The polar great-circle route carries the left side over the dramatic terrain of Alaska's mountain ranges, the Aleutian chain, and Kamchatka's volcanic peninsula during cruise, followed by the scenic Han River approach into Seoul — a far more varied and rugged panorama than the right side's mostly open Pacific and Siberian coastline views.
Flown IAD to SSN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Seoul East is 6,933 miles (11,157 km), a flight of about 14 hours 20 minutes.
Alaska Range and Denali foothills, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Kamchatka Peninsula volcanoes, Sea of Japan coastline
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDeparting Dulles on a northbound runway, the initial turn puts downtown Washington DC on the right side, giving a brief but classic view of the Potomac River, the National Mall obelisks, and the Chesapeake Bay beyond. The left side shows only the rolling, unremarkable Piedmont countryside.
Landing at SSN
LEFTOn approach into the Seoul area, the descent path curves over the Han River basin, giving passengers on the left a sweeping view of Seoul's dense skyline, the river's islands, and the forested peaks of Bukhansan and Namsan rising abruptly from the city grid. This is one of the most striking urban-mountain approaches in Asia.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Seoul Ab (SSN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Seoul East. The polar great-circle route carries the left side over the dramatic terrain of Alaska's mountain ranges, the Aleutian chain, and Kamchatka's volcanic peninsula during cruise, followed by the scenic Han River approach into Seoul — a far more varied and rugged panorama than the right side's mostly open Pacific and Siberian coastline views.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Dulles on a northbound runway, the initial turn puts downtown Washington DC on the right side, giving a brief but classic view of the Potomac River, the National Mall obelisks, and the Chesapeake Bay beyond. The left side shows only the rolling, unremarkable Piedmont countryside. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC monuments/Capitol dome, Chesapeake Bay, Blue Ridge foothills (distant, left).
What can I see when landing at Seoul Ab in Seoul East?
When landing at Seoul Ab (SSN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into the Seoul area, the descent path curves over the Han River basin, giving passengers on the left a sweeping view of Seoul's dense skyline, the river's islands, and the forested peaks of Bukhansan and Namsan rising abruptly from the city grid. This is one of the most striking urban-mountain approaches in Asia. Notable sights include: Han River, Seoul skyline, Bukhansan granite peaks, Namsan Tower hill.
How long is the flight from Washington to Seoul East?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Seoul Ab (SSN) takes about 14 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,933 miles (11,157 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Seoul East flight path pass over?
Alaska Range and Denali foothills, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Kamchatka Peninsula volcanoes, Sea of Japan coastline