While takeoff offers interesting estuary views, the landing approach into Sydney provides more dramatic and iconic scenery—Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains, and coastal cliffs are far more visually distinctive than the Han River estuary. Right side captures the most memorable portion of this long-haul route.
Flown GMP to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Sydney is 5,183 miles (8,341 km), a flight of about 10 hours 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses the East China Sea, passes near or over Taiwan's northern tip (depending on routing), continues across the Philippine Sea, passes east of the Philippines, crosses the Coral Sea, and approaches Sydney from the west. Notable features include the Taiwan Strait region, the Luzon Strait, the vast open Pacific waters, and the approach over the Blue Mountains and Sydney basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GMP
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Han River estuary and Incheon's coastal geography as the aircraft climbs westward over the Yellow Sea. Right side faces inland toward Seoul's urban sprawl with limited scenic distinction.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTRight side provides views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains, and the city's eastern coastline during the descent and approach from the west. Left side faces inland toward western suburbs with less distinctive scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gimpo (GMP) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Sydney. While takeoff offers interesting estuary views, the landing approach into Sydney provides more dramatic and iconic scenery—Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains, and coastal cliffs are far more visually distinctive than the Han River estuary. Right side captures the most memorable portion of this long-haul route.
What can I see during takeoff from Gimpo in Seoul?
During takeoff from Gimpo (GMP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Han River estuary and Incheon's coastal geography as the aircraft climbs westward over the Yellow Sea. Right side faces inland toward Seoul's urban sprawl with limited scenic distinction. Notable sights include: Han River estuary, Incheon waterfront and islands, Yellow Sea coastline, Seoul metropolitan area receding inland.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains, and the city's eastern coastline during the descent and approach from the west. Left side faces inland toward western suburbs with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour and Opera House area, Blue Mountains (western horizon), Parramatta River, Sydney's eastern beaches and coastal cliffs.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Sydney?
The flight from Gimpo (GMP) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 10 hours 50 minutes. 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 Seoul to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the East China Sea, passes near or over Taiwan's northern tip (depending on routing), continues across the Philippine Sea, passes east of the Philippines, crosses the Coral Sea, and approaches Sydney from the west. Notable features include the Taiwan Strait region, the Luzon Strait, the vast open Pacific waters, and the approach over the Blue Mountains and Sydney basin.