While takeoff offers Yellow Sea views, the landing approach over the Seto Inland Sea and Hiroshima Bay provides more dramatic and distinctive geography. The island-studded seascape and Miyajima's recognizable profile make the descent more visually rewarding than the relatively flat coastal departure.
Flown ICN to HIJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Hiroshima is 418 miles (673 km), a flight of about 2 hours.
The flight path crosses the Yellow Sea southwest of the Korean peninsula, then transitions over the Tsushima Strait (the narrow passage between Korea and Japan). Tsushima Island itself may be visible to the left during cruise if flying the typical southeasterly routing. The approach then enters Japanese airspace over the Seto Inland Sea's western reaches, with hundreds of small islands becoming increasingly visible during descent. The Chugoku mountain range forms the southern backdrop of the approach corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Yellow Sea and the Korean peninsula's western coastline during the initial climb. ICN typically departs runways 03L/03R or 15L/15R; either direction offers westward views over water and the Incheon metropolitan area before turning southeast toward Japan.
Landing at HIJ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Seto Inland Sea and the approach path over Hiroshima Bay. Aircraft typically descend on a westerly or southwesterly approach into Hiroshima, and left windows frame the intricate island geography and water features that define this region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Hiroshima (HIJ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Hiroshima. While takeoff offers Yellow Sea views, the landing approach over the Seto Inland Sea and Hiroshima Bay provides more dramatic and distinctive geography. The island-studded seascape and Miyajima's recognizable profile make the descent more visually rewarding than the relatively flat coastal departure.
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. Right-side seats capture the Yellow Sea and the Korean peninsula's western coastline during the initial climb. ICN typically departs runways 03L/03R or 15L/15R; either direction offers westward views over water and the Incheon metropolitan area before turning southeast toward Japan. Notable sights include: Yellow Sea (immediate west), Incheon's reclaimed land and port facilities, Han River estuary to the northeast, Seoul metropolitan sprawl inland to the east.
What can I see when landing at Hiroshima in Hiroshima?
When landing at Hiroshima (HIJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Seto Inland Sea and the approach path over Hiroshima Bay. Aircraft typically descend on a westerly or southwesterly approach into Hiroshima, and left windows frame the intricate island geography and water features that define this region. Notable sights include: Seto Inland Sea with its characteristic island clusters, Hiroshima Bay, Itsukushima Island (Miyajima) with its distinctive silhouette, coastal Hiroshima city spreading along the delta.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Hiroshima?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Hiroshima (HIJ) takes about 2 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 418 miles (673 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Hiroshima flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Yellow Sea southwest of the Korean peninsula, then transitions over the Tsushima Strait (the narrow passage between Korea and Japan). Tsushima Island itself may be visible to the left during cruise if flying the typical southeasterly routing. The approach then enters Japanese airspace over the Seto Inland Sea's western reaches, with hundreds of small islands becoming increasingly visible during descent. The Chugoku mountain range forms the southern backdrop of the approach corridor.