Seoul to Xi'an is 1,010 miles (1,625 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The left side wins on both ends: a scenic coastal departure over the Yellow Sea tidal flats and islands, followed by a dramatic view of the Qinling Mountains during descent into Xi'an. The right side offers mostly flat agricultural plains for the majority of the flight.
Flight Path
Yellow Sea crossing, Shandong Peninsula coastline, North China Plain, Taihang Mountains foothills to the west of the direct path
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
LEFTDeparting ICN westbound-turning-south, the left side offers views over the Incheon coastline, tidal flats, and the Yellow Sea islands as the aircraft banks toward China. This is more visually interesting than the flat inland side, which shows only Gyeonggi-do plains.
Landing at XIY
LEFTOn approach into Xi'an from the east, the left side gives passengers a view of the Qinling Mountains rising to the south, a dramatic contrast to the flat Guanzhong Plain the aircraft crosses. The right side mostly shows featureless farmland right up to landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Xianyang (XIY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Xi'an. The left side wins on both ends: a scenic coastal departure over the Yellow Sea tidal flats and islands, followed by a dramatic view of the Qinling Mountains during descent into Xi'an. The right side offers mostly flat agricultural plains for the majority 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 westbound-turning-south, the left side offers views over the Incheon coastline, tidal flats, and the Yellow Sea islands as the aircraft banks toward China. This is more visually interesting than the flat inland side, which shows only Gyeonggi-do plains. Notable sights include: Incheon tidal mudflats, Yellow Sea islands (Yeongjongdo, Ganghwado), Incheon coastline.
What can I see when landing at Xianyang in Xi'an?
When landing at Xianyang (XIY), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Xi'an from the east, the left side gives passengers a view of the Qinling Mountains rising to the south, a dramatic contrast to the flat Guanzhong Plain the aircraft crosses. The right side mostly shows featureless farmland right up to landing. Notable sights include: Qinling Mountains, Wei River (Weihe), Guanzhong Plain farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Xi'an?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to Xianyang (XIY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,010 miles (1,625 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to Xi'an flight path pass over?
Yellow Sea crossing, Shandong Peninsula coastline, North China Plain, Taihang Mountains foothills to the west of the direct path