The right side offers glimpses of Shanghai's skyline and river mouth at departure and Incheon's port and coastline at arrival, while the long overwater cruise phase is scenically neutral on both sides. The left side sees mostly featureless open sea throughout.
Flown SHA to ICN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Seoul is 522 miles (840 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Open Yellow Sea with no significant landmarks; occasional cargo ships visible below during the mid-flight cruise over water between the Chinese and Korean coastlines
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SHA
RIGHTDeparting SHA, the aircraft climbs out over the Yangtze Delta and banks eastward toward Korea, giving right-side passengers a brief view of Shanghai's dense urban sprawl and the wide, muddy mouth of the Yangtze/Huangpu river system before the coastline gives way to open water. Left-side passengers mostly see flat inland farmland and canals receding quickly.
Landing at ICN
RIGHTOn approach to ICN's 33/34 runways from the southeast, the aircraft descends over Korea's indented west coast, with right-side passengers getting views of Incheon's port city and the Han River estuary before crossing onto Yeongjong Island where the airport sits. Left-side passengers mostly see open Yellow Sea and a few low, uninhabited islands.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Incheon International (ICN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Seoul. The right side offers glimpses of Shanghai's skyline and river mouth at departure and Incheon's port and coastline at arrival, while the long overwater cruise phase is scenically neutral on both sides. The left side sees mostly featureless open sea throughout.
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, the aircraft climbs out over the Yangtze Delta and banks eastward toward Korea, giving right-side passengers a brief view of Shanghai's dense urban sprawl and the wide, muddy mouth of the Yangtze/Huangpu river system before the coastline gives way to open water. Left-side passengers mostly see flat inland farmland and canals receding quickly. Notable sights include: Shanghai urban sprawl, Huangpu River, Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay coastline.
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 to ICN's 33/34 runways from the southeast, the aircraft descends over Korea's indented west coast, with right-side passengers getting views of Incheon's port city and the Han River estuary before crossing onto Yeongjong Island where the airport sits. Left-side passengers mostly see open Yellow Sea and a few low, uninhabited islands. Notable sights include: Incheon port and city skyline, Han River estuary, Yeongjong Island, Yellow Sea tidal flats.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Seoul?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Incheon International (ICN) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 522 miles (840 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Seoul flight path pass over?
Open Yellow Sea with no significant landmarks; occasional cargo ships visible below during the mid-flight cruise over water between the Chinese and Korean coastlines