The right side wins narrowly by offering the only real topographic variety on this short, mostly flat-and-water route: hilly terrain near Pyongyang at takeoff and the Yan Mountains framing Beijing on arrival.
Flown FNJ to PEK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pyongyang to Beijing is 486 miles (782 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Korea Bay (Yellow Sea) crossing between the North Korean coast near Nampo and the Chinese coastline near the Bohai Sea/Tangshan area
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from FNJ
RIGHTClimbing out of Pyongyang, the right side shows the hilly terrain north and east of the Taedong River valley along with the outskirts of Pyongyang itself, while the left side quickly gives way to flat farmland toward the coast with little definition.
Landing at PEK
RIGHTOn approach into Beijing from the east, the aircraft crosses the flat North China Plain, and the right side offers views toward the Yan Mountains that frame Beijing's northern edge, giving some topographic interest compared to the featureless plain on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pyongyang to Beijing. The right side wins narrowly by offering the only real topographic variety on this short, mostly flat-and-water route: hilly terrain near Pyongyang at takeoff and the Yan Mountains framing Beijing on arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Pyongyang Sunan International Airport in Pyongyang?
During takeoff from Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of Pyongyang, the right side shows the hilly terrain north and east of the Taedong River valley along with the outskirts of Pyongyang itself, while the left side quickly gives way to flat farmland toward the coast with little definition. Notable sights include: Taedong River, Pyongyang city outskirts, low hills north of the capital.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Beijing from the east, the aircraft crosses the flat North China Plain, and the right side offers views toward the Yan Mountains that frame Beijing's northern edge, giving some topographic interest compared to the featureless plain on the left. Notable sights include: Yan Mountains foothills, North China Plain farmland, outer Beijing suburbs.
How long is the flight from Pyongyang to Beijing?
The flight from Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) to Capital (PEK) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 486 miles (782 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pyongyang to Beijing flight path pass over?
Korea Bay (Yellow Sea) crossing between the North Korean coast near Nampo and the Chinese coastline near the Bohai Sea/Tangshan area