Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seoul: what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seoul is 10 hours 45 minutes.
Seoul is 16 hours ahead of San Francisco, where San Francisco International Airport is located. Seoul follows the UTC+9 timezone.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the most traveled route, with 31 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from SFO to ICN is with United Airlines at 23:55. Go for the first departure operated by United Airlines at 10:30 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your SFO to Seoul flight.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow a little extra breathing room. A good general rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Direct San Francisco International Airport to Seoul tickets are available for booking. Incheon International Airport (ICN) is where you'll be landing.
Top airlines that operate direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to Seoul include:
We make it a breeze to book plane tickets from SFO to Seoul with a stopover. To see all your options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) (LAS)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
SFO is about 18 kilometres from central San Francisco. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near SFO. Whether you have an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seoul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of the departures from San Francisco International Airport, 77.36% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seoul
The lowest price we've found for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Seoul flight is 253 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 545 €. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book four months before you travel. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from SFO to Seoul.
The best month for landing cheap San Francisco International Airport to Seoul tickets is August. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
Save time searching for cheap flights from SFO to Seoul by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seoul by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is roughly 48 kilometres from central Seoul. How long it takes to reach the centre will depend on the time of day. Do some research before your trip.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seoul, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near ICN:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up an Incheon International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from WECAR, Hi Rent A Car or Alamo and experience the lesser-explored corners of Seoul and beyond.
Booking your ride from Incheon International Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from SFO to Seoul can help you get the best possible rate.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Central Seoul is roughly 16 kilometres from Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Step off your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seoul and then be on the lookout for any airport signs directing you to the centre.
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 5 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to drop your things at near GMP. Kick back and get cosy after your SFO to Seoul flight at one of these well-located options:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Gimpo International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from GOGO Rent a Car, Gogo Rental Car Seoul or Hi Rent A Car and be on your way in a flash.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your ride from GMP one week in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Seoul
Plan your trip to Seoul in high season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from San Francisco International Airport to Seoul during low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Book a San Francisco International Airport to Seoul plane ticket with a departure in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 19ºC (66ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from SFO to Seoul in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF).
More about Seoul
Once you've booked your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seoul, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Seoul:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower are must-do's during your Seoul adventure.
Explore more of South Korea
Seoul has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of South Korea just waiting to be explored. Around 322 kilometres south-east of Seoul, a visit to Busan will keep you busy. Start with leading attractions like Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and Beomeosa Temple.
Daegu is another essential stop in South Korea and is around 241 kilometres south-east of Seoul. No trip is complete without seeing Duryu Park People's Garden, E-World and Apsan Park.