While the takeoff from Beijing offers a brief mountain glimpse, the Gimpo approach delivers a sustained, recognizable urban panorama of the Han River and Seoul skyline, giving the right side more visual payoff over the full flight.
Flown PEK to GMP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Seoul is 575 miles (926 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea open-water crossing, with the Korean west coast and scattered islands near Ganghwa Island coming into view as the aircraft nears landfall.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
LEFTPEK departures typically climb out to the north before turning east toward Korea, and during that turn the left side offers a brief look at the Yan Mountains foothills and Miyun Reservoir north of Beijing. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains around Tianjin as the aircraft banks east.
Landing at GMP
RIGHTOn approach into Gimpo from the northwest, the final turn to the southeast-facing runway puts the Han River and Seoul's skyline on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a good look at the river winding past Yeouido and the distant Lotte World Tower before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Gimpo (GMP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Seoul. While the takeoff from Beijing offers a brief mountain glimpse, the Gimpo approach delivers a sustained, recognizable urban panorama of the Han River and Seoul skyline, giving the right side more visual payoff over the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. PEK departures typically climb out to the north before turning east toward Korea, and during that turn the left side offers a brief look at the Yan Mountains foothills and Miyun Reservoir north of Beijing. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains around Tianjin as the aircraft banks east. Notable sights include: Yan Mountains foothills, Miyun Reservoir, Great Wall ridgeline near Huairou, Beijing's northern suburban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Gimpo in Seoul?
When landing at Gimpo (GMP), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Gimpo from the northwest, the final turn to the southeast-facing runway puts the Han River and Seoul's skyline on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a good look at the river winding past Yeouido and the distant Lotte World Tower before touchdown. Notable sights include: Han River, Seoul skyline including Lotte World Tower, Yeouido island, Bukhansan granite peaks on the horizon.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Seoul?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Gimpo (GMP) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 575 miles (926 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Seoul flight path pass over?
Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea open-water crossing, with the Korean west coast and scattered islands near Ganghwa Island coming into view as the aircraft nears landfall.