With most of the route spent over the featureless Yellow Sea, the flight's scenic value comes down to the two ends — and the Han River/Seoul approach on the left offers denser, more dramatic landmarks than the Shanghai delta departure on the right.
Flown SHA to GMP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Seoul is 538 miles (866 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Open water of the Yellow Sea with no landmasses visible for most of the cruise phase
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SHA
RIGHTDeparting SHA on a northerly or southerly runway, the aircraft banks out over the Yangtze River Delta and Hangzhou Bay before heading toward Korea. Passengers on the right get a good look at the maze of waterways around Shanghai and the scattered islands of the Zhoushan Archipelago before the coast disappears behind.
Landing at GMP
LEFTOn approach into Gimpo, flights typically track up the Han River estuary and turn over western Seoul before lining up on the runway. The left side offers views of the Han River winding through the city, the dense high-rise districts of Seoul, and the forested ridges of Bukhansan National Park to the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Gimpo (GMP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Seoul. With most of the route spent over the featureless Yellow Sea, the flight's scenic value comes down to the two ends — and the Han River/Seoul approach on the left offers denser, more dramatic landmarks than the Shanghai delta departure on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SHA on a northerly or southerly runway, the aircraft banks out over the Yangtze River Delta and Hangzhou Bay before heading toward Korea. Passengers on the right get a good look at the maze of waterways around Shanghai and the scattered islands of the Zhoushan Archipelago before the coast disappears behind. Notable sights include: Huangpu River mouth, Yangtze River Delta wetlands, Hangzhou Bay, Zhoushan Archipelago islands.
What can I see when landing at Gimpo in Seoul?
When landing at Gimpo (GMP), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Gimpo, flights typically track up the Han River estuary and turn over western Seoul before lining up on the runway. The left side offers views of the Han River winding through the city, the dense high-rise districts of Seoul, and the forested ridges of Bukhansan National Park to the north. Notable sights include: Han River, Seoul skyline (Yeouido/Mapo districts), Bukhansan granite peaks, Ganghwa Island coastline.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Seoul?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Gimpo (GMP) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 538 miles (866 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Seoul flight path pass over?
Open water of the Yellow Sea with no landmasses visible for most of the cruise phase