The left seat wins at takeoff but the right seat delivers the more dramatic and memorable view on arrival into Seoul — the Han River, the city, and Bukhansan together make for a genuinely striking approach. Over the Pacific the difference is negligible, so the arrival experience tips the balance to the right.
Flown SFO to GMP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Seoul is 5,627 miles (9,056 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route arcs north over the Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain — you may glimpse volcanic peaks on clear days. The route then crosses the Kamchatka Peninsula's rugged volcanic terrain and descends over the Sea of Japan toward the Korean Peninsula. Most of the flight is open ocean with occasional cloud systems.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west over the Bay then turn northwest. A left/south-facing seat captures San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula as you climb out. The right side faces open Pacific almost immediately.
Landing at GMP
RIGHTGMP sits on the Han River's north bank and aircraft typically approach from the east or west along the river corridor. A right/north-facing seat on approach gives you the Han River, central Seoul's dense urban grid, and Bukhansan's granite peaks to the north. The left side faces south toward less distinctive suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Gimpo (GMP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Seoul. The left seat wins at takeoff but the right seat delivers the more dramatic and memorable view on arrival into Seoul — the Han River, the city, and Bukhansan together make for a genuinely striking approach. Over the Pacific the difference is negligible, so the arrival experience tips the balance to the right.
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. SFO's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west over the Bay then turn northwest. A left/south-facing seat captures San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula as you climb out. The right side faces open Pacific almost immediately. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, SF city skyline and downtown, San Mateo Bridge, Santa Cruz Mountains ridge.
What can I see when landing at Gimpo in Seoul?
When landing at Gimpo (GMP), sit on the Right side for the best views. GMP sits on the Han River's north bank and aircraft typically approach from the east or west along the river corridor. A right/north-facing seat on approach gives you the Han River, central Seoul's dense urban grid, and Bukhansan's granite peaks to the north. The left side faces south toward less distinctive suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Han River, central Seoul urban grid, Bukhansan National Park granite ridgeline, Yeouido district.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Seoul?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Gimpo (GMP) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,627 miles (9,056 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Seoul flight path pass over?
The great circle route arcs north over the Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain — you may glimpse volcanic peaks on clear days. The route then crosses the Kamchatka Peninsula's rugged volcanic terrain and descends over the Sea of Japan toward the Korean Peninsula. Most of the flight is open ocean with occasional cloud systems.