The right side wins both ends of the flight — Vancouver's mountains and skyline on departure, and Seoul's river and cityscape on arrival — while the left side sees only open water at both airports. The long cruise over the North Pacific is scenically neutral for either side.
Flown YVR to ICN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Seoul is 5,095 miles (8,200 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands chain, Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula, Sea of Japan (East Sea)
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
RIGHTDeparting YVR on runway 26, the aircraft climbs west over the Strait of Georgia before turning north onto its great-circle track toward Alaska. That turn puts the North Shore mountains, Vancouver's downtown skyline, and Howe Sound on the right side of the cabin, while the left only sees open water toward the Gulf Islands.
Landing at ICN
RIGHTArrivals into ICN typically approach from the southeast and land heading northwest on runway 33/34, tracking up the Yellow Sea coast past Incheon's islands. On this approach the Seoul metropolitan sprawl and the Han River estuary sit to the right of the aircraft, while the left side faces only open water and mudflats.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Incheon International (ICN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Seoul. The right side wins both ends of the flight — Vancouver's mountains and skyline on departure, and Seoul's river and cityscape on arrival — while the left side sees only open water at both airports. The long cruise over the North Pacific is scenically neutral for either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YVR on runway 26, the aircraft climbs west over the Strait of Georgia before turning north onto its great-circle track toward Alaska. That turn puts the North Shore mountains, Vancouver's downtown skyline, and Howe Sound on the right side of the cabin, while the left only sees open water toward the Gulf Islands. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress), Downtown Vancouver skyline, Howe Sound, Strait of Georgia.
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. Arrivals into ICN typically approach from the southeast and land heading northwest on runway 33/34, tracking up the Yellow Sea coast past Incheon's islands. On this approach the Seoul metropolitan sprawl and the Han River estuary sit to the right of the aircraft, while the left side faces only open water and mudflats. Notable sights include: Han River estuary, Seoul metropolitan skyline, Ganghwa Island, Yellow Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Seoul?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Incheon International (ICN) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,095 miles (8,200 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Seoul flight path pass over?
Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands chain, Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula, Sea of Japan (East Sea)