Daily flights will get under way on 29 March 2026 utilising "remedy slots" Virgin gained following the merger of Korean Air and Asiana.
SkyTeam partner Korean will be Virgin’s only competitor on the route to Incheon International airport. Chief executive Shai Weiss said the flight offered “very good connectivity” with Korean’s network.
"This solidifies our Asia portfolio," he said, adding: “It’s a very nice way of connecting to Japan."
Virgin will operate the route using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Fares will go on sale on 14 May.
Outbound services will depart Heathrow at 9.45am arriving in Seoul at 6.05am (+1). Return flights will depart Seoul at 8.35am arriving in Heathrow at 3.05pm.
The carrier said the route would be "predominantly" leisure-driven, capitalising on growing interest in Korean culture and food.
Chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen said providing "seamless connections" by working with other carriers had been a "real focus" for Virgin. Onward connectivity options include Japan, China, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.
Seoul will also bolster Virgin’s Asian network, which also features Riyadh, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai.
South Korea was flagged by agents as one destination piquing clients’ interest in TTG’s recent Destinations insight report.
