About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Incheon International (ICN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Seoul. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the polar routing over Alaska and the North Pacific, the left side also faces south toward the Alaskan Range and coastline during the Alaska segment, making it the stronger choice throughout the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically departs on runway 01R/19L or 01L/19R. Northbound departures on runway 01 have aircraft climbing and turning eastward toward DC, putting the left side facing south and east toward Washington DC, the Potomac River, and the National Mall area. The right side faces northwest into suburban Virginia with no comparable landmarks. Notable sights include: Washington DC skyline and National Mall, Potomac River, Reagan National Airport visible to the southeast, Chesapeake Bay on the distant horizon.
What can I see when landing at Incheon International in Seoul?
When landing at Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Incheon typically lands on runways oriented roughly 15/33 or 10/28. Approaches from the east or northeast over the Korean peninsula put the left side facing south toward Seoul proper, the Han River, and the urban core. The right side faces north toward the Yellow Sea and relatively featureless water. Notable sights include: Han River cutting through Seoul, Seoul city center and Gangnam district, Bukhansan mountain ridgeline north of Seoul, Incheon harbor and reclaimed land causeways.
How long is the flight from Washington to Seoul?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Incheon International (ICN) takes Approximately 14 to 15 hours.
What does the Washington to Seoul flight path pass over?
The great circle route arcs northward over the Great Lakes region, then across southern Canada, over the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Island chain, across the North Pacific, and descends toward the Korean Peninsula. Notable features include the Canadian Rockies visible to the south during the Canadian segment, the Alaskan coastline and Kenai Peninsula, the volcanic peaks of the Aleutian Islands visible as dark cones rising from the ocean, and the vast empty North Pacific before landfall on the Korean coast.