The new airline launching in one of Asia's set-to-be-big holiday destinations – and could start flights to the UK
ON THE UP
ON THE UP The new airline launching in one of Asia's set-to-be-big holiday destinations – and could start flights to the UK
A NEW airline is launching its first flight in one of the top trending Asian destinations this year.
Parata Air is a South Korean low-cost airline that has plans to operate between Gimpo, Jeju, and Yangyang starting later this month - and has revealed plans for flights to Europe too.
Advertisement
5
Parata Air has its first plane in Gimpo International Airport
Credit: Parata Airlines
5
Seoul is the capital of South Korea - a country that's becoming popular with Brits
Credit: Alamy
In early August, 2025, Parata Airlines introduced the first plane through Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul.
The airline's first aircraft is an A330-200 model which has the potential to fly long-distance routes to the likes of Europe and North America.
Currently, Parata Airlines has lease agreements for a total of four aircraft.
These are two Airbus A330-200s and two Airbus A320-200s - its aim is to operate short-haul, as well as medium-to-long-haul flights from Seoul.
Advertisement
Along with its domestic routes, Parata Air aims to launch international routes from Incheon to Japan and Vietnam.
Talking to Maeil Business Newspaper, Yoon Chul-min, CEO of Parata Airlines, said, "Based on our top priority, safety first, we will create differentiated values with punctuality and service that we have devoted our heart to.
"We need to become an airline that makes us expect excitement and pleasure and become a new challenger in the aviation market."
Parata Air was formerly known as Fly Gangwon which ceased operations in May 2023 after financial difficulty.
Advertisement
Prior to that, Fly Gangwon flew to Tokyo, Clark in the Philippines as well as locations in Taiwan and Vietnam.
While they haven't officially confirmed UK flights, Europe could be one of the long haul destinations, especially as Korean culture becomes more popularised.
I went to the unusual holiday destination to be big in 2024 with direct flights, scrapped visas and cheap booze
South Korea is becoming a bucket list destination for Brits.
The capital, Seoul, was crowned the world's best solo travel destination by Tripadvisor in its Travellers' Choice Awards.
Advertisement
Brits are enjoying the culture more too with the rise of K-pop, kimchee and makeup trends like 'glass skin'.
The good news for UK citizens is that you can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days.
Previously, Brits had to pay for the K-ETA, a visa waiver, but this has been scrapped until December 31, 2025.
Even then the price of the waiver is just 10,000 KRW which equates to £5.43.
Advertisement
5
Inside looks bright and airy with beige and blue seats
Credit: Parata
5
South Korea has blossom season and is known for certain trends
Credit: Alamy
It will also be easier for Brits to get to Virgin Atlantic which will launch daily flights to Seoul from March 29, 2026.
The overnight London Heathrow-Seoul flights will take off at 9:45am, landing at 6:05am the following day.
Advertisement
The return flight will take off at 8:35am and land at 3:05pm the same day.
The expansion to the Asian country will also allow connecting routes to destination like Japan, Vietnam and China.
If you don't want to go as far as South Korea - here's a London suburb that's been compared to it with restaurants and karaoke bars.
And more on the world's best airline, Korean Air that has new onboard suites and a unique 'honeymoon mode'.
Advertisement
One Sun Travel Writer visited South Korea last year and here's what she found...
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited South Korea last year where she visited the capital city as well as Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The country's capital city lies just 35 miles from the border with North Korea.
Start early and visit Gyeongbokgung Palace - we were there by 9am in time for the 10am changing of the guard performance, a 20-minute event that recreates the original ceremony.
A bottle of local beer can be found for just a few pounds - and we made sure to add some soju, a local rice wine, to your beer too.
And a visit to Korea is nothing without a K-pop dance class, where we danced to New Jeans at Frzm Studio, before partying into the early morning at a karaoke booth, also known as noraebang.
The second largest city in South Korea is Busan, found on the south coast.
Yet is is easy to get to, with a day trip from Seoul simple thanks to a high speed train taking between 2-3 hours.
