While the SFO departure gives a strong, classic Bay Area view, the right side edges ahead overall because it pairs a genuinely dramatic urban approach into Seoul and the Incheon coastline with a still-solid departure sequence, whereas the ocean-dominated middle of the flight limits scenic value on both sides equally.
Flown SFO to ICN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Seoul is 5,645 miles (9,085 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, Kamchatka Peninsula coastline, Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan (East Sea)
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on the eastern runways, the aircraft climbs and typically banks to align with the northbound Pacific routing, swinging San Francisco into view on the left. Passengers get a classic look at the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown SF, and the Marin Headlands before the coastline recedes northward.
Landing at ICN
RIGHTOn the descent into Incheon, arrivals crossing the Korean peninsula from the east often pass near the Seoul metropolitan area before turning onto final approach over the Yellow Sea. The right side offers views of Seoul's skyline along the Han River, followed by Incheon's coastal islands and the Incheon Bridge as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Incheon International (ICN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Seoul. While the SFO departure gives a strong, classic Bay Area view, the right side edges ahead overall because it pairs a genuinely dramatic urban approach into Seoul and the Incheon coastline with a still-solid departure sequence, whereas the ocean-dominated middle of the flight limits scenic value on both sides equally.
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. Departing SFO on the eastern runways, the aircraft climbs and typically banks to align with the northbound Pacific routing, swinging San Francisco into view on the left. Passengers get a classic look at the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown SF, and the Marin Headlands before the coastline recedes northward. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, Point Reyes coastline.
What can I see when landing at Incheon International in Seoul?
When landing at Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Incheon, arrivals crossing the Korean peninsula from the east often pass near the Seoul metropolitan area before turning onto final approach over the Yellow Sea. The right side offers views of Seoul's skyline along the Han River, followed by Incheon's coastal islands and the Incheon Bridge as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Seoul skyline and Han River, Incheon Bridge, Yeongjong Island, Yellow Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Seoul?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Incheon International (ICN) takes about 11 hours. 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 San Francisco to Seoul flight path pass over?
Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, Kamchatka Peninsula coastline, Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan (East Sea)