The right side offers a stronger sequence overall: Gulf coastline and Hajar Mountains at departure, glimpses of the Zagros range and Central Asian steppe terrain during cruise, and a scenic island-studded approach into Incheon, compared to the largely featureless desert and steppe views on the left.
Flown AUH to ICN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Seoul is 4,248 miles (6,837 km), a flight of about 8 hours 35 minutes.
Zagros Mountains of Iran, southern Caspian Sea shoreline, Kazakh and Uzbek steppe, Tian Shan foothills, and the Gobi Desert of Mongolia along the great-circle route before descending toward the Yellow Sea and Korea.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase

Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTDeparting AUH toward the northeast, the initial turn puts the Persian Gulf coastline, Abu Dhabi's man-made islands, and the distant Hajar Mountains of the UAE/Oman on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out.

Landing at ICN
RIGHTOn approach to ICN under typical northwesterly wind conditions, arrivals swing in from the southeast over the Yellow Sea before turning onto final for runway 33/34, giving right-side passengers a view of Incheon's coastal islands and the approach over water toward the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Incheon International (ICN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Seoul. The right side offers a stronger sequence overall: Gulf coastline and Hajar Mountains at departure, glimpses of the Zagros range and Central Asian steppe terrain during cruise, and a scenic island-studded approach into Incheon, compared to the largely featureless desert and steppe views on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
During takeoff from Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing AUH toward the northeast, the initial turn puts the Persian Gulf coastline, Abu Dhabi's man-made islands, and the distant Hajar Mountains of the UAE/Oman on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi corniche and skyline, Persian Gulf coastline, Hajar Mountains, Sir Bani Yas island chain.
What can I see when landing at Incheon International in Seoul?
When landing at Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to ICN under typical northwesterly wind conditions, arrivals swing in from the southeast over the Yellow Sea before turning onto final for runway 33/34, giving right-side passengers a view of Incheon's coastal islands and the approach over water toward the airport. Notable sights include: Yellow Sea coastline, Incheon's outer islands (Yeongjongdo), tidal mudflats, Incheon Bridge.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Seoul?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Incheon International (ICN) takes about 8 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,248 miles (6,837 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Seoul flight path pass over?
Zagros Mountains of Iran, southern Caspian Sea shoreline, Kazakh and Uzbek steppe, Tian Shan foothills, and the Gobi Desert of Mongolia along the great-circle route before descending toward the Yellow Sea and Korea.