Right-side seats offer the most consistent scenic value: excellent Seoul departure views, then the flight path westward across China and Central Asia provides occasional views of major mountain ranges (Tian Shan visible on clear days), and finally the approach to Istanbul from the east. Left seats have a strong landing sequence but less compelling mid-flight scenery.
Flown ICN to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Pendik, Istanbul is 4,913 miles (7,907 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula, then proceeds westward over China (Shandong Peninsula visible early), the North China Plain, and into Central Asia. Notable features include the Yangtze River valley (if visible through haze), the Gobi Desert regions, and the Tian Shan mountain range on the Kazakhstan-China border. As the aircraft approaches Turkey, the Caucasus Mountains may be visible to the north, and the Caspian Sea region passes to the south. The final leg crosses Anatolia's plateau terrain before descending toward the Marmara Sea and Istanbul.
Great circle distance and headings ›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 westward from Incheon. You'll see the city's dense development and major waterways that define the Seoul metropolitan area.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul's geography as the aircraft descends from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats offer the most consistent scenic value: excellent Seoul departure views, then the flight path westward across China and Central Asia provides occasional views of major mountain ranges (Tian Shan visible on clear days), and finally the approach to Istanbul from the east. Left seats have a strong landing sequence but less compelling mid-flight scenery.
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 westward from Incheon. You'll see the city's dense development and major waterways that define the Seoul metropolitan area. Notable sights include: Han River (snaking through Seoul), Seoul city grid and high-rise clusters, Bukhan Mountains (north of the city), Yellow Sea coastline to the west.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul's geography as the aircraft descends from the east. Notable sights include: Marmara Sea (large inland sea), Bosphorus Strait (narrow water passage), Pendik district and airport surroundings, Anatolian Plateau terrain (rolling hills and farmland).
How long is the flight from Seoul to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,913 miles (7,907 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula, then proceeds westward over China (Shandong Peninsula visible early), the North China Plain, and into Central Asia. Notable features include the Yangtze River valley (if visible through haze), the Gobi Desert regions, and the Tian Shan mountain range on the Kazakhstan-China border. As the aircraft approaches Turkey, the Caucasus Mountains may be visible to the north, and the Caspian Sea region passes to the south. The final leg crosses Anatolia's plateau terrain before descending toward the Marmara Sea and Istanbul.