And Instagrammers can rejoice thanks to the Gamcheon Culture Village, dubbed the Machu Picchu of Korea due to the many multicoloured, photogenic houses lining the cliff side.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I swapped Barcelona chaos for one of Spain's most affordable beach spots – It's a coastal gem with £45 return flights
As well as cheap flights, The Sun's travel writer Lee Bell was able to tuck into a main course with wine for two, all for under £30 SI YA I swapped Barcelona chaos for one of Spain's most affordable beach spots – It's a coastal gem with £45 return flights BARCELONA might boast easy flights, buzzing bars, and amazing food worth jumping on a plane for. But after a weekend of cava and chaos, I like to bolt on a few chilled-out days somewhere a bit calmer and just over an hour's drive away from the bustling city. Advertisement 7 The stunning holiday destination is a much quieter alternative to Barcelona Credit: Lee Bell 7 Expect fewer crowds and barely any Brits Credit: Lee Bell Just along the coast is the perfect escape: Tossa de Mar - a charming beach town that feels worlds away from Barcelona's busy streets. While most tour groups might end up in the neighbouring resort of Lloret de Mar - think all-inclusive wristbands and packed beaches - Tossa de Mar is where more locals go. What's more, it was recently named one of the country's cheapest beach resorts. Advertisement Averaging just £508 a week per person, TravelSupermarket's latest report named it one of 'the most affordable Spanish beach destinations for summer 2025'. That's proper value considering you're not only getting relaxing beach vibes, but a picturesque town brimming with boutique shops, and lots of trendy restaurants and bars all in one. Even with a name that might make some giggle when said out loud, Tossa really should cost more. It has history, authentic food, stunning beaches - and after paying for your hotel, you still have enough left for dinner and drinks. In fact, I was able to tuck into delicious Tapas with wine for two of us, costing us less than £30 altogether. Advertisement It might be small, meaning most things were within walking distance and saving us money on taxis, but Tossa de Mar packs a punch. It has its own castle right on the beach, a pretty marina, and barely any Brits there. The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities This also means you won't see as many anti-tourism marches either, compared to the ongoing protests in Barcelona. In fact, you are more likely to see Korean tourists rather than Brits, after it was made popular by both a TV series and Kpop music video being filmed there. Top tips on what to do if visiting Tossa de Mar You can explore cobbled lanes, shop for local crafts, grab a gelato, or head up to the castle for epic sunset views. Advertisement The old town, called Vila Vella, is like a medieval picture book boasting quaint stone streets, tiny squares, and loads of independent shops. In just one afternoon, you can saunter through the shopping streets, climb the ramparts, peek out over the sea, then finish it off with tapas in a chiringuito (beach bar) looking across the waves. If, like me, you're not here for tourist-trap cafes and chain restaurants, Tossa's food scene is a breath of fresh air. All over the town, you'll find family-run restaurants where everything's homemade and the prices are reasonable. One of those is Bar La Lluna - a tiny, family-run gem tucked behind some cobbled backstreets. Advertisement 7 Canela en Rama has sea views and a grown up atmosphere Credit: Lee Bell 7 Tapas is affordable here too - a meal for two with wine cost us less than £30 altogether Credit: Lee Bell 7 I love the cocktails bars that are just as fancy as Barcelona but a bit cheaper Credit: Lee Bell With a gorgeous terrace that spills out onto the street, you'll find lovely homemade food, from creamy artichokes to crispy patatas bravas, with a vibe that's chilled but full of charm. What's more, a table of tapas for two and a few glasses of wine each cost just €30 (£26). Advertisement Then there's Restaurante Portal, which does tapas with a twist. It's got a trendy, modern interior and a menu that's more creative than your usual. I went for the soft-shell crab brioche, and a tortilla de bacalao (cod) - both of which were unreal. The entire meal, consisting of three tapas plates to share and two main dishes, with drinks, costing just over €50 (£45) for two. Wash it down with a cocktail and you're set for the night. You can grab an Aperol Spritz here for just €6.80 (£5.90). After dinner, you can wander through the town and grab dessert from one of the many gelato shops in the square. A cone piled high with different flavours will only set you back a few euros. Try the turrón flavour for something more local. Advertisement Just wanting drinks? Canela en Rama is worth a visit. This slick cocktail bar right by the castle with sea views has a real grown-up feel. The cocktails are expertly made here, with lots of attention to detail. They start at around €12 (£10.50), which is pretty good for such an upmarket place. I had one of the best cocktails of my trip here, and the staff made me feel like a regular. You can also get a glass of cava for €4 (£3.50) if cocktails aren't your