With ticket prices starting from USD 1,690, transit in Ho Chi Minh City and flight duration from 24 hours 05 minutes (approximately 9,105km), flights from San Francisco to Korea with Vietnam Airlines are the optimal choice for travelers seeking quality flight experiences. This article will provide comprehensive information about flight times, transit, transportation, and entry procedures, helping you proactively plan, optimize costs, and travel more conveniently!
1. Detailed Information on The Flight From San Francisco to South Korea
Detailed information about arrival terminals, airport locations, distances, flight frequency, and flight times from San Francisco to Korea is as follows:
Key Flight Details:
- Distance: ~9,105 - 9,107km
- Flight Duration (*): ~24 hours 05 minutes - 41 hours (including transit time)
- Flight Frequency (*): 1 - 4 flights/day (3 days/week)
Departure Information
|
Departure |
San Francisco |
|
Airport Name |
San Francisco International Airport |
|
Airport Code |
SFO |
|
Terminal |
Terminal I |
|
Location |
San Francisco, CA 94128, USA |
Transit Information
|
Transit |
Ho Chi Minh City |
|
Airport Name |
Tan Son Nhat International Airport |
|
Airport Code |
SGN |
|
Terminal |
Terminal 2 |
|
Location |
Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
Arrival Airport
|
|
Distance |
Flight time |
Flight frequency |
|
San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh → Busan (SAN → SGN → PUS) |
9,105km |
41 hours |
1 flight/day |
|
San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh → Seoul (SAN → SGN → ICN) |
9,107km |
24 hours 05 minutes- 40 hours 10 minutes |
3 - 4 flights/day |
Note: (*) Information about SFO to Korea flight times and terminals may change according to airlines and weather conditions. Ticket prices may vary based on booking time and travel season.
2. Transportation Instruction When Flying From San Francisco to Korea
To ensure a smooth and efficient Korea flights from SFO journey, passengers should familiarize themselves with the best transportation methods and routes according to the guidance below:
2.1. How to Get to San Francisco Airport?
|
Transportation |
Instructions |
Estimated Cost |
|
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) |
You can use the yellow line in the BART system to travel conveniently from downtown to San Francisco International Airport. |
USD 9.5 - USD 11.5 (depending on station) |
|
SamTrans |
Travel on route 292 which has stops at San Francisco Airport |
USD 2.25 - USD 4.5 |
|
Taxi |
Take a taxi directly from the arrival area or through ride-hailing apps |
USD 45 - USD 65 |
2.2. How to Get From the Arrival Airports to The City Center?
|
Airport |
Transportation - Estimated Travel Time - Estimated Cost (*) |
|
Gimhae International Airport (PUS) |
|
|
Incheon International Airport (ICN) |
|
3. 4 Tips When Taking A Flight From San Francisco to Korea
The journey from San Francisco to Korea lasts many hours, requiring thorough preparation regarding procedures, luggage, and health. Here are four important tips to help optimize your experience throughout the flight:
3.1. Find the Best Flight Deals
To secure flight tickets from San Francisco to Korea at reasonable prices, passengers can consider applying the promotional policies currently being implemented by Vietnam Airlines. Specifically:
- Book early: Purchasing tickets 2 to 3 months before departure helps increase choices regarding routes, flight times, seat classes, and opportunities to access promotional prices, with discounts up to 10%.
- Follow promotional information from the airline: Register for email notifications or regularly update official information channels like Vietnam Airlines' Website and Fanpage as an effective way to access promotional programs.
- Choose flight times: Ticket prices on weekdays, regular days, or low seasons are usually lower than weekends, holidays, or peak periods.
- Use the fare hold service (Secure my fare): In cases where payment cannot be completed, passengers can use the fare hold service for 2 - 3 days with a cost of 10 USD.
- Join the Lotusmiles program: Become a member of loyalty programs like Lotusmiles at Vietnam Airlines to accumulate flight miles, receive rewards from accumulated miles, etc.
3.2. Check Visa and Document Requirements
Before starting the flight from San Francisco to Korea, passengers need to check and prepare all necessary documents to ensure the entry process into Korea proceeds smoothly and according to regulations:
- Passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the expected entry date.
