While the Korean departure offers a short, modest coastal view, the Sydney Harbour approach is a genuinely iconic, high-density scenic sequence that outweighs it, making the right side the stronger overall choice despite the long featureless ocean cruise shared by both sides.
Flown ICN to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Sydney is 5,184 miles (8,343 km), a flight of about 10 hours 25 minutes.
Vast open Philippine Sea and Coral Sea crossing, with occasional distant glimpses of the Philippine archipelago and Papua New Guinea's coastline depending on routing
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
LEFTDeparting ICN to the south, the left side faces east toward the Korean mainland, giving passengers a brief view of Incheon's coastal islands and the hilly terrain southeast of Seoul before the aircraft turns out over open water. The right side only shows the flat, hazy Yellow Sea.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTOn a typical South Plan arrival into Sydney, the aircraft descends from the north and lands heading south, putting the harbor and city skyline on the right side. Passengers get a classic view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and CBD skyline just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Sydney. While the Korean departure offers a short, modest coastal view, the Sydney Harbour approach is a genuinely iconic, high-density scenic sequence that outweighs it, making the right side the stronger overall choice despite the long featureless ocean cruise shared by both sides.
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 to the south, the left side faces east toward the Korean mainland, giving passengers a brief view of Incheon's coastal islands and the hilly terrain southeast of Seoul before the aircraft turns out over open water. The right side only shows the flat, hazy Yellow Sea. Notable sights include: Incheon's tidal flats and islands, Korean coastal hills southeast of Seoul, Ganghwa Island silhouette.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On a typical South Plan arrival into Sydney, the aircraft descends from the north and lands heading south, putting the harbor and city skyline on the right side. Passengers get a classic view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and CBD skyline just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, CBD skyline, Botany Bay.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Sydney?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 10 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,184 miles (8,343 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Sydney flight path pass over?
Vast open Philippine Sea and Coral Sea crossing, with occasional distant glimpses of the Philippine archipelago and Papua New Guinea's coastline depending on routing