The left side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the sweeping view of Seoul, the Han River, and the Korean mountain terrain on departure. The landing views on the right are pleasant English countryside but relatively unremarkable. Left side also tracks better over Siberian terrain and the Ural Mountains during the cruise portion.
Flown ICN to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to London is 5,515 miles (8,876 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northwest over the Yellow Sea, across northeastern China near Shenyang, then over Siberia crossing the Yenisei and Ob river systems — vast flat taiga and river deltas visible in summer. The Ural Mountains appear as a low, broad ridge marking the Europe-Asia boundary. Over Scandinavia or the North Sea depending on exact routing, then descending across the Netherlands or Belgium before crossing the English Channel into southeast England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
LEFTICN departures heading northwest toward Europe typically use runways oriented northeast-southwest. A left-side seat gives you views back over Seoul's Han River and the city sprawl as you climb out over the Yellow Sea. The right side faces open water almost immediately.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTGatwick's single runway runs roughly northeast-southwest. Arrivals from the east typically approach from the northeast, meaning a right-side seat looks south over the Surrey and Sussex countryside, the South Downs, and on clear days the English Channel coast. Left side faces north toward Greater London's urban sprawl which is less scenic.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to London. The left side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the sweeping view of Seoul, the Han River, and the Korean mountain terrain on departure. The landing views on the right are pleasant English countryside but relatively unremarkable. Left side also tracks better over Siberian terrain and the Ural Mountains during the cruise portion.
What can I see during takeoff from Incheon International in Seoul?
During takeoff from Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Left side for the best views. ICN departures heading northwest toward Europe typically use runways oriented northeast-southwest. A left-side seat gives you views back over Seoul's Han River and the city sprawl as you climb out over the Yellow Sea. The right side faces open water almost immediately. Notable sights include: Han River winding through central Seoul, Bukhansan mountain massif north of the city, Incheon's reclaimed island airport infrastructure below, Yellow Sea coastal mudflats.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's single runway runs roughly northeast-southwest. Arrivals from the east typically approach from the northeast, meaning a right-side seat looks south over the Surrey and Sussex countryside, the South Downs, and on clear days the English Channel coast. Left side faces north toward Greater London's urban sprawl which is less scenic. Notable sights include: South Downs ridge visible to the south, Ashdown Forest heathland below, M23 motorway corridor, Crawley town grid directly below on final approach.
How long is the flight from Seoul to London?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,515 miles (8,876 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Yellow Sea, across northeastern China near Shenyang, then over Siberia crossing the Yenisei and Ob river systems — vast flat taiga and river deltas visible in summer. The Ural Mountains appear as a low, broad ridge marking the Europe-Asia boundary. Over Scandinavia or the North Sea depending on exact routing, then descending across the Netherlands or Belgium before crossing the English Channel into southeast England.