The left side strings together the flight's best moments: Seoul's skyline and Korean mountains on departure, glimpses of Kamchatka's volcanic ridgeline and the Aleutian chain near the route's high-latitude apex, the Gulf of Alaska's coastal mountains, and finally the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline on arrival. The right side spends most of the flight over featureless open Pacific with comparatively little to punctuate the view.
Flown ICN to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul to San Francisco is 5,645 miles (9,085 km), a flight of about 10 hours 55 minutes.
The great-circle route arcs north of Japan across the Sea of Japan, passes near Kamchatka's volcanic peaks and the Aleutian Island chain, then runs along the Gulf of Alaska and down the Pacific Northwest coast (Vancouver Island, Olympic Peninsula) before reaching Northern California's coastline near Point Reyes.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ICN
LEFTDepartures off Incheon's northwest-southeast runways typically bank toward the east soon after liftoff, swinging the aircraft over the Han River estuary and giving left-side passengers a clear look at Seoul's skyline and the granite peaks of Bukhansan before the coastline falls away. The right side mostly shows the flat tidal mudflats and reclaimed land of Yeongjong Island and the Yellow Sea.
Landing at SFO
LEFTOn approach to SFO from the north, the descent path tracks down the Marin coastline before turning onto final, putting the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's skyline, and the green ridgelines of the Marin Headlands on the left side of the aircraft. The right side over this stretch faces mostly open Pacific water with little to see until the very final turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to San Francisco. The left side strings together the flight's best moments: Seoul's skyline and Korean mountains on departure, glimpses of Kamchatka's volcanic ridgeline and the Aleutian chain near the route's high-latitude apex, the Gulf of Alaska's coastal mountains, and finally the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline on arrival. The right side spends most of the flight over featureless open Pacific with comparatively little to punctuate the view.
What can I see during takeoff from Incheon International in Seoul?
During takeoff from Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures off Incheon's northwest-southeast runways typically bank toward the east soon after liftoff, swinging the aircraft over the Han River estuary and giving left-side passengers a clear look at Seoul's skyline and the granite peaks of Bukhansan before the coastline falls away. The right side mostly shows the flat tidal mudflats and reclaimed land of Yeongjong Island and the Yellow Sea. Notable sights include: Seoul skyline (Lotte World Tower), Han River, Bukhansan National Park's granite peaks, Ganghwa Island coastline.
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. On approach to SFO from the north, the descent path tracks down the Marin coastline before turning onto final, putting the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's skyline, and the green ridgelines of the Marin Headlands on the left side of the aircraft. The right side over this stretch faces mostly open Pacific water with little to see until the very final turn. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline and Financial District, Marin Headlands, Alcatraz Island in the Bay.
How long is the flight from Seoul to San Francisco?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 10 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,645 miles (9,085 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The great-circle route arcs north of Japan across the Sea of Japan, passes near Kamchatka's volcanic peaks and the Aleutian Island chain, then runs along the Gulf of Alaska and down the Pacific Northwest coast (Vancouver Island, Olympic Peninsula) before reaching Northern California's coastline near Point Reyes.