The left side wins narrowly thanks to a more interesting departure past Korea's indented western coastline and a scenic final approach over Taipei's river bends and volcanic hills, whereas the right side faces mostly open Yellow Sea and East China Sea water for most of the flight.
Flown ICN to TSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to Taipei is 904 miles (1,455 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Cruise passes over open East China Sea with no major landmarks visible below until Taiwan's northern coastline comes into view near descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
LEFTDeparting ICN to the southeast before turning south, left-side (east-facing) passengers get a last look at the hilly Incheon-Gyeonggi coastline and outlying islands of the Yellow Sea, while the right side mostly shows flat reclaimed land and open water.
Landing at TSA
LEFTOn approach into Songshan, the aircraft descends over the Taipei basin, and the left side offers views of the volcanic Yangmingshan range and the forested hills ringing the city, while the right side mainly faces the flatter river delta toward the coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Taipei. The left side wins narrowly thanks to a more interesting departure past Korea's indented western coastline and a scenic final approach over Taipei's river bends and volcanic hills, whereas the right side faces mostly open Yellow Sea and East China Sea water for most of the flight.
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 southeast before turning south, left-side (east-facing) passengers get a last look at the hilly Incheon-Gyeonggi coastline and outlying islands of the Yellow Sea, while the right side mostly shows flat reclaimed land and open water. Notable sights include: Incheon coastline and tidal flats, Yellow Sea islands, Gimpo area urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Songshan, the aircraft descends over the Taipei basin, and the left side offers views of the volcanic Yangmingshan range and the forested hills ringing the city, while the right side mainly faces the flatter river delta toward the coast. Notable sights include: Yangmingshan volcanic peaks, Keelung River's looping bends, Taipei's dense urban grid, Neihu hillside district.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Taipei?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 904 miles (1,455 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Taipei flight path pass over?
Cruise passes over open East China Sea with no major landmarks visible below until Taiwan's northern coastline comes into view near descent.