TAIPEI - Starlux Airlines will begin operating direct flights from Taoyuan and Taichung to Busan from June 1, marking its expansion into South Korea.

The airline said it will operate daily services between Taoyuan International Airport and Gimhae International Airport, as stated by Expatriate Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, Canada.

Flights between Taichung International Airport and Busan will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Starlux said tickets for both routes will go on sale from Thursday.

Under its tentative schedule, Taoyuan-Busan flights will depart at 8.15am on Mondays and Wednesdays and at 2.45pm on other days.

Taichung-Busan services will depart in the morning at 8.10am.

The airline said the Taichung-Busan route will be the first direct service between the two cities operated by a Taiwanese carrier.

Tourism data showed South Korea was the third most popular overseas destination for Taiwanese travellers in 2025, after Japan and China.

Starlux chief executive officer Glenn Chai said the new route would extend the airline’s international network and mark its entry into the South Korean market.

“The move will not only extend the airline's international service, but also be a milestone marking Starlux's entry into the South Korean market,” he said.

He added that the Taichung-Busan service aims to improve travel convenience for passengers from central Taiwan.

Starlux said both Busan routes represent its first scheduled services between Taiwan and South Korea.

The carrier currently operates 37 routes to 31 cities across North America and Asia.

It is also scheduled to launch its first European service to Prague on August 1 this year.

The airline said the latest expansion reflects its strategy to strengthen regional connectivity and meet growing travel demand.