Takeoff from Incheon on the right side provides superior coastal and estuary views. While landing favors the left, the longer takeoff sequence and more dramatic geography of the Yellow Sea and Han River estuary make right-side seats the better overall choice for this short 90-minute flight.
Flown ICN to HKD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Hakodate is 819 miles (1,319 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Korea Strait (Tsushima Strait) at its northern section, passing over open water between the Korean peninsula and Japanese islands. At cruise altitude (around 25,000-30,000 feet), the strait itself appears as a dark blue expanse with minimal visible detail. The northern tip of Honshu (Aomori Prefecture) becomes visible on the right side during the descent phase, with the Oshima volcano and surrounding terrain becoming increasingly distinct as you approach Hakodate from the southwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
RIGHTIncheon typically departs runway 16L/16R (southwesterly heading). Right-side seats face northwest toward the Yellow Sea and Korean peninsula interior, offering views of Incheon's coastal geography and the Han River estuary as you climb. Left seats look back toward the city and southern suburbs.
Landing at HKD
LEFTHakodate approaches from the southwest, typically using runway 16 or 34 depending on wind. A southwest approach (runway 34) means left-side descent offers views of Tsugaru Strait, the Oshima Peninsula, and the approach over Hakodate Bay. Right seats would face inland toward Hokkaido's interior mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Hakodate (HKD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Hakodate. Takeoff from Incheon on the right side provides superior coastal and estuary views. While landing favors the left, the longer takeoff sequence and more dramatic geography of the Yellow Sea and Han River estuary make right-side seats the better overall choice for this short 90-minute flight.
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. Incheon typically departs runway 16L/16R (southwesterly heading). Right-side seats face northwest toward the Yellow Sea and Korean peninsula interior, offering views of Incheon's coastal geography and the Han River estuary as you climb. Left seats look back toward the city and southern suburbs. Notable sights include: Yellow Sea (immediate west), Han River estuary (north), Incheon city grid (south and southeast), Gyeonggi Province lowlands (east).
What can I see when landing at Hakodate in Hakodate?
When landing at Hakodate (HKD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Hakodate approaches from the southwest, typically using runway 16 or 34 depending on wind. A southwest approach (runway 34) means left-side descent offers views of Tsugaru Strait, the Oshima Peninsula, and the approach over Hakodate Bay. Right seats would face inland toward Hokkaido's interior mountains. Notable sights include: Tsugaru Strait (west, separating Hokkaido from Honshu), Oshima Peninsula (southwest), Hakodate Bay (south), Hakodate city and harbor (final approach).
How long is the flight from Seoul to Hakodate?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Hakodate (HKD) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 819 miles (1,319 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Hakodate flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Korea Strait (Tsushima Strait) at its northern section, passing over open water between the Korean peninsula and Japanese islands. At cruise altitude (around 25,000-30,000 feet), the strait itself appears as a dark blue expanse with minimal visible detail. The northern tip of Honshu (Aomori Prefecture) becomes visible on the right side during the descent phase, with the Oshima volcano and surrounding terrain becoming increasingly distinct as you approach Hakodate from the southwest.