Jetstar has launched Australia’s first direct low-cost flight to South Korea, linking the Gold Coast and Seoul.

The new route will be operated three times a week in partnership with the South Korean low-fare carrier Jeju Air using a two-class, 355-seat Jetstar Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

“With the number of Australians travelling to Korea increasing by 24 per cent in the last five years we knew this service would be popular and that’s certainly been the case – bookings have been really strong,” said Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans.

The airline said it is seeing Gold Coast locals making the most of the opportunity, as well as demand from customers in Melbourne and Sydney connecting through the Gold Coast.

“We know from experience that low-cost flights have a strong influence on setting tourism trends and in markets like Japan the number of Australian visitors has doubled since we first launched flights in 2007. We expect to see a similar trend with our flights to Seoul,” Evans continued.

He added that the route marks the Gold Coast as a “natural entry point” for South Korean tourists visiting Australia. “South Koreans travel more per capita than any other country in the Asia Pacific and rank Australia as the top country they want to visit. So it’s great to be able to offer the first direct, low fares service between the two countries to support demand and grow local tourism opportunities.”

The airline expects the service will contribute up to $170 million to the Queensland economy over the next three years.