While takeoff favors the right for Busan's harbor views, the landing approach into Beijing offers more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left side—the Western Hills and Great Wall sections provide stronger visual interest than the relatively flat approach corridor on the right.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Yellow Sea heading northwest. At cruise altitude (33,000-35,000 ft), the midpoint offers views of the Shandong Peninsula's eastern coast and the Bohai Sea. The Shandong Peninsula appears as a low landmass with visible coastal cities (Qingdao, Weihai) as white clusters. The Bohai Sea separates the peninsula from mainland China. Beyond the Bohai, the North China Plain begins—a vast, flat expanse with minimal relief. No major mountains are visible at cruise altitude until the final descent approach to Beijing, where the Taihang Mountains and Yanshan Mountains form the western boundary of the Beijing basin.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gimhae International (PUS) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kimhae to Beijing. While takeoff favors the right for Busan's harbor views, the landing approach into Beijing offers more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left side—the Western Hills and Great Wall sections provide stronger visual interest than the relatively flat approach corridor on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Gimhae International in Kimhae?
During takeoff from Gimhae International (PUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gimhae typically departs runways 18L/18R (southbound) or 36L/36R (northbound). Right-side seats on northbound departures offer immediate views of Busan's harbor and the Korea Strait. On southbound departures, right seats show the Nakdong River delta and Busan's eastern waterfront before climbing over the strait. Notable sights include: Busan Harbor and container terminals, Nakdong River delta, Korea Strait, Geoje Island shipyards.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Beijing typically uses runways 01L/01R (northbound) or 19L/19R (southbound). Left-side seats on northbound approaches descend over the North China Plain with views of the Ming Tombs and Western Hills. On southbound approaches, left seats show the Yanqing District mountains and the Great Wall sections northwest of the airport. Notable sights include: Western Hills (Xishan), Ming Tombs area, North China Plain agricultural grid, Great Wall sections near Yanqing.
How long is the flight from Kimhae to Beijing?
The flight from Gimhae International (PUS) to Capital (PEK) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Kimhae to Beijing flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Yellow Sea heading northwest. At cruise altitude (33,000-35,000 ft), the midpoint offers views of the Shandong Peninsula's eastern coast and the Bohai Sea. The Shandong Peninsula appears as a low landmass with visible coastal cities (Qingdao, Weihai) as white clusters. The Bohai Sea separates the peninsula from mainland China. Beyond the Bohai, the North China Plain begins—a vast, flat expanse with minimal relief. No major mountains are visible at cruise altitude until the final descent approach to Beijing, where the Taihang Mountains and Yanshan Mountains form the western boundary of the Beijing basin.