About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gimpo (GMP) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to New York. The New York approach significantly outscores Seoul's departure. While Seoul offers decent urban and coastal scenery during takeoff, the LaGuardia landing provides one of the world's most iconic and visually dramatic airport approaches—Manhattan's world-famous skyline, two major rivers, and dense urban geography create far greater scenic variety and landmark density than the relatively flat Yellow Sea departure. The landing experience alone elevates the right side substantially.
What can I see during takeoff from Gimpo in Seoul?
During takeoff from Gimpo (GMP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Seoul's departure offers immediate urban scenery and coastal geography. The left side captures the Han River estuary, Incheon's harbor area, and the transition from Seoul's metropolitan sprawl to the Yellow Sea coastline during climb-out. Notable sights include: Han River estuary, Incheon International Airport area, Yellow Sea coastline, Seoul metropolitan grid.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. The approach to LaGuardia from the northwest offers superior scenic value. The right side captures the Hudson River, Manhattan's iconic skyline, the East River, and Queens' urban landscape during descent. This is one of North America's most visually distinctive airport approaches. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, East River, Queens neighborhoods and waterfront.
How long is the flight from Seoul to New York?
The flight from Gimpo (GMP) to La Guardia (LGA) takes 11h 15m.
What does the Seoul to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing north of the Aleutian Islands (visible on clear days during the initial westbound leg), then traverses the Canadian Arctic and subarctic regions including parts of northern Canada and Greenland's eastern coast. The midpoint offers minimal scenic value—primarily open ocean, ice fields, and remote tundra with few recognizable landmarks. The most notable feature is the transition from Pacific to Atlantic basin, though this occurs over featureless water at cruise altitude.