Seoul to Seattle is 5,200 miles (8,368 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
While takeoff offers better initial views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides more dramatic and iconic scenery—Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Seattle's recognizable landmarks. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula (mountains visible during initial climb), then the Yellow Sea, then the vast Pacific Ocean for roughly 8 hours with no significant landmarks. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Aleutian Islands may be visible in far northern latitudes depending on routing, followed by the British Columbia coast and Cascade Range as the aircraft descends toward Seattle.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
RIGHTICN typically departs to the west or southwest over the Yellow Sea. Right-side seats offer unobstructed views of Seoul's urban sprawl and the coastal geography as the aircraft climbs. Left seats face inland toward mountains with less dramatic visual interest during initial climb.
Landing at BFI
LEFTBFI sits on the east bank of the Duwamish River in south Seattle. Approaching from the west (typical for transpacific arrivals), left-side seats provide excellent views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline during descent. Right seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Seattle. While takeoff offers better initial views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides more dramatic and iconic scenery—Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Seattle's recognizable landmarks. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Incheon International in Seoul?
During takeoff from Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Right side for the best views. ICN typically departs to the west or southwest over the Yellow Sea. Right-side seats offer unobstructed views of Seoul's urban sprawl and the coastal geography as the aircraft climbs. Left seats face inland toward mountains with less dramatic visual interest during initial climb. Notable sights include: Seoul metropolitan area (sprawling urban grid), Yellow Sea (Hwanghae), Incheon harbor and industrial zones, Han River estuary.
What can I see when landing at Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
When landing at Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Left side for the best views. BFI sits on the east bank of the Duwamish River in south Seattle. Approaching from the west (typical for transpacific arrivals), left-side seats provide excellent views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline during descent. Right seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Puget Sound (body of water), Olympic Mountains (western horizon), Seattle downtown skyline and Space Needle, Duwamish River and industrial waterfront.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Seattle?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,200 miles (8,368 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula (mountains visible during initial climb), then the Yellow Sea, then the vast Pacific Ocean for roughly 8 hours with no significant landmarks. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Aleutian Islands may be visible in far northern latitudes depending on routing, followed by the British Columbia coast and Cascade Range as the aircraft descends toward Seattle.