When is the Seattle to Seoul route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the SEA to ICN route?

The SEA–ICN route is typically operated by Boeing 777 · Airbus A350. Airlines include United, American Airlines, Delta.

Is turbulence on SEA to ICN dangerous?

No — turbulence on the SEA–ICN route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my SEA to ICN flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the SEA–ICN route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

SEA to ICN Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Seattle to Seoul flight turbulent?

The SEA–ICN route typically experiences light turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SEA to ICN?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 777 · Airbus A350, that's rows 20–38. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from SEA to ICN?

The SEA to ICN flight takes approximately 10h 40m, covering 5,203 miles (4,521 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

Is the Seattle to Seoul flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

SEA

→

ICN

Seattle · Seoul · 10h 40m

32.7

Turb Score

10h 40m

Duration

4,521 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SEA–ICN

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h10h 40m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SEA–ICN route

The Seattle to Seoul route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 5,203 miles. The Pacific jet stream creates moderate turbulence, typically around 3–7 hours into the flight. The sheer length of the route means passengers experience varying conditions: calm stretches punctuated by bumpy patches.

The route is served by United, American Airlines, Delta on Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 5,203 miles (4,521 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion.

Seattle to Seoul Flight Time

How long is the flight from SEA to ICN?

10h 40m

Flight Time

5,203 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 777

Aircraft

The Seattle (SEA) to Seoul (ICN) flight takes approximately 10h 40m, covering 5,203 miles (4,521 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by United, American Airlines, Delta. Return flights (ICN to SEA) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on SEA–ICN

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm

LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady

ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause

HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly SEA–ICN

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SEA–ICN

Boeing 777

Front

Rows 1–19

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 20–38

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 39+

Rougher

Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

See all transpacific flights →

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Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps over the Pacific. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · April

Flew Seattle–Seoul in November, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · November

Some light chop over the North Pacific — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in January.

Regular traveler · January

All SEA routes→ All ICN routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Seattle to Seoul flight turbulent?

The SEA–ICN route typically experiences light turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 32.7/100.

When is turbulence worst on SEA to ICN?

Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on SEA to ICN?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 777 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 20–38. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from SEA to ICN?

The SEA to ICN flight takes approximately 10h 40m, covering 5,203 miles (4,521 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SEA to ICN?

The main airlines operating this route are United, American Airlines, Delta, flying Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data