The takeoff from Seoul offers more dramatic and varied scenery (urban sprawl, river, mountains, coastline) than the landing approach into Oakland. While the landing provides good bay and hill views, the Seoul departure is more visually engaging overall.
Flown GMP to OAK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Oakland is 5,629 miles (9,059 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Yellow Sea (featureless water for several hours), then the Korean Peninsula's western coast. Over the Pacific, you'll pass north of Japan (Hokkaido visible as a distant landmass if flying at optimal altitude), then cross open ocean for 6-7 hours. As you approach North America, the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible on the eastern horizon before descent into the Bay Area. The Cascade Range and Mount Shasta may be visible to the north during the final approach phase, depending on exact flight routing and weather.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from GMP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Seoul's urban sprawl and the Han River valley as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Gimpo. You'll see the city grid and surrounding mountains clearly before heading out over the Yellow Sea.
Landing at OAK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Oakland. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Oakland Hills, and the East Bay urban corridor as the aircraft descends from the east. The bay's blue water and surrounding terrain are striking from this angle.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gimpo (GMP) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Oakland. The takeoff from Seoul offers more dramatic and varied scenery (urban sprawl, river, mountains, coastline) than the landing approach into Oakland. While the landing provides good bay and hill views, the Seoul departure is more visually engaging overall.
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 offer views of Seoul's urban sprawl and the Han River valley as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Gimpo. You'll see the city grid and surrounding mountains clearly before heading out over the Yellow Sea. Notable sights include: Han River (snaking through Seoul), Seoul metropolitan area (dense urban grid), Bukhan Mountains to the north, Yellow Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
When landing at Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Oakland. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Oakland Hills, and the East Bay urban corridor as the aircraft descends from the east. The bay's blue water and surrounding terrain are striking from this angle. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (eastern shore and islands), Oakland Hills (dark forested ridgeline), East Bay cities (Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward sprawl), Mount Diablo (distant peak to the southeast).
How long is the flight from Seoul to Oakland?
The flight from Gimpo (GMP) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,629 miles (9,059 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Oakland flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Yellow Sea (featureless water for several hours), then the Korean Peninsula's western coast. Over the Pacific, you'll pass north of Japan (Hokkaido visible as a distant landmass if flying at optimal altitude), then cross open ocean for 6-7 hours. As you approach North America, the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible on the eastern horizon before descent into the Bay Area. The Cascade Range and Mount Shasta may be visible to the north during the final approach phase, depending on exact flight routing and weather.