The left side offers a more consistent run of landmarks across the flight — Manila Bay and its peninsulas at takeoff, Taiwan's western coastline and the Luzon Strait during cruise, and Yellow Sea islands near Incheon — while the right side is dominated by long stretches of open Philippine Sea and Pacific-facing Taiwan coast with fewer distinguishing features.
Flown MNL to ICN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manila to Seoul is 1,621 miles (2,609 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Luzon Strait between the northern Philippines and Taiwan, Taiwan's western coastal plain and the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and Jeju Island as the route approaches the Korean Peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
LEFTDeparting NAIA and climbing out over Manila Bay gives a strong view of the bay itself, Corregidor Island, and the Bataan Peninsula, plus a skyline glimpse of Metro Manila's high-rises along the shore. The east side over Laguna and the Sierra Madre foothills is comparatively flatter and less distinct from this angle.
Landing at ICN
RIGHTOn approach into Incheon, the final turn over Incheon Bay puts Songdo's distinctive skyline and the Han River estuary on the right side, with Seoul's skyline visible in the distance inland. The left side mostly shows open Yellow Sea water with only minor islands, less visually interesting.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Incheon International (ICN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Seoul. The left side offers a more consistent run of landmarks across the flight — Manila Bay and its peninsulas at takeoff, Taiwan's western coastline and the Luzon Strait during cruise, and Yellow Sea islands near Incheon — while the right side is dominated by long stretches of open Philippine Sea and Pacific-facing Taiwan coast with fewer distinguishing features.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing NAIA and climbing out over Manila Bay gives a strong view of the bay itself, Corregidor Island, and the Bataan Peninsula, plus a skyline glimpse of Metro Manila's high-rises along the shore. The east side over Laguna and the Sierra Madre foothills is comparatively flatter and less distinct from this angle. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula, Metro Manila skyline (Makati/BGC towers).
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 into Incheon, the final turn over Incheon Bay puts Songdo's distinctive skyline and the Han River estuary on the right side, with Seoul's skyline visible in the distance inland. The left side mostly shows open Yellow Sea water with only minor islands, less visually interesting. Notable sights include: Songdo International Business District skyline, Han River estuary, Incheon Bay islands, distant Seoul skyline.
How long is the flight from Manila to Seoul?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Incheon International (ICN) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,621 miles (2,609 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Seoul flight path pass over?
Luzon Strait between the northern Philippines and Taiwan, Taiwan's western coastal plain and the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and Jeju Island as the route approaches the Korean Peninsula.