While the left side offers a fleeting mountain view at takeoff, the right side delivers more consistent scenery across the flight: Tianjin's coastline and the Bohai/Yellow Sea crossing during cruise, followed by Incheon's scenic island approach and a possible Seoul skyline glimpse on landing.
Flown PEK to ICN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Seoul is 560 miles (902 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Bohai Strait between the Liaodong and Shandong peninsulas, followed by open Yellow Sea waters before reaching the Korean coast near Incheon
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
LEFTDepartures from PEK that climb northward before turning toward Korea give left-side passengers a brief look at the Yanshan foothills and the ridgelines where the Great Wall runs northwest of Beijing, a rare bit of relief in an otherwise flat plain. The right side mostly shows the featureless urban sprawl and farmland south of the airport.
Landing at ICN
RIGHTOn approach into Incheon, the right side faces south toward the Yellow Sea's island-dotted coastline near Yeongjong and Ganghwa islands, with their characteristic tidal mudflats, and often a distant glimpse of the Seoul skyline to the southeast. The left side mostly shows open water with little variation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Incheon International (ICN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Seoul. While the left side offers a fleeting mountain view at takeoff, the right side delivers more consistent scenery across the flight: Tianjin's coastline and the Bohai/Yellow Sea crossing during cruise, followed by Incheon's scenic island approach and a possible Seoul skyline glimpse on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from PEK that climb northward before turning toward Korea give left-side passengers a brief look at the Yanshan foothills and the ridgelines where the Great Wall runs northwest of Beijing, a rare bit of relief in an otherwise flat plain. The right side mostly shows the featureless urban sprawl and farmland south of the airport. Notable sights include: Yanshan Mountain foothills, Great Wall ridgeline near Badaling, Beijing's northern suburbs.
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 right side faces south toward the Yellow Sea's island-dotted coastline near Yeongjong and Ganghwa islands, with their characteristic tidal mudflats, and often a distant glimpse of the Seoul skyline to the southeast. The left side mostly shows open water with little variation. Notable sights include: Yeongjong Island (airport island), Ganghwa Island, Yellow Sea tidal flats, distant Seoul skyline.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Seoul?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Incheon International (ICN) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 560 miles (902 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Seoul flight path pass over?
Bohai Strait between the Liaodong and Shandong peninsulas, followed by open Yellow Sea waters before reaching the Korean coast near Incheon