Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Seoul's Han River and urban landscape during departure, then the Himalayas and Central Asian mountain ranges during the long cruise phase over China and Central Asia, followed by the Caucasus and Carpathians approaching Europe. Left side offers good Alpine views on descent but misses the mid-flight mountain ranges.
Flown ICN to MXP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Milano is 5,515 miles (8,876 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula, then traverses China (Gobi Desert visible in northern China), passes over the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges in Central Asia, crosses the Caspian Sea region, then enters Eastern Europe over the Caucasus Mountains. The Ural Mountains are visible in the northern portion of the flight path. Over Eastern Europe, the Carpathian Mountains appear before descent into the Po Valley and approach to Milan.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Seoul's urban sprawl and the Han River valley as the aircraft climbs northwest from Incheon. The city's dense development and river system are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at MXP
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Malpensa. The aircraft descends over the Alpine foothills and the Ticino River valley, with the Alps forming a dramatic backdrop to the north and the Lombardy plains spreading south toward Milan.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Malpensa (MXP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Milano. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Seoul's Han River and urban landscape during departure, then the Himalayas and Central Asian mountain ranges during the long cruise phase over China and Central Asia, followed by the Caucasus and Carpathians approaching Europe. Left side offers good Alpine views on descent but misses the mid-flight mountain ranges.
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 valley as the aircraft climbs northwest from Incheon. The city's dense development and river system are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Han River (Hangang) winding through Seoul, Seoul metropolitan area urban grid, Bukhan Mountains to the north, Yellow Sea coastline to the west.
What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?
When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Malpensa. The aircraft descends over the Alpine foothills and the Ticino River valley, with the Alps forming a dramatic backdrop to the north and the Lombardy plains spreading south toward Milan. Notable sights include: Alps (Monte Rosa and surrounding peaks), Ticino River valley, Lombardy plains, Lake Maggiore (if approach vector permits).
How long is the flight from Seoul to Milano?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Malpensa (MXP) 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 Milano flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula, then traverses China (Gobi Desert visible in northern China), passes over the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges in Central Asia, crosses the Caspian Sea region, then enters Eastern Europe over the Caucasus Mountains. The Ural Mountains are visible in the northern portion of the flight path. Over Eastern Europe, the Carpathian Mountains appear before descent into the Po Valley and approach to Milan.