About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Gimpo (GMP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Seoul. Right-side seats offer the most consistent scenic value: excellent UK departure views over the Downs and Channel, and during the long cruise over continental Europe and Asia, right-side positioning favors views of major mountain ranges (Alps, Carpathians, Caucasus, Urals, and eventually the Tian Shan) that typically lie north of the standard southeasterly flight corridor. Left side captures the better landing approach into Seoul.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the North Downs and the Thames Valley as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Gatwick. The terrain rises gradually to the south, providing good relief and contrast against the flat London basin to the north. Notable sights include: North Downs (chalk escarpment), Thames Valley, Weald of Sussex, English Channel (distant).
What can I see when landing at Gimpo in Seoul?
When landing at Gimpo (GMP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Han River, Seoul's urban sprawl, and the surrounding Korean peninsula terrain during descent into Gimpo. The river and city layout are striking visual references as the aircraft approaches from the west. Notable sights include: Han River (Hangang), Seoul metropolitan area, Bukhan Mountains (north of Seoul), Yellow Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Seoul?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Gimpo (GMP) takes Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes.
What does the London to Seoul flight path pass over?
The flight path typically crosses the English Channel, then proceeds southeast over France (Pyrenees visible to the south), continues over the Alps (northern Italy/Switzerland), crosses the Balkans and Black Sea region, passes over the Caucasus Mountains, traverses the Caspian Sea and Central Asian steppes, crosses the Tian Shan and Altai mountain ranges, and finally descends over Manchuria and the Korean peninsula. Right-side seats favor views of the Alps, Caucasus, and Tian Shan; left-side seats favor the Pyrenees and Black Sea. The Urals and vast Siberian plains are visible from both sides depending on exact routing.