The left side wins mainly on the strength of the Istanbul/Bosphorus departure sequence, one of the most dramatic urban-coastal views available on any commercial flight, while the right side's advantage is limited to a shorter, less dramatic Incheon coastal approach.
Flown IST to ICN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Seoul is 4,924 miles (7,924 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The great-circle route crosses the eastern Black Sea and the Caucasus foothills, then the Caspian Sea's northern shore, the steppes of Kazakhstan, the Altai Mountains near the Mongolia-China border, and the Gobi Desert before descending toward the Korean peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST, the climb-out typically curves north and then east, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula of Istanbul, and the Black Sea coastline before the aircraft settles onto its northeast cruise track. This is one of the most recognizable urban/coastal views in commercial aviation.
Landing at ICN
RIGHTOn approach to ICN, arrivals typically swing in from the southeast over the Yellow Sea before turning northwest toward the 33/34 runways, putting Incheon's island-studded coastline and the distant Seoul skyline on the right side of the aircraft during the final turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Incheon International (ICN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Seoul. The left side wins mainly on the strength of the Istanbul/Bosphorus departure sequence, one of the most dramatic urban-coastal views available on any commercial flight, while the right side's advantage is limited to a shorter, less dramatic Incheon coastal approach.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST, the climb-out typically curves north and then east, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula of Istanbul, and the Black Sea coastline before the aircraft settles onto its northeast cruise track. This is one of the most recognizable urban/coastal views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapı area), Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coast.
What can I see when landing at Incheon International in Seoul?
When landing at Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to ICN, arrivals typically swing in from the southeast over the Yellow Sea before turning northwest toward the 33/34 runways, putting Incheon's island-studded coastline and the distant Seoul skyline on the right side of the aircraft during the final turn. Notable sights include: Yellow Sea coastal islands (Yeongjongdo), Incheon Bridge, distant Seoul skyline, tidal mudflats.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Seoul?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Incheon International (ICN) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,924 miles (7,924 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Seoul flight path pass over?
The great-circle route crosses the eastern Black Sea and the Caucasus foothills, then the Caspian Sea's northern shore, the steppes of Kazakhstan, the Altai Mountains near the Mongolia-China border, and the Gobi Desert before descending toward the Korean peninsula.