The right side wins narrowly thanks to the striking Wasatch Range departure view combined with brief glimpses of Alaska's coastal mountains along the great-circle route, while the left side's strength is concentrated mainly in the Seoul approach.
Flown SLC to GMP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to Seoul is 5,873 miles (9,452 km), a flight of about 13 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses western Canada, the Gulf of Alaska, the Alaska Peninsula near Anchorage, and the Bering Sea before curving southwest over the Sea of Japan toward the Korean Peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
RIGHTDeparting SLC on the north-south runways, the right (east) side gets a dramatic close-up of the Wasatch Range's snow-capped peaks rising straight from the valley floor as the aircraft climbs. The left side mostly shows the flatter Great Salt Lake basin and desert, which is less visually striking.
Landing at GMP
LEFTOn approach into Gimpo, the typical descent path curves in from the north over the Han River estuary and the Yellow Sea coastline before lining up on the runway. The left side offers views of the Han River winding through Seoul's dense skyline and the tidal flats near Incheon, while the right side mostly faces inland hills with less distinctive scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Gimpo (GMP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Seoul. The right side wins narrowly thanks to the striking Wasatch Range departure view combined with brief glimpses of Alaska's coastal mountains along the great-circle route, while the left side's strength is concentrated mainly in the Seoul approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
During takeoff from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SLC on the north-south runways, the right (east) side gets a dramatic close-up of the Wasatch Range's snow-capped peaks rising straight from the valley floor as the aircraft climbs. The left side mostly shows the flatter Great Salt Lake basin and desert, which is less visually striking. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Salt Lake Valley, Mount Olympus, Great Salt Lake (distant, left).
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, the typical descent path curves in from the north over the Han River estuary and the Yellow Sea coastline before lining up on the runway. The left side offers views of the Han River winding through Seoul's dense skyline and the tidal flats near Incheon, while the right side mostly faces inland hills with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Han River, Seoul skyline, Yellow Sea tidal flats, Incheon coastline.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Seoul?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Gimpo (GMP) takes about 13 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,873 miles (9,452 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to Seoul flight path pass over?
The route crosses western Canada, the Gulf of Alaska, the Alaska Peninsula near Anchorage, and the Bering Sea before curving southwest over the Sea of Japan toward the Korean Peninsula.