Seattle to Seoul is 5,183 miles (8,341 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
While takeoff favors the right for Cascade views, the landing experience on the left is more geographically significant—the Han River estuary and Korea's western coastal approach are more visually distinctive than Seattle's departure. Left seats capture the dramatic transition from ocean to peninsula.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing north of the Hawaiian Islands (not visible), then approaching the Asian continent over the Yellow Sea. Notable midpoint geography includes the Aleutian Islands region (far north of typical routing), the vast open Pacific Ocean for 6-7 hours, and the approach to the Korean peninsula from the southwest over shallow Yellow Sea waters. On clear days, the transition from ocean to land is visible 100+ miles out as the peninsula's mountainous spine (Taebaek Range) appears on the horizon.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTBFI typically departs to the south or southeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range rising to the east, while left seats face the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains—both good, but the Cascades are more dramatic and closer to the departure corridor.
Landing at GMP
LEFTGimpo typically uses runways aligned roughly north-south (16/34). On approach from the east, left-side seats face the Han River estuary and Incheon area, providing views of Korea's western coastal geography and the airport's position on the peninsula. Right seats would see inland terrain with less distinctive features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Gimpo (GMP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Seoul. While takeoff favors the right for Cascade views, the landing experience on the left is more geographically significant—the Han River estuary and Korea's western coastal approach are more visually distinctive than Seattle's departure. Left seats capture the dramatic transition from ocean to peninsula.
What can I see during takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. BFI typically departs to the south or southeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range rising to the east, while left seats face the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains—both good, but the Cascades are more dramatic and closer to the departure corridor. Notable sights include: Cascade Range (southeast, snow-capped peaks visible year-round), Mount Rainier (dominant peak ~80 miles south-southeast on clear days), Lake Washington (immediate south of airport), Puget Sound (west, visible as dark water body).
What can I see when landing at Gimpo in Seoul?
When landing at Gimpo (GMP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gimpo typically uses runways aligned roughly north-south (16/34). On approach from the east, left-side seats face the Han River estuary and Incheon area, providing views of Korea's western coastal geography and the airport's position on the peninsula. Right seats would see inland terrain with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Han River estuary (wide tidal waterway, silver-gray in color), Incheon area (urban sprawl west of airport), Yellow Sea (western horizon, visible as distinct water boundary), Korean peninsula's western coastal plains (flat, agricultural terrain).
How long is the flight from Seattle to Seoul?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Gimpo (GMP) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,183 miles (8,341 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Seoul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing north of the Hawaiian Islands (not visible), then approaching the Asian continent over the Yellow Sea. Notable midpoint geography includes the Aleutian Islands region (far north of typical routing), the vast open Pacific Ocean for 6-7 hours, and the approach to the Korean peninsula from the southwest over shallow Yellow Sea waters. On clear days, the transition from ocean to land is visible 100+ miles out as the peninsula's mountainous spine (Taebaek Range) appears on the horizon.