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HEL → ICN
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Incheon International Airport (Seoul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Svalbard archipelago and the best orientation for viewing the Aurora Borealis during the Arctic transit.
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Svalbard
Jagged glacial peaks and frozen fjords of the Spitsbergen islands visible early in the flight.
North Pole
Flying near the geographic top of the world over the vast, white expanse of the polar ice cap.
Bering Strait
The narrow maritime passage separating the continents of Asia and North America.
Aurora Borealis
High probability of seeing the Northern Lights during dark winter transits of the high latitudes.
Sea of Japan
Distant coastal views of the Japanese archipelago as the flight path turns toward the Korean Peninsula.
Monitor the flight map closely; the passage over Svalbard occurs roughly 2 to 3 hours after departure. For winter flights, keep your window shade open and cabin lights low to spot the Aurora Borealis. This side is superior for seeing the transition from the European Arctic to the Pacific gateway.
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Arctic Ice Pack
Incredible geometric patterns of shifting sea ice and open leads across the Arctic Ocean.
Alaskan North Slope
The remote and desolate beauty of the Arctic tundra and the northernmost reaches of the Americas.
Sea of Okhotsk
Views of the remote Russian Far East coastline and the icy waters of the North Pacific.
Korean Highlands
The rugged, mountainous terrain of the Korean Peninsula during the initial descent phase.
Incheon Bridge
A spectacular view of South Korea's longest bridge during the final approach into the airport.
The approach into Incheon often comes from the north or west over the Yellow Sea; the right side provides the best angle for the Yeongjong Island coastline and the bridge. During the long Arctic summer, use an eye mask as the sun may remain above the horizon for the entire polar crossing, causing significant glare.
Book Hotels in SeoulDistance: 7,032 km (4,369 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 16 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: ICN (37.46910095214844, 126.45099639892578)
Route Type: International
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