While takeoff from Incheon favors the right side, the landing approach into LaGuardia on the left side is more visually rewarding. The Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and East River create iconic, recognizable geography that compensates for a less dramatic departure. Most passengers prioritize landing views when choosing seats for long transpacific flights.
Flown ICN to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to New York is 6,880 miles (11,072 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Yellow Sea, passes over or near the Korean Peninsula's western coast, then traverses the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. Notable midpoint geography includes the Aleutian Islands (visible from altitude during the northern Pacific crossing), the Bering Sea region, and the approach to North America over Alaska and Canada. The great circle route passes near the Aleutian chain, where volcanic peaks and island formations are occasionally visible in clear conditions. Most of the transpacific crossing offers open ocean with minimal visible landmarks, though the transition from darkness to daylight (or vice versa) and cloud formations over the Pacific provide the primary visual interest during the 8-10 hour oceanic portion.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Seoul's urban sprawl and the Han River as the aircraft climbs out westward over Incheon. You'll see the city grid and water features clearly before heading over the Yellow Sea.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into LaGuardia, with views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River. The approach path typically brings aircraft over the Hudson from the northwest, making the left side ideal for seeing the city's iconic geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to New York. While takeoff from Incheon favors the right side, the landing approach into LaGuardia on the left side is more visually rewarding. The Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and East River create iconic, recognizable geography that compensates for a less dramatic departure. Most passengers prioritize landing views when choosing seats for long transpacific flights.
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 offer views of Seoul's urban sprawl and the Han River as the aircraft climbs out westward over Incheon. You'll see the city grid and water features clearly before heading over the Yellow Sea. Notable sights include: Han River (snaking through Seoul), Seoul metropolitan area (dense urban grid), Incheon port facilities, Yellow Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into LaGuardia, with views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River. The approach path typically brings aircraft over the Hudson from the northwest, making the left side ideal for seeing the city's iconic geography. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline and street grid, East River, Queens and the Bronx urban areas.
How long is the flight from Seoul to New York?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,880 miles (11,072 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Yellow Sea, passes over or near the Korean Peninsula's western coast, then traverses the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. Notable midpoint geography includes the Aleutian Islands (visible from altitude during the northern Pacific crossing), the Bering Sea region, and the approach to North America over Alaska and Canada. The great circle route passes near the Aleutian chain, where volcanic peaks and island formations are occasionally visible in clear conditions. Most of the transpacific crossing offers open ocean with minimal visible landmarks, though the transition from darkness to daylight (or vice versa) and cloud formations over the Pacific provide the primary visual interest during the 8-10 hour oceanic portion.