, so we booked our meals in advance.
Baggage and extra options
Extra baggage and seat selection are clearly unbundled, so you can adjust to your budget. Transparent pricing helps you avoid surprise costs.
Overall Flight Experience
The crew were friendly and professional, and we flew comfortably without any safety worries. For a low-cost airline, my HK Express Cheongju flight was very satisfying.
Our 3-Night Hong Kong Family Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
Morning: depart Cheongju 07:30, arrive Hong Kong 10:00 local time, Uber taxi from the airport to our EAST Hong Kong accommodation
Afternoon: SoHo, the Mid-Levels Escalator, the Peak Tram and the Peak observation deck
Day 2: Sightseeing Highlights
Morning: Yick Cheong Building, then to Tsim Sha Tsui to check in at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 1881 Heritage and Din Tai Fung
Afternoon: the Victoria Harbour clock tower, the hotel pool, the Symphony of Lights, the Avenue of Stars and K11 Musea
Day 3: Local Experiences and Rest
Morning: Jenny Bakery, Bakehouse, Chungking Mansions and local shopping
Afternoon: Hong Kong Science Museum, then dinner and rest
Day 4: Flying Home
Late night: hotel check-out and transfer to Hong Kong International Airport
Early morning: depart 02:20, arrive Cheongju 06:45
The early departure meant resting at the hotel before leaving, but arriving in Korea in the morning left the whole day free.
Family Travel Tips
Preparation
- Passport: at least six months’ validity required for Hong Kong
- Transport card: buy an Octopus card in advance
- Currency: bring some Hong Kong dollars in cash; cards work but many places need cash
Traveling with kids
- Rest: build in plenty of downtime every day
- Food: include familiar restaurants alongside local food
- Safety: hold your child’s hand in crowded areas
Final Review and Why I Recommend It
Overall satisfaction
The HK Express Cheongju direct route was an efficient, satisfying choice for our family. I especially recommend it for families planning their first trip abroad:
- Access: a huge improvement for Chungcheong residents
- Itinerary: a comfortable distance for a 3-night trip
- Cost: reasonable fares and local prices keep spending down
- Safety: Hong Kong is safe, with good medical facilities
Cheongju Airport’s growing international network lowers the barrier to overseas travel for Chungcheong residents, and I hope more routes follow.
Closing Thoughts
The HK Express Cheongju direct route has everything a family trip needs: reasonable fares, a manageable flight time and great access.
For families planning their first trip abroad with kids, Hong Kong’s safe, convenient environment plus the ease of Cheongju Airport make it a highly recommended choice.
I hope this helps anyone interested in the route, and that more families get the chance to travel abroad with ease.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in July 2025 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.