bag. Generally, evenings in Tossa are mellow - think ice-cold cava, candlelit tables, and the sound of conversation in Spanish or Catalan - not karaoke, kebab stalls or people stilling out of clubs. Of course, if you really want the cheap beers, head to the local Bar Josep, running since 1966, where you can find pints for under €4. Advertisement Bar Savoy is just as cheap with tapas from €1.50 and similarly priced pints. When to visit the town As always, July and August are the busiest months to visit Tossa, but even then, the resort stays relatively chilled. June or September is the sweet spot - warm weather and sunny skies but less hustle. If you go off-peak (May or October), you'll still get heatwave moments - great for dipping in the Med, roaming the ramparts, and dining outdoors. Where to stay When it comes to accommodation, I always stay at Gran Hotel Reymar, which is practically on the beach. Advertisement It's a four-star but really affordable. Rooms are fresh, clean and modern, and it's located right in the middle of everything. There's also a big pool and spa area. Room prices start at around €126 (£110) per night, though that jumps to about €180 (£160) in high season. If you want something with a bit more character, Hotel Diana is a good pick. 7 Four-star hotels are also pretty cheap compared to Barcelona Credit: Lee Bell Nestled in a historic Modernist building right on the beach with its own terrace and two bars, it feels stylish, boutique, but still very relaxed. Double rooms start from around €113 (£99) per night. It's right in the heart of town, super comfy, and ideal for anyone who likes something a bit less cookie-cutter. Advertisement Both hotels are within walking distance of the beach, castle and bars - so whether you're into spa days or historic vibes, you're sorted. How to get there Getting to Tossa is fuss-free, and you won't need a car. If you want to fly there directly from the UK, you can get there in just half an hour after landing at Girona airport. Or, if you're heading there from Barcelona, you can hop on a bus from the city's coach station, Estació del Nord, in roughly one hour and it only costs €12 (£10.20). It might be more expensive, but if you opt to hire a car, it'll be even easier to explore Tossa's neighbouring towns and resorts, like Platja de Canyelles, or even pop inland to explore the medieval town of Girona. Advertisement Flights to Barcelona or Girona from most major UK airports can be picked up from as little as £45 return. 7 Return flights can be found for around £45 to either of the nearby airports Credit: Lee Bell
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Millions of UK drivers heading abroad this summer told spend £6 NOW to avoid huge disappointment when you land
Brits were urged to check one important thing before travelling TAKE NOTE Millions of UK drivers heading abroad this summer told spend £6 NOW to avoid huge disappointment when you land MILLIONS of motorists planning on heading abroad this summer have been warned to spend £6 now to avoid a huge disappointment. The DVLA issued the warning to motorists planning summer holidays in the European Union and beyond. Advertisement 2 The DVLA has urged drivers to check ahead before trying to rent a car abroad Credit: Getty Drivers were told they may need an international driving permit (IDP) before travelling to their holiday destination. Anyone hoping to hop in a hire car while enjoying a summer break has been urged to check if they'll need a permit before they fly. Drivers could face disappointment after landing and trying to pick up their hire car if they don't have a permit. To avoid missing out on motoring abroad drivers have been instructed to purchase an IDP for just £5.50 from certain shops that have a PayPoint. Advertisement To get hold of a permit you must be 18 or over, live in the Great Britain or Northern Ireland and hold a full UK driving licence. The DVLA said you should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP. If you're planning on hiring a car, you should check with the car hire company if you need an IDP. In the US drivers might require a driving licence and an IDP to hire a motor for their holiday. Advertisement Motorists who only hold a paper driving licence must take another form of photographic ID with them. Brits planning to move abroad who want to continue driving may need to get a local driving licence. Our rental car burst into FLAMES – we escaped by the skin of our teeth In some countries you can exchange your UK licence without taking another driving test. Rules in EU countries vary and the DVLA has encouraged motorists to check the rules for exchanging your licence in the EU. Advertisement In some countries, like Cyprus, you can use a UK photocard driving licence for up to 30 days without an IDP. But if you're hiring a car you should always check with the hire company before travelling. 2 Brits who only hold a paper driving licence must take another form of photographic ID with them Credit: Getty If you hold a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need an IDP for any length of visit. Advertisement The DVLA said: 'If you're hiring a car abroad, you should check with your car hire company if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) before travelling.' Brit motorists could face disappointment at the car hire desk if they forget to check. IDPs last for a while so it's worth getting one before jetting off for a holiday. A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months while a 1968 permit lasts for three years or until your UK licence expires, whichever comes first. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The new airline launching in one of Asia's set-to-be-big holiday destinations – and could start flights to the UK
