When you think about premium flying in Asia, EVA Air inevitably comes to mind. As a proud member of the Star Alliance, EVA Air has built a reputation for offering consistency and comfort across its regional and long-haul routes. Recently, I had the chance to fly their Business Class from Seoul (ICN) to Kaohsiung (KHH), and while it was a short flight, it packed in nearly everything you’d expect from a five-star airline… plus a couple of surprises.
Seat
Even on a regional hop, EVA Air doesn’t hold back on comfort. Business Class gets dedicated wide, spacious seats with more than enough legroom to stretch out properly; no awkward knee-bumping situations here. The cabin feels refined and professional, and each seat comes with universal power outlets, so keeping your devices charged isn’t a problem.
It’s the kind of setup that instantly puts you in travel-mode relaxation… or productivity, if that’s your thing.
Food: A Surprisingly Generous Spread
For a flight this short, I expected something minimal. Instead, EVA Air offered several meal options, and the one I chose delivered nicely. The food was genuinely good, fresh, and well-presented—far better than what many airlines serve even on long-haul routes.
But what really elevated the experience was the exceptionally friendly cabin crew. Taiwanese hospitality is real, and it shows. Every interaction felt warm, attentive, and personal.
Drinks: Wines, Cocktails & the Evergreen Surprise
EVA Air’s beverage service is another standout. There’s a proper drink list, including fine wines, and the crew are happy to mix up cocktails on request. But the star of the show? Evergreen Special.
Evergreen Special is EVA Air’s signature drink, and honestly—it was crazy good. Sweet, refreshing, and balanced… one of those drinks that makes you forget you’re on a plane and not in some sky-high lounge bar. Don’t skip it.
Entertainment: Great… Until the Ads
For a short regional flight, I was impressed to find a quality noise-cancelling headset waiting at my seat. Not one of those flimsy “regional flight” headsets—this felt premium. The entertainment system also had a surprisingly wide selection of movies, enough for even a long-haul journey.
But then, just before landing, something unexpected happened: They played ads over the loudspeakers. With sound. For a supposed five-star airline, it felt out of place and honestly broke the beautiful premium bubble EVA had built up until that moment. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely a “Wait… what?” moment.
Before Landing: Sweet Touches Done Right
EVA Air redeemed themselves quickly, though. The crew came around with candies, enthusiastically encouraging me to try all the flavors. Small gesture, big smile. Then they handed out bottles of water to take off the plane—a detail I wish every airline would adopt. It’s practical, thoughtful, and makes the arrival experience smoother.
Final Thoughts
For a short regional flight, EVA Air’s Business Class from Seoul to Kaohsiung delivered an experience that rivals many long-haul premium cabins. From the spacious seating and excellent food to the warm-hearted crew and that unforgettable Evergreen Special, the flight felt refined and exceptionally comfortable. Sure, the pre-landing ads were a strange touch—but everything else more than lived up to EVA Air’s reputation for quality. If you’re flying around Asia on Star Alliance and want a reliably great Business Class experience, EVA Air is absolutely worth your while.
