The takeoff from Cheongju offers more distinctive natural features (river valley, mountains) than the landing approach. While the landing view of the Golden Gate Bridge is iconic, the takeoff scenery provides better sustained visual interest over the first hour of flight.
Flown CJJ to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cheongju to San Francisco is 5,636 miles (9,071 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula (Taebaek Mountains visible on clear days), then traverses the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. Over the Pacific, passengers may see the Aleutian Islands chain if flying a northern great-circle route, or open ocean if taking a more direct path. Approaching North America, the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible in the distance before descent into California.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CJJ
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Naktong River valley and agricultural plains extending southeastward from Cheongju. The left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive visual features during the initial climb-out.
Landing at SFO
LEFTLeft side provides views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during the approach from the northwest. The right side faces inland hills with fewer distinctive landmarks during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513) (CJJ) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cheongju to San Francisco. The takeoff from Cheongju offers more distinctive natural features (river valley, mountains) than the landing approach. While the landing view of the Golden Gate Bridge is iconic, the takeoff scenery provides better sustained visual interest over the first hour of flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513) in Cheongju?
During takeoff from Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513) (CJJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Naktong River valley and agricultural plains extending southeastward from Cheongju. The left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive visual features during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Naktong River, Cheongju urban area, agricultural plains of North Chungcheong Province, distant Sobaek Mountains to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during the approach from the northwest. The right side faces inland hills with fewer distinctive landmarks during final descent. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Pacific Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from Cheongju to San Francisco?
The flight from Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513) (CJJ) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,636 miles (9,071 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cheongju to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Korean Peninsula (Taebaek Mountains visible on clear days), then traverses the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. Over the Pacific, passengers may see the Aleutian Islands chain if flying a northern great-circle route, or open ocean if taking a more direct path. Approaching North America, the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible in the distance before descent into California.