Plus, read more about South Korea from one Sun Writer who went there last year ON THE UP ON THE UP The new airline launching in one of Asia's set-to-be-big holiday destinations – and could start flights to the UK A NEW airline is launching its first flight in one of the top trending Asian destinations this year. Parata Air is a South Korean low-cost airline that has plans to operate between Gimpo, Jeju, and Yangyang starting later this month - and has revealed plans for flights to Europe too. Advertisement 5 Parata Air has its first plane in Gimpo International Airport Credit: Parata Airlines 5 Seoul is the capital of South Korea - a country that's becoming popular with Brits Credit: Alamy In early August, 2025, Parata Airlines introduced the first plane through Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul. The airline's first aircraft is an A330-200 model which has the potential to fly long-distance routes to the likes of Europe and North America. Currently, Parata Airlines has lease agreements for a total of four aircraft. These are two Airbus A330-200s and two Airbus A320-200s - its aim is to operate short-haul, as well as medium-to-long-haul flights from Seoul. Advertisement Along with its domestic routes, Parata Air aims to launch international routes from Incheon to Japan and Vietnam. Talking to Maeil Business Newspaper, Yoon Chul-min, CEO of Parata Airlines, said, "Based on our top priority, safety first, we will create differentiated values with punctuality and service that we have devoted our heart to. "We need to become an airline that makes us expect excitement and pleasure and become a new challenger in the aviation market." Parata Air was formerly known as Fly Gangwon which ceased operations in May 2023 after financial difficulty. Advertisement Prior to that, Fly Gangwon flew to Tokyo, Clark in the Philippines as well as locations in Taiwan and Vietnam. While they haven't officially confirmed UK flights, Europe could be one of the long haul destinations, especially as Korean culture becomes more popularised. I went to the unusual holiday destination to be big in 2024 with direct flights, scrapped visas and cheap booze South Korea is becoming a bucket list destination for Brits. The capital, Seoul, was crowned the world's best solo travel destination by Tripadvisor in its Travellers' Choice Awards. Advertisement Brits are enjoying the culture more too with the rise of K-pop, kimchee and makeup trends like 'glass skin'. The good news for UK citizens is that you can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days. Previously, Brits had to pay for the K-ETA, a visa waiver, but this has been scrapped until December 31, 2025. Even then the price of the waiver is just 10,000 KRW which equates to £5.43. Advertisement 5 Inside looks bright and airy with beige and blue seats Credit: Parata 5 South Korea has blossom season and is known for certain trends Credit: Alamy It will also be easier for Brits to get to Virgin Atlantic which will launch daily flights to Seoul from March 29, 2026. The overnight London Heathrow-Seoul flights will take off at 9:45am, landing at 6:05am the following day. Advertisement The return flight will take off at 8:35am and land at 3:05pm the same day. The expansion to the Asian country will also allow connecting routes to destination like Japan, Vietnam and China. If you don't want to go as far as South Korea - here's a London suburb that's been compared to it with restaurants and karaoke bars. And more on the world's best airline, Korean Air that has new onboard suites and a unique 'honeymoon mode'. Advertisement One Sun Travel Writer visited South Korea last year and here's what she found... Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited South Korea last year where she visited the capital city as well as Gyeongbokgung Palace. The country's capital city lies just 35 miles from the border with North Korea. Start early and visit Gyeongbokgung Palace - we were there by 9am in time for the 10am changing of the guard performance, a 20-minute event that recreates the original ceremony. A bottle of local beer can be found for just a few pounds - and we made sure to add some soju, a local rice wine, to your beer too. And a visit to Korea is nothing without a K-pop dance class, where we danced to New Jeans at Frzm Studio, before partying into the early morning at a karaoke booth, also known as noraebang. The second largest city in South Korea is Busan, found on the south coast. Yet is is easy to get to, with a day trip from Seoul simple thanks to a high speed train taking between 2-3 hours. And Instagrammers can rejoice thanks to the Gamcheon Culture Village, dubbed the Machu Picchu of Korea due to the many multicoloured, photogenic houses lining the cliff side.
