The great-circle route from Istanbul to Seoul bows northward across Central Asia, meaning the more dramatic southern terrain — Caucasus foothills, the Caspian Sea, Tian Shan/Altai ranges, and the Gobi's mountain rims — stays visible from the right side for most of the cruise, while the left side mostly overlooks flat Russian and Kazakh steppe.
Flown IST to SSN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Seoul East is 4,953 miles (7,972 km), a flight of about 10 hours 40 minutes.
Caspian Sea, Kazakh steppe, Tian Shan and Altai mountain ranges, Gobi Desert, Mongolian plateau
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST to the east, the initial turn puts the Bosphorus, historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara on the right side of the aircraft before the route bends northeast over the Black Sea coastline. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside inland.
Landing at SSN
RIGHTOn approach to the Seoul area, the descent path typically crosses the mountainous terrain south and east of the city, giving right-side passengers views of the granite peaks of Bukhansan National Park and the Han River winding through the Seoul metropolitan sprawl before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Seoul Ab (SSN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Seoul East. The great-circle route from Istanbul to Seoul bows northward across Central Asia, meaning the more dramatic southern terrain — Caucasus foothills, the Caspian Sea, Tian Shan/Altai ranges, and the Gobi's mountain rims — stays visible from the right side for most of the cruise, while the left side mostly overlooks flat Russian and Kazakh steppe.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IST to the east, the initial turn puts the Bosphorus, historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara on the right side of the aircraft before the route bends northeast over the Black Sea coastline. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside inland. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Historic Istanbul (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area), Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coast.
What can I see when landing at Seoul Ab in Seoul East?
When landing at Seoul Ab (SSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to the Seoul area, the descent path typically crosses the mountainous terrain south and east of the city, giving right-side passengers views of the granite peaks of Bukhansan National Park and the Han River winding through the Seoul metropolitan sprawl before touchdown. Notable sights include: Bukhansan granite peaks, Han River, Seoul skyline (Lotte Tower area), surrounding Gyeonggi hills.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Seoul East?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Seoul Ab (SSN) takes about 10 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,953 miles (7,972 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Seoul East flight path pass over?
Caspian Sea, Kazakh steppe, Tian Shan and Altai mountain ranges, Gobi Desert, Mongolian plateau