About Fly Gangwon
Fly Gangwon (IATA: 4V, ICAO: FGW) was a South Korean low-cost carrier headquartered in Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, with its hub at Yangyang International Airport (YNY). Originally established as Fly Yangyang in November 2016, the airline was created to stimulate air travel and tourism to the scenic Gangwon Province on the eastern coast of South Korea. The carrier rebranded to Fly Gangwon in October 2017 and subsequently signed lease agreements for three Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Fly Gangwon received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in 2019, launching its inaugural domestic flight from Yangyang to Jeju in November of that year. The airline expanded rapidly to include international routes to destinations in Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines before financial difficulties led to the suspension of all operations in May 2023. Following a court-supervised rehabilitation process, the airline was acquired by Winix Inc. in July 2024 and subsequently rebranded as Parata Air. Although Fly Gangwon no longer operates under its original name, the Traveloka platform retains flight search and booking capabilities for travellers interested in routes previously served by this carrier or its successor.
Airline Overview and History
Fly Gangwon was founded with the goal of transforming Yangyang International Airport into a regional aviation hub, connecting the Gangwon Province to domestic and international destinations. Below is a timeline of the airline's key milestones:
- November 2016 — Established as Fly Yangyang, signing the Convention on Support for Air Transport Business with Gangwon Province
- October 2017 — Renamed to Fly Gangwon and signed lease agreements for three Boeing 737-800 aircraft
- 2019 — Received Air Operator Certificate from South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
- November 2019 — Launched inaugural domestic service from Yangyang to Jeju
- December 2019 — Began first international route from Yangyang to Taipei–Taoyuan, Taiwan
- 2020 — Expanded network to include routes to Vietnam (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) and the Philippines (Clark)
- 2020–2022 — Faced severe financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in reduced operations
- May 2023 — Suspended all flight operations and filed for court-supervised rehabilitation
- July 2024 — Acquired by Winix Inc., a South Korean household appliances manufacturer
- August 2024 — Rebranded from Fly Gangwon to Parata Air with a new corporate identity
Yangyang International Airport served as the airline's primary hub, located on the northeast coast of South Korea. The airport provides direct access to popular tourist destinations including the Seoraksan National Park, Gangneung city (venue for the 2018 Winter Olympics ice events), and the beaches and ski resorts of the Gangwon region. Fly Gangwon's mission was to make air travel to this traditionally underserved region accessible and affordable, boosting regional tourism and economic development.
Fleet and Aircraft
Fly Gangwon operated a compact fleet of Boeing 737-800 narrow-body aircraft, which are among the most widely used single-aisle jets in global aviation. Key fleet details include:
- Aircraft type: Boeing 737-800
- Number of aircraft: 2 (at peak operations)
- Seating configuration: All-economy, 3-3 layout with approximately 189 seats
- Range: Suitable for domestic flights within South Korea and regional international routes across East and Southeast Asia
The Boeing 737-800 was an ideal choice for Fly Gangwon's route network, offering fuel efficiency and reliability on short-to-medium-haul routes. The aircraft type is certified to operate at airports with shorter runways, making it well-suited for Yangyang International Airport. Fly Gangwon maintained its fleet in accordance with South Korean aviation safety regulations and international maintenance standards, ensuring passenger safety on every flight.
Top Flight Routes
Fly Gangwon connected its hub at Yangyang International Airport to a range of domestic and international destinations. The airline's key routes included:
Domestic Routes
- Yangyang to Jeju — The airline's first and most popular route, connecting travellers to South Korea's favourite holiday island known for its volcanic landscapes, beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Yangyang to Daegu — Linking the Gangwon region to South Korea's fourth-largest city, a cultural and economic hub in the southeast
International Routes
- Yangyang to Taipei–Taoyuan — The airline's first international service, launched in December 2019, connecting to Taiwan's capital city
- Yangyang to Kaohsiung and Taichung — Additional Taiwanese destinations popular with Korean tourists
- Yangyang to Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City — Connecting to Vietnam's top tourist and business destinations
- Yangyang to Clark — Gateway to the Philippines' Pampanga province and nearby beach resorts
For Malaysian travellers looking to explore South Korea and other destinations in the region, Traveloka offers convenient search and booking for related routes:
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Understanding the baggage rules before you fly helps you avoid unexpected charges at the airport. Below is a summary of Fly Gangwon's baggage policy.
Cabin Baggage
- Weight limit: 10 kg per passenger
- Maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (total not exceeding 115 cm)
- Items allowed: One piece of hand luggage per passenger
Checked Baggage
- Free allowance: 15 kg per passenger
- Maximum total dimensions: Width + length + height not exceeding 203 cm
- Maximum weight per item: 32 kg — items heavier than 32 kg are not accepted
- Total excess limit: Up to 100 kg with excess baggage charges; baggage exceeding 100 kg requires prior consultation with the airline
Special and Sports Equipment
- Sporting equipment: Subject to an additional fee of KRW 10,000 (approximately RM 30)
- Oversized items: Must be declared and approved by the airline prior to departure
Infant Baggage
- International flights: Infants are entitled to an additional 10 kg checked baggage allowance plus one foldable stroller
- Domestic flights: One foldable stroller permitted at no extra charge
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Fly Gangwon followed international aviation security regulations. Prohibited items include flammable materials, sharp objects, explosives, and corrosive substances in both cabin and checked baggage. Lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in cabin baggage only.
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Passengers were advised to arrive at the airport with sufficient time before departure:
- Domestic flights: Arrive at least 40 minutes before departure; check-in counters close 20 minutes before departure
- International flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure; check-in counters close 40 minutes before departure
At the check-in counter, airline staff will verify your identity, issue your boarding pass, and tag your checked baggage. During peak travel periods such as Korean public holidays (Chuseok, Lunar New Year) and summer vacation season, arriving early is strongly recommended.
