Left seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay on departure, plus views of Japan's Honshu island and the Japanese Alps during the trans-Pacific crossing at cruise altitude. The landing approach favors right seats, but the departure experience is more visually rewarding.
Flown SFO to CJJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Cheongju is 5,636 miles (9,071 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
During cruise over the Pacific, left seats may glimpse Japan's Honshu island and the snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps (particularly Mount Fuji region) roughly 6-7 hours into flight, depending on exact routing. The flight typically crosses the International Date Line and passes north of Hawaii. As the aircraft approaches the Asian continent, the Korean peninsula becomes visible, with the Yellow Sea separating South Korea from China to the west.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of SFO. Right seats face inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery during initial climb.
Landing at CJJ
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Yellow Sea and the Korean peninsula's western coastline as the aircraft descends toward Cheongju. Left seats face inland toward central South Korea with fewer distinctive visual landmarks during approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513) (CJJ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Cheongju. Left seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay on departure, plus views of Japan's Honshu island and the Japanese Alps during the trans-Pacific crossing at cruise altitude. The landing approach favors right seats, but the departure experience is more visually rewarding.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of SFO. Right seats face inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery during initial climb. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Pacific Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513) in Cheongju?
When landing at Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513) (CJJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Yellow Sea and the Korean peninsula's western coastline as the aircraft descends toward Cheongju. Left seats face inland toward central South Korea with fewer distinctive visual landmarks during approach. Notable sights include: Yellow Sea, Korean peninsula coastline, Geum River valley, agricultural plains of central South Korea.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Cheongju?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513) (CJJ) takes about 11 hours 30 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 San Francisco to Cheongju flight path pass over?
During cruise over the Pacific, left seats may glimpse Japan's Honshu island and the snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps (particularly Mount Fuji region) roughly 6-7 hours into flight, depending on exact routing. The flight typically crosses the International Date Line and passes north of Hawaii. As the aircraft approaches the Asian continent, the Korean peninsula becomes visible, with the Yellow Sea separating South Korea from China to the west.