About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gimpo (GMP) to Jeju International (CJU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Cheju. Right seats dominate this short route. Takeoff offers superior views of the Han River estuary and Incheon's industrial waterfront, and the flight path southbound over the Yellow Sea keeps right-seat passengers engaged. Landing views are comparable on both sides, but the takeoff advantage tips the overall winner to the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Gimpo in Seoul?
During takeoff from Gimpo (GMP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Han River estuary and Incheon's industrial waterfront during the initial climb. GMP typically departs runway 14R/32L; northbound departures (most common) turn right over the Yellow Sea, giving right-seat passengers a clear view of the tidal flats and shipping channels. Notable sights include: Han River estuary (wide, braided channels visible below 3,000 ft), Incheon's port facilities and container terminals, Ganghwa Island (large island at river mouth), Yellow Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Jeju International in Cheju?
When landing at Jeju International (CJU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best view during descent into Jeju. Approaching from the north (typical routing), aircraft descend over Jeju's northern coast and the Seongeup plateau. Left-seat passengers see Hallasan (the island's dominant volcanic peak) and the transition from sea to the island's interior terrain. Notable sights include: Hallasan (1,947 m volcanic mountain, visible as a distinct peak from 15,000+ ft), Jeju's northern coastal towns and harbors, the island's dark volcanic rock formations, Korea Strait (visible on approach).
How long is the flight from Seoul to Cheju?
The flight from Gimpo (GMP) to Jeju International (CJU) takes Approximately 50-55 minutes.
What does the Seoul to Cheju flight path pass over?
Yellow Sea (open water, minimal landmarks), occasional fishing vessels and cargo ships, the flight path crosses roughly 120 km of open water between the Korean mainland and Jeju Island. No significant land features visible in the middle 30 minutes of flight. Jeju Island becomes visible on the horizon around 15 minutes before landing, initially appearing as a low landmass, then gradually revealing Hallasan's peak and the island's volcanic terrain.