- Visa exemption for US citizens: Passengers with US citizenship are exempt from visa requirements when staying in Korea for no more than 90 days. However, they need to present return tickets or valid onward journey tickets.
- K-ETA (for certain nationalities): Passengers not eligible for complete visa exemption need to register for K-ETA before the flight. Registration should be completed at least 72 hours before departure.
- Accommodation information declaration: Passengers need to provide clear accommodation addresses in Korea on the entry declaration form. Incomplete declarations may affect entry permission.
3.3. Choose Departure Times Based on Your Preference
Determining appropriate departure times helps passengers proactively arrange schedules from San Francisco to Korea, while minimizing fatigue and optimizing travel efficiency.
- Morning departures (06:00 AM - 10:00 AM) help minimize jet lag and allow for better sleep patterns upon arrival.
- Afternoon flights (12:00 PM - 04:00 PM) provide more preparation time but may result in late-night arrivals.
- Evening departures (06:00 PM - 10:00 PM) are ideal for business travelers who prefer to work during the day before traveling, though they typically involve overnight flights and longer transit times.
3.4. Upgrade to Large Seats
With journeys lasting more than a day and at least one connection, prolonged sitting can easily cause fatigue and difficulty resting. Upgrading to premium economy or business class significantly improves the flight experience with spacious areas, deep-reclining seats, and comfortable legroom. Alternatively, you can consider the Sky Sofa service to purchase two additional empty seats beside you.
4. 6 Must-Visit Attractions in Korea
Korea is not only famous for modern technology but also attracts visitors with natural scenery, cultural heritage, and vibrant lifestyle. Here are the representative destinations you shouldn't miss:
|
Destination |
Highlights |
|
Gyeongbokgung Palace |
Ancient royal palace, a historical symbol of the Joseon Dynasty |
|
Namsan Seoul Tower |
Modern symbol amidst nature, an ideal place to watch the sunset and the city glittering with lights from over 200m height |
|
Myeongdong |
The most vibrant shopping district, gathering cosmetics brands, fashion, and attractive street food like grilled chicken skewers, hot fish cakes, spicy tteokbokki |
|
Haeundae Beach |
Busan's most famous beach attracts crowds of visitors in summer |
|
Gamcheon Culture Village |
Known as "Korea's Santorini," with colorful architecture and artistic alleys |
|
Jagalchi Fish Market |
Korea's largest seafood market, where you can enjoy fresh dishes on the spot |
5. FAQs about San Francisco to Korea
Below are some frequently asked questions to help passengers better prepare for flights from San Francisco to Korea:
5.1. When Is The Best Time to Buy Flight Tickets?
The best time to purchase flight tickets from San Francisco to Korea is typically 2 - 3 months in advance for optimal pricing. Avoid booking during peak seasons like Korean holidays, summer vacation (June-August), and year-end periods when prices surge. Tuesday and Wednesday departures generally offer lower fares than weekend flights.
5.2. Are There Any Direct Flights From San Francisco to Korea?
Currently, there are no direct flights to South Korea from SFO. Passengers will transit at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) before connecting to Seoul or Busan.
5.3. How Long Is The Flight From San Francisco to Korea?
The SFO to Korea flight journey takes 24 hours 05 minutes - 41 hours, including transit time.
5.4. What Do I Have to Prepare When Arriving in Korea?
When arriving in Korea, passengers should prepare:
- Support apps for transportation and communication: Install apps like KakaoMap (maps), Papago (language translation), and Citymapper (traffic routing) in advance for convenient navigation and local communication.
- Currency: Passengers need to prepare Korean cash (KRW) for small expenses like taxis, food, and train tickets. Additionally, bring international payment cards for use when necessary.
- eSIM options: Many carriers offer Korean eSIM plans that can be activated before departure, providing instant connectivity upon arrival without needing physical SIM cards.
With international standard service quality and comprehensive support systems, Vietnam Airlines is a reliable choice for flights to Korea from SFO. Book now with Vietnam Airlines to enjoy special offers and experience international standard services with your flight from sfo to south korea!