The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay on departure, and the Han River corridor into Seoul on arrival. During cruise the left side also faces generally west-northwest, keeping the South China Sea and later the Yellow Sea coastline of China in view during the middle portion of the route.
Flown MNL to SSN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manila to Seoul East is 1,628 miles (2,620 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
After departing Manila the route tracks north over Luzon, crossing the Babuyan Channel and the Luzon Strait. Over the South China Sea the flight passes east of Taiwan's northern tip. The route then crosses the East China Sea, with the Ryukyu Islands chain (Okinawa area) potentially visible on clear days to the right. Approaching Korea the flight crosses the Korea Strait and the southern Korean Peninsula before descending into Seoul.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
LEFTNAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left side, giving a sweeping view of the bay and the Manila city skyline receding behind. The left seat also captures Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, as the aircraft climbs and turns northward.
Landing at SSN
LEFTSeoul Air Base (SSN/K-16) sits on the eastern edge of Seoul, and aircraft typically approach from the south or southeast. The left side on approach gives a direct view over the Han River as it cuts through central Seoul, with the dense urban core of Gangnam and Jung-gu visible ahead and to the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Seoul Ab (SSN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Seoul East. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay on departure, and the Han River corridor into Seoul on arrival. During cruise the left side also faces generally west-northwest, keeping the South China Sea and later the Yellow Sea coastline of China in view during the middle portion of the route.
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. NAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left side, giving a sweeping view of the bay and the Manila city skyline receding behind. The left seat also captures Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, as the aircraft climbs and turns northward. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, Manila city skyline, Bataan Peninsula across the bay.
What can I see when landing at Seoul Ab in Seoul East?
When landing at Seoul Ab (SSN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Seoul Air Base (SSN/K-16) sits on the eastern edge of Seoul, and aircraft typically approach from the south or southeast. The left side on approach gives a direct view over the Han River as it cuts through central Seoul, with the dense urban core of Gangnam and Jung-gu visible ahead and to the left. Notable sights include: Han River through central Seoul, Gangnam district skyline, Bukhansan mountain ridgeline to the north, Olympic Park area near the base.
How long is the flight from Manila to Seoul East?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Seoul Ab (SSN) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,628 miles (2,620 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Seoul East flight path pass over?
After departing Manila the route tracks north over Luzon, crossing the Babuyan Channel and the Luzon Strait. Over the South China Sea the flight passes east of Taiwan's northern tip. The route then crosses the East China Sea, with the Ryukyu Islands chain (Okinawa area) potentially visible on clear days to the right. Approaching Korea the flight crosses the Korea Strait and the southern Korean Peninsula before descending into Seoul.