Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Istanbul. While the left seat wins at takeoff for the Seoul and Han River views, the right seat delivers the more dramatic payoff on arrival with the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's historic skyline. The right seat also captures Central Asian steppe and the Caspian Sea coastline during cruise on this northwest-tracking route.

During takeoff from Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Incheon typically departs westward over the Yellow Sea on runways 15L/33R or 16/34. A left seat on westbound departure gives you the view back toward Seoul and the Han River valley as the aircraft banks north. You'll see the dense urban grid of Seoul spreading east with the Han River cutting through it, and Bukhansan's rocky ridgeline visible to the north of the city. Notable sights include: Han River and its bridges through central Seoul, Bukhansan granite ridgeline north of Seoul, Gyeonggi Bay and the tidal flats of the Yellow Sea, Incheon city port and container terminals.

When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (now used for cargo/general aviation, but historically the main hub) sits on the European side of Istanbul. Aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast over the Bosphorus corridor. A right seat on approach from the northeast gives a direct view down the Bosphorus Strait, with the historic peninsula of Sultanahmet visible and the Sea of Marmara opening to the southwest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait with its two suspension bridges, Sea of Marmara, historic Sultanahmet peninsula with Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque silhouettes, Golden Horn inlet.

The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.

The route tracks northwest over northeastern China and Mongolia's southern steppe, then across Kazakhstan's flat semi-arid plains and the northern Caspian Sea coast. Over Russia's southern regions the Ural foothills may be visible. The route then crosses the Black Sea's northern shore before descending into Istanbul. The Aral Sea basin and Kazakh steppe are the most visually distinctive midpoint features at cruise altitude.