The right side bookends the flight with two strong urban-coastal views — Seoul's river delta on departure and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline on arrival — while the left side mostly overlooks featureless steppe and desert during the long Central Asian cruise.
Flown ICN to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Istanbul is 4,924 miles (7,924 km), a flight of about 11 hours 20 minutes.
Gobi Desert margins, Tian Shan foothills near the Xinjiang-Kazakhstan border, the Caspian Sea crossing, and the Caucasus Mountains before descent toward the Black Sea
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
RIGHTDeparting ICN on a northwesterly track toward China, the right side faces back toward the Korean mainland, giving a clear view of the Incheon-Seoul urban corridor, the Han River estuary, and the island-studded Yellow Sea coastline before the aircraft settles onto its westbound track.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach to IST's north-facing runways, the aircraft typically lines up from the south, and the right side offers views across the Bosphorus mouth, the historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara before the final turn onto the Black Sea-side airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Istanbul. The right side bookends the flight with two strong urban-coastal views — Seoul's river delta on departure and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline on arrival — while the left side mostly overlooks featureless steppe and desert during the long Central Asian cruise.
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. Departing ICN on a northwesterly track toward China, the right side faces back toward the Korean mainland, giving a clear view of the Incheon-Seoul urban corridor, the Han River estuary, and the island-studded Yellow Sea coastline before the aircraft settles onto its westbound track. Notable sights include: Incheon Bay islands, Han River estuary, Seoul metropolitan skyline, Yellow Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to IST's north-facing runways, the aircraft typically lines up from the south, and the right side offers views across the Bosphorus mouth, the historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara before the final turn onto the Black Sea-side airport. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait mouth, Istanbul historic peninsula, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Istanbul?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 11 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,924 miles (7,924 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Gobi Desert margins, Tian Shan foothills near the Xinjiang-Kazakhstan border, the Caspian Sea crossing, and the Caucasus Mountains before descent toward the Black Sea