The left side offers the only real scenic payoff on this short overwater hop: coastal island views leaving Incheon and a skyline glimpse of Beijing on arrival, while the right side spends most of the flight facing open Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea with little variation.
Flown ICN to PEK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Beijing is 560 miles (902 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Yellow Sea open water, Bohai Sea coastal approach, flat North China Plain near Tianjin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
LEFTDeparting ICN toward the northwest before curving west, left-side passengers get a good look back at Incheon's harbor, Yeongjong Island's coastline, and the scattered islands of the Yellow Sea. The right side mostly faces open water from the start.
Landing at PEK
LEFTOn the approach into PEK's north-flow runways, the flight path swings south of the city before turning north to land, giving left-side passengers a clear view of Beijing's skyline and the flat, checkerboard farmland of the North China Plain. The right side faces mostly featureless plain during this turn.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Beijing. The left side offers the only real scenic payoff on this short overwater hop: coastal island views leaving Incheon and a skyline glimpse of Beijing on arrival, while the right side spends most of the flight facing open Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea with little variation.
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. Departing ICN toward the northwest before curving west, left-side passengers get a good look back at Incheon's harbor, Yeongjong Island's coastline, and the scattered islands of the Yellow Sea. The right side mostly faces open water from the start. Notable sights include: Yeongjong Island, Incheon Bridge, Ganghwa Island, Yellow Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into PEK's north-flow runways, the flight path swings south of the city before turning north to land, giving left-side passengers a clear view of Beijing's skyline and the flat, checkerboard farmland of the North China Plain. The right side faces mostly featureless plain during this turn. Notable sights include: Beijing city skyline, Tiananmen/Forbidden City district, North China Plain farmland, Bohai Sea coastline in the distance.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Beijing?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Capital (PEK) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 560 miles (902 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Beijing flight path pass over?
Yellow Sea open water, Bohai Sea coastal approach, flat North China Plain near Tianjin