Loading map...
ICN → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Incheon International Airport (Seoul) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer excellent views upon arrival, the Right Side is generally superior for witnessing the rugged Northern California coastline, the dramatic Point Reyes National Seashore, and potential glimpses of the Aleutian Islands or Northern Japan during the long transpacific crossing.
Search flights from ICN to SFO
Northern Japan
Views of the mountainous terrain of Hokkaido or Northern Honshu depending on the specific jet stream track.
The Aleutians
On more northerly routes, you can spot the remote, volcanic islands of the Aleutian chain stretching toward Alaska.
Pacific Northwest Coast
The first sight of the North American continent, featuring the lush, forested coastline of Oregon or Northern California.
Point Reyes
The distinct hammerhead shape of the Point Reyes National Seashore as the plane begins its descent into the Bay Area.
Alcatraz & Bay Bridge
A unique perspective of 'The Rock' and the eastern span of the Bay Bridge as you enter the San Francisco Bay.
The right side offers the best geographic diversity. Look out for the Aleutian Islands halfway through the flight if the pilot takes a northern track. As you hit the US coast, you'll see the rugged cliffs and Mendocino forests. On arrival, while you might miss the direct 'side' view of the Golden Gate, you get an expansive view of the entire Bay, including Alcatraz and the Marin Headlands. Be aware that morning arrivals might face some glare as the sun rises in the east.
Book Hotels in San Francisco
Incheon & Seoul
Bird's eye view of the Songdo International Business District and the Incheon Bridge shortly after takeoff.
Pacific Expanse
Deep blue vistas of the central Pacific Ocean during the long cruise segment of the flight.
Golden Gate Bridge
Iconic views of the bridge and the Presidio during the standard approach to runways 28L or 28R.
San Francisco Skyline
Spectacular views of the Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the dense SOMA district on final descent.
The left side is the classic choice for the final 5 minutes of the flight. As you approach SFO from the north, the plane usually tracks slightly east of the city, giving passengers on the left a front-row seat to the Golden Gate Bridge and the downtown skyline. For early morning arrivals, the sun will be behind you, providing excellent lighting for photography of the city.
Get eSIMs for South Korea
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 9,085 km (5,645 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 41 min
Departure: ICN (37.46910095214844, 126.45099639892578)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.