Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Seoul

4 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Incheon International Airport (ICN). It's 5,658 miles (9,106 km), about 12h 45m in the air. Operated by Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, United Airlines and others.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
ICN
Incheon International Airport
🇰🇷 Seoul, Republic of Korea
Flight Time
12h 45m
Distance
5,658 mi
9,106 km
CO₂/pax
865 kg
−88 kg vs. layover
Airlines
4
Korean Air +3
Time Diff
+16h
Operated by Korean Air Korean Air Asiana Airlines Asiana Airlines United Airlines United Airlines Air Premia Air Premia

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Korean Air KE Korean Air
Route
SFO → ICN
Flight Time
12h 45m
Distance
5,658 mi
Asiana Airlines OZ Asiana Airlines
Route
SFO → ICN
Flight Time
12h 45m
Distance
5,658 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → ICN
Flight Time
12h 45m
Distance
5,658 mi
Air Premia YP Air Premia
Route
SFO → ICN
Flight Time
12h 45m
Distance
5,658 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Francisco to Seoul with one stop · direct emits 865 kg CO₂ per passenger

SFO NRT (Tokyo) ICN
Leg 1: 11h 15m (5,123 mi) Leg 2: 2h 40m (783 mi) Total: ~13h 55m 🍃 953 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → NRT
11h 15m · 5,123 mi
View SFO to NRT flights →
Leg 2
NRT → ICN
2h 40m · 783 mi
View NRT to ICN flights →
SFO YVR (Vancouver) ICN
Leg 1: 2h 25m (800 mi) Leg 2: 11h 45m (5,109 mi) Total: ~14h 10m 🍃 954 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → YVR
2h 25m · 800 mi
View SFO to YVR flights →
Leg 2
YVR → ICN
11h 45m · 5,109 mi
View YVR to ICN flights →
SFO HND (Tokyo) ICN
Leg 1: 11h 25m (5,159 mi) Leg 2: 2h 45m (753 mi) Total: ~14h 10m 🍃 953 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → HND
11h 25m · 5,159 mi
View SFO to HND flights →
Leg 2
HND → ICN
2h 45m · 753 mi
View HND to ICN flights →
SFO SEA (Seattle) ICN
Leg 1: 2h 19m (678 mi) Leg 2: 11h 55m (5,217 mi) Total: ~14h 14m 🍃 948 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SEA
2h 19m · 678 mi
View SFO to SEA flights →
Leg 2
SEA → ICN
11h 55m · 5,217 mi
View SEA to ICN flights →
SFO KIX (Osaka) ICN
Leg 1: 12h 20m (5,412 mi) Leg 2: 2h (535 mi) Total: ~14h 20m 🍃 951 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → KIX
12h 20m · 5,412 mi
View SFO to KIX flights →
Leg 2
KIX → ICN
2h · 535 mi
View KIX to ICN flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from San Francisco to Seoul?

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Seoul (ICN) takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes. The distance is 5,658 miles (9,106 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Seoul?

4 airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, United Airlines, Air Premia.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Seoul?

Yes. 4 airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, United Airlines, Air Premia.

How far is San Francisco from Seoul?

The flight distance from San Francisco to Seoul is 5,658 miles (9,106 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.

What is the time difference between San Francisco and Seoul?

Seoul is 16 hours ahead of San Francisco. (America/Los_Angeles vs Asia/Seoul.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from San Francisco to Seoul?

Probably — 16-hour time difference means significant jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying eastward is generally harder to adjust to.

What type of aircraft flies from San Francisco to Seoul?

At 12h 45m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from USA to Republic of Korea?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Republic of Korea embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from San Francisco to Seoul?

Roughly 865 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,325 km.

Is the return flight from Seoul to San Francisco also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from San Francisco to Seoul?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at San Francisco International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.