Korean Air 787-9 Seat Selection Guide (2026)
Korean Air's Boeing 787-9 features the older Apex Suite in Business Class — a 2-2-2 staggered layout that provides direct aisle access for all passengers. While comfortable, this is not Korean Air's newest product. For the new Prestige Suites 2.0 with doors, look for the 787-10 instead.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Row numbers can vary by configuration. Seat recommendations refer to verified seat maps. If your seat map differs, follow the seat map.
Quick Verdict
- Business Class uses the Apex Suite in a staggered 2-2-2 layout — every seat has direct aisle access despite the configuration.
- Best Business seats (solo): Window seats 4A, 4K, 5A, 5K — true window position with best privacy
- Best Business seats (couples): Center pairs 4D+4G or 5D+5G — can lower electronic divider
- Avoid Business: Row 1 (galley/lav proximity), Row 6 (last row before Economy)
- First Class note: Type 1 config has 6 "First" seats — same Apex seat as Business, just enhanced service
- Economy has exceptional 34" pitch — among the best on any 787.
- Best Economy: Row 29 (exit row legroom), 45C/45G (missing seat ahead)
- Avoid Economy: 28A/28K (exit row but no window), Rows 56-57 (last rows, limited recline)
Korean Air 787-9 Versions at a Glance
| Version | Business | Economy | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | 6F + 18J | 245 | 269 | Has "First Class" cabin (same seat as J) |
| Type 2 | 24J | 254 | 278 | All-Business front cabin, more common |
How to Identify Your Version
| Indicator | Type 1 | Type 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Total seats | 269 | 278 |
| First Class cabin | Yes (6 seats) | No |
| Business seats | 18 | 24 |
| Economy seats | 245 | 254 |
How to tell: Check the seat map when booking. If rows 1-2 show "First Class" pricing, you have Type 1.
Seat Map Summary
| Cabin | Rows (Approx.) | Layout | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First (Type 1 only) | 1-2 | 2-2-2 | 6 seats, same Apex seat as Business |
| Business | 1-6 or 3-6 | 2-2-2 staggered | 18-24 seats depending on version |
| Economy (Front) | ~20-42 | 3-3-3 | Mid-cabin galley around row 44-45 |
| Economy (Rear) | ~44-57 | 3-3-3 | Rear galley/lavs behind row 56-57 |
Business Class (Apex Suite)
The Apex Suite is a staggered 2-2-2 layout where every seat has direct aisle access — unusual for a 2-2-2 configuration.
Key features:
- 75" pitch (190cm)
- 21" width (53cm)
- 78-80" fully flat bed
- 18" IFE screen
- AC power + USB-A
- Electronic center divider for couples
The Staggered Layout Logic
- Window seats (A/K): Positioned closest to the window with the best privacy
- Center seats (D/G): Closer together — good for couples, less private for solo
- All seats have direct aisle access via the staggered footwell design
Best Seats — Business Class
| Category | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best privacy (solo) | 4A, 4K, 5A, 5K | Window position, mid-cabin quiet zone |
| Best for couples | 4D + 4G, 5D + 5G | Center pairs, can lower divider |
| Quieter cabin | 3A, 3K | Mid-cabin, away from both ends |
Seats to Avoid — Business Class
| Seats | Reason |
|---|---|
| Row 1 (all) | Closest to front galley/lavs, more light and noise |
| Row 6 (all) | Last Business row, potential noise from Economy behind |
| Center seats (D/G) for solo | Less private, closer to neighbor |
First Class (Type 1 Only)
On Type 1 aircraft, rows 1-2 are marketed as "First Class" — but it's the same Apex Suite seat as Business Class.
What you get for First Class pricing:
- Enhanced meal service (more courses, better presentation)
- Better amenity kit
- More attentive service
- Dedicated cabin (6 seats)
What you don't get:
- A different seat — the hardware is identical to Business
Best First Class Seats
| Seats | Reason |
|---|---|
| 2A, 2K | Window seats in row 2, slightly away from forward galley |
💡 HONEST TAKE: Unless getting a significant discount or upgrade, First Class on the 787-9 doesn't justify a premium over Business. The seats are literally the same.
Economy Class (Rows ~20-57)
Economy is 3-3-3 with an impressive 34" pitch — significantly better than most competitors on the 787.
Key features:
- 34" pitch (86cm) — excellent
- 17.2" width (44cm)
- Personal IFE screens
- No IFE box under seats (more foot space)
Best Seats — Economy
| Category | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best legroom | Row 29 (exit row) | Significant extra space |
| Extra legroom (trade-off) | 45C, 45G | Missing seat in front — but near galley/lavs |
| Quieter mid-cabin | Rows 30-35 windows | Away from galleys, good balance |
Seats to Avoid — Economy
| Seats | Reason |
|---|---|
| 28A, 28K | Exit row legroom BUT no window |
| 44B, 44H | Near center galley, passenger traffic |
| 45D, 45E, 45F | Center seats by galley — noise, traffic |
| 56B/C, 56G/H | Near-last row pairs — limited recline, galley proximity |
| Row 57 (all) | Last row — limited/no recline, lav/galley noise |
Known Quirks & Practical Tips
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Not Prestige Suites 2.0 | The 787-9 has the older Apex Suite. For the new 1-2-1 suites with doors, book the 787-10 |
| No individual air nozzles | Korean Air cabins tend to run warm — dress in layers |
| First Class = same seat | Type 1's "First Class" is identical hardware to Business |
| Economy pitch is excellent | 34" is rare on 787s — a genuine differentiator |
| Aircraft swaps happen | Verify equipment closer to departure |
Best Seats Summary Table
| Cabin | Best | Why | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | 4A, 4K, 5A, 5K (solo); 4D+4G, 5D+5G (couples) | Mid-cabin windows for privacy; center pairs for couples | Row 1 (galley), Row 6 (last row) |
| First | 2A, 2K | Quieter than row 1 | — |
| Economy | Row 29 (exit), 45C/45G | Legroom | 28A/28K (no window), Rows 56-57 |
FAQs
Is the 787-9 the same as the 787-10?
No. The 787-9 has the older Apex Suite (2-2-2 staggered). The 787-10 has the new Prestige Suites 2.0 (1-2-1 with doors).
What's the difference between First and Business on Type 1?
The seat is identical. First Class gets enhanced service, better meals, and a dedicated 6-seat cabin — but the hardware is the same Apex Suite.
Is every seat direct aisle access in Business?
Yes. The staggered design means footwells are offset, giving every passenger a path to the aisle.
Does Korean Air have Wi-Fi on the 787-9?
Generally no — Wi-Fi has only been introduced on the 787-10 and select narrowbodies.