Online Check-in
- Domestic flights: Available from 24 hours to 1 hour before departure
- International flights: Available from 24 hours to 2 hours before departure
Online check-in was accessible through the Fly Gangwon website. After completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage could proceed directly to the baggage drop counter, while those with cabin baggage only could head to the security screening area and boarding gate.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Economy Class
Fly Gangwon operated an all-economy cabin configuration across its Boeing 737-800 fleet. The cabin featured a 3-3 seating layout with approximately 189 seats. The airline offered three fare tiers to cater to different passenger needs:
- Super Fly — The most inclusive fare tier with maximum baggage allowance and flexibility
- Smart Fly — A mid-range option balancing value with included services
- Standard Fly — The most affordable fare for budget-conscious travellers
Each fare tier included one cabin bag and one checked bag, with differences in flexibility for changes and cancellations.
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
Fly Gangwon did not include complimentary meals or beverages on its flights. Instead, the airline operated Cafe 4V, an onboard cafe service where passengers could purchase snacks, light meals, and drinks during the flight. This buy-on-board model kept base ticket prices low while giving passengers the freedom to choose what they wanted to eat and drink.
In-Flight Entertainment
The airline did not provide a built-in in-flight entertainment system or Wi-Fi on board. Passengers were encouraged to bring their own entertainment on personal devices such as tablets, smartphones, or e-readers. Reading materials were available in the seat pocket for browsing during the flight.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Must be accompanied by at least one adult aged 18 or older, require their own seat and ticket
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap at a reduced infant fare; one infant per adult passenger
- Required documents: Valid passport for international flights; identification documents for domestic flights
- Strollers: Foldable strollers can be checked at the boarding gate free of charge
Pregnant Passengers
- Passengers up to 36 weeks of pregnancy may travel with Fly Gangwon
- A medical fitness-to-fly certificate issued within 7 days of travel may be required for passengers beyond 32 weeks of pregnancy
- Passengers are advised to consult their healthcare provider before booking
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Fly Gangwon provided assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, and other special needs. Services included:
- Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding and disembarkation
- Priority seating near the cabin crew for easy access to assistance
- Support from trained cabin crew during the flight
Passengers who required medical equipment on board, such as portable oxygen concentrators, were advised to notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure to ensure proper arrangements.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children under 5 years: Must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Children aged 5–12 years: May be eligible for the unaccompanied minor service, which provides supervision from departure to arrival
Parents or guardians were required to complete the necessary documentation and ensure a designated responsible adult would be present at the arrival airport.
Frequent Flyer Programme
Fly Gangwon did not operate a dedicated frequent flyer programme during its period of active operations. The airline was not a member of any global airline alliance such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or oneworld, which means reciprocal mileage earning with partner airlines was not available.
However, travellers who book flights through Traveloka can still earn benefits through the Traveloka loyalty rewards system. Traveloka Points are accumulated on qualifying bookings and can be redeemed for discounts on future flight and hotel reservations. This provides Malaysian travellers with a way to earn rewards regardless of the airline's own loyalty programme status.
Why Book Fly Gangwon Flights on Traveloka
Booking Fly Gangwon flights through Traveloka provides several advantages for Malaysian travellers:
- Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals and promotional fares on flights to South Korea and connecting destinations
- Easy comparison — Sort and filter flights by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops to find the perfect itinerary
- Flexible payment — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plans
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app
- 24/7 customer support — Multilingual support team available round the clock for booking issues, changes, and travel queries
- Loyalty rewards — Earn Traveloka Points on qualifying bookings and redeem them for discounts on future travel
- Comprehensive travel platform — Book flights, hotels, airport transfers, and activities in one place for a seamless travel experience
Fly Gangwon Promotions and Deals on Traveloka
Traveloka regularly features promotional fares and exclusive deals for flights to South Korea and other destinations across Asia. Here are some tips to make the most of available promotions:
- Check the Traveloka promotions page — Visit the dedicated promo section on the Traveloka website or app for the latest flash sales, promo codes, and limited-time offers on flights
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Price Alerts on Traveloka to receive instant notifications when fares drop on your preferred routes to South Korea
- Book early — Flight prices generally increase closer to the departure date; booking several weeks in advance can lock in lower fares
- Fly midweek — Tuesday and Wednesday departures tend to offer lower fares compared to weekend flights
- Travel off-peak — Avoid peak seasons such as school holidays, Chinese New Year, and Hari Raya for more affordable fares
- Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together on Traveloka for additional savings through package deals
- Use digital wallets — Some promotions offer additional cashback when paying with Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, or GrabPay
- Subscribe to Traveloka newsletters — Stay updated on upcoming sales and exclusive member-only promotions
How to Book Fly Gangwon Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to search for and book Fly Gangwon flights on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city (for example, Kuala Lumpur) and your destination (for example, Seoul), then select your travel dates and the number of passengers
- Tap the search button to view all available flights for your route, including options with connecting flights
- Sort and filter results by price, departure time, flight duration, or airline preference to find the best option
- Select your preferred flight and fare tier, then proceed to the booking page
- Enter passenger details including full name (as shown on passport or ID), date of birth, nationality, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional checked baggage, seat selection, or travel insurance for extra peace of mind
- Review your complete booking summary including total fare, taxes, fees, and any add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit or debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plan — and complete the payment
- Receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app; save or print it for reference at the airport
For real-time updates on your flight schedule, check the Traveloka Flight Status page before heading to the airport.