While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach dominates this short 45-minute flight. Left-side seats provide superior views of the Nakdong River delta and Busan's geography during descent, which is the more visually rewarding segment of this route.
Flown ICN to PUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Kimhae is 210 miles (338 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Nakdong River estuary and the Busan metropolitan area. At cruise altitude (around 15,000-20,000 feet), both sides offer views of the Yeongnam region's low mountain ridges and the transition from Seoul's industrial zone to the Busan coastal plain. The Geumjeong Mountain range becomes increasingly prominent on the right as the aircraft descends toward Gimhae.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the immediate climb-out over the Yellow Sea and the Incheon waterfront development. The aircraft typically departs runway 16L or 16R heading south-southwest, and right windows frame the receding coastline and industrial port areas.
Landing at PUS
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best descent view into Gimhae. Approach typically uses runway 18L or 18R from the north, and left windows frame the Nakdong River delta, Busan's urban sprawl, and the surrounding low mountain terrain that defines the landing corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Gimhae International (PUS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Kimhae. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach dominates this short 45-minute flight. Left-side seats provide superior views of the Nakdong River delta and Busan's geography during descent, which is the more visually rewarding segment of this route.
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 capture the immediate climb-out over the Yellow Sea and the Incheon waterfront development. The aircraft typically departs runway 16L or 16R heading south-southwest, and right windows frame the receding coastline and industrial port areas. Notable sights include: Incheon Bridge (visible as a long linear structure crossing the bay), Songdo International Business District (geometric grid of high-rises), Yellow Sea (open water to the west), Ganghwa Island (low landmass to the northwest).
What can I see when landing at Gimhae International in Kimhae?
When landing at Gimhae International (PUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best descent view into Gimhae. Approach typically uses runway 18L or 18R from the north, and left windows frame the Nakdong River delta, Busan's urban sprawl, and the surrounding low mountain terrain that defines the landing corridor. Notable sights include: Nakdong River delta (braided waterway with distinctive sediment patterns), Busan city center (dense urban grid visible to the southeast), Geumjeong Mountain (rounded peak to the east), Gimhae airfield (visible as parallel runways and taxiways).
How long is the flight from Seoul to Kimhae?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Gimhae International (PUS) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 210 miles (338 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Kimhae flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Nakdong River estuary and the Busan metropolitan area. At cruise altitude (around 15,000-20,000 feet), both sides offer views of the Yeongnam region's low mountain ridges and the transition from Seoul's industrial zone to the Busan coastal plain. The Geumjeong Mountain range becomes increasingly prominent on the right as the aircraft descends toward Gimhae.