While the Korean departure offers a fleeting glimpse of Seoul, the Shanghai arrival delivers a longer, richer sequence — river delta, estuary islands, and a major skyline — making the right side the stronger overall choice despite the ocean-heavy cruise.
Flown ICN to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Shanghai is 511 miles (822 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Open Yellow Sea crossing with no islands or coastline visible for most of the cruise, until the Jiangsu coast and Yangtze River delta come into view approaching China
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
LEFTDeparting ICN on the southbound runways, the aircraft banks away from Yeongjong Island toward its southwest heading, giving left-side passengers a brief but recognizable view back toward Incheon's harbor and, on clear days, the distant Seoul skyline and Han River basin before the route turns out over open water. The right side mostly shows the flat tidal mudflats and scattered islands of Korea's west coast.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTArriving at PVG from the northeast, the aircraft descends southward along Shanghai's coast before lining up on the north-south runways, putting the city on the right side of the cabin. Passengers get a wide view of the Pudong skyline, the Huangpu River winding toward the Bund, and the vast delta where the Yangtze meets the East China Sea.
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 Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Shanghai. While the Korean departure offers a fleeting glimpse of Seoul, the Shanghai arrival delivers a longer, richer sequence — river delta, estuary islands, and a major skyline — making the right side the stronger overall choice despite the ocean-heavy cruise.
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 on the southbound runways, the aircraft banks away from Yeongjong Island toward its southwest heading, giving left-side passengers a brief but recognizable view back toward Incheon's harbor and, on clear days, the distant Seoul skyline and Han River basin before the route turns out over open water. The right side mostly shows the flat tidal mudflats and scattered islands of Korea's west coast. Notable sights include: Incheon harbor and Yeongjong Island coastline, distant Seoul skyline (Lotte World Tower area), Han River mouth, Yellow Sea tidal flats.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving at PVG from the northeast, the aircraft descends southward along Shanghai's coast before lining up on the north-south runways, putting the city on the right side of the cabin. Passengers get a wide view of the Pudong skyline, the Huangpu River winding toward the Bund, and the vast delta where the Yangtze meets the East China Sea. Notable sights include: Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Lujiazui towers), Huangpu River, Yangtze River estuary and Chongming Island, Hangzhou Bay shoreline.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Shanghai?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 511 miles (822 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Open Yellow Sea crossing with no islands or coastline visible for most of the cruise, until the Jiangsu coast and Yangtze River delta come into view approaching China