Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to San Francisco. While takeoff slightly favors the right side, the left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic San Francisco Bay approach with the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline, a far more memorable sequence than the flat coastal departure from Incheon.

During takeoff from Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ICN eastbound then curving north, the right side offers views of the Incheon coastline, Seoul's western suburbs, and the Han River estuary before the route heads out over water. The left side mostly shows the Yellow Sea early on. Notable sights include: Incheon coastline and tidal flats, Han River estuary, Seoul's western districts, Ganghwa Island.

When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to SFO from the north or east, the left side typically reveals the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline across the bay before landing. This is one of the more recognizable urban approach sequences in North America. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.

The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 11h 05m.

The route crosses the Sea of Japan, then follows a great-circle path over the northern Pacific near the Aleutian Islands and southern Alaska before descending along the North American coast toward California — almost entirely open ocean with no landmarks visible for most of the flight.