The takeoff views from Gimpo are more consistently spectacular and accessible—the Han River estuary and Yellow Sea are visible early and clearly. Vienna's landing views are excellent but dependent on approach direction and weather. Right-side seats offer the better overall experience for this westbound route.
Flown GMP to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Vienna is 5,133 miles (8,260 km), a flight of about 9 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula, then traverses the Yellow Sea, China's eastern plains, the Gobi Desert region, Mongolia's high plateaus, southern Russia's steppes, the Ural Mountains, and finally the Eastern European Plain before descending into the Danube basin. Notable visible features include the Great Wall of China (visible on clear days near Beijing), the Altai Mountains on the Mongolia-Russia border, and the Carpathian Mountains as the aircraft approaches Central Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GMP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Han River estuary and Incheon's coastal geography during the initial climb-out westward from Gimpo. The river delta and Yellow Sea shoreline are distinctive and visible within the first 10–15 minutes of flight.
Landing at VIE
LEFTLeft-side seats during descent into Vienna provide excellent views of the Danube River's distinctive meanders and the Alpine foothills to the south. The river's braided channels and the transition from flat plains to rising terrain are visually striking on approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gimpo (GMP) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Vienna. The takeoff views from Gimpo are more consistently spectacular and accessible—the Han River estuary and Yellow Sea are visible early and clearly. Vienna's landing views are excellent but dependent on approach direction and weather. Right-side seats offer the better overall experience for this westbound route.
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 the Han River estuary and Incheon's coastal geography during the initial climb-out westward from Gimpo. The river delta and Yellow Sea shoreline are distinctive and visible within the first 10–15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Han River estuary, Incheon port facilities, Yellow Sea coastline, Seoul metropolitan sprawl to the east.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats during descent into Vienna provide excellent views of the Danube River's distinctive meanders and the Alpine foothills to the south. The river's braided channels and the transition from flat plains to rising terrain are visually striking on approach. Notable sights include: Danube River with multiple meanders, Eastern Alps foothills, Morava River confluence, Vienna's urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Vienna?
The flight from Gimpo (GMP) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 9 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,133 miles (8,260 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Vienna flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula, then traverses the Yellow Sea, China's eastern plains, the Gobi Desert region, Mongolia's high plateaus, southern Russia's steppes, the Ural Mountains, and finally the Eastern European Plain before descending into the Danube basin. Notable visible features include the Great Wall of China (visible on clear days near Beijing), the Altai Mountains on the Mongolia-Russia border, and the Carpathian Mountains as the aircraft approaches Central Europe.