While the takeoff offers good scenery, the landing approach into Seoul provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Han River, mountainous terrain, and one of Asia's largest metropolitan areas. Left-side seats capture these features more effectively during the critical descent phase.
Flown MEB to GMP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Seoul is 5,328 miles (8,575 km), a flight of about 9 hours.
The flight path crosses the East China Sea and passes near or over southern Japan (Kyushu visible as a distant landmass depending on exact routing), the Korean Strait, and approaches the Korean Peninsula from the south. The Yellow Sea dominates the mid-flight window views for several hours. Depending on routing, the flight may pass near Jeju Island off South Korea's southern coast before turning north toward Seoul.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay during the northeastward climb-out from Essendon. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ranges provide strong visual interest in the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at GMP
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Seoul's Han River, the city's mountainous surroundings, and Gimpo Airport's approach corridor. The Han River's serpentine path through the urban landscape and the Bukhan Mountains to the north provide excellent visual landmarks during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Gimpo (GMP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Seoul. While the takeoff offers good scenery, the landing approach into Seoul provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Han River, mountainous terrain, and one of Asia's largest metropolitan areas. Left-side seats capture these features more effectively during the critical descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay during the northeastward climb-out from Essendon. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ranges provide strong visual interest in the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra River valley, Melbourne CBD skyline.
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 offer views of Seoul's Han River, the city's mountainous surroundings, and Gimpo Airport's approach corridor. The Han River's serpentine path through the urban landscape and the Bukhan Mountains to the north provide excellent visual landmarks during descent. Notable sights include: Han River, Seoul metropolitan area, Bukhan Mountains, Gimpo Airport approach corridor.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Seoul?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Gimpo (GMP) takes about 9 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,328 miles (8,575 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Seoul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the East China Sea and passes near or over southern Japan (Kyushu visible as a distant landmass depending on exact routing), the Korean Strait, and approaches the Korean Peninsula from the south. The Yellow Sea dominates the mid-flight window views for several hours. Depending on routing, the flight may pass near Jeju Island off South Korea's southern coast before turning north toward Seoul.