transpacific · 12h 00m · 9,118 km
San Francisco to Seoul
2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked
In business class, Korean Air's Prestige Suite 2.0 (787-10) edges out the field with a 7.6/10.United is the only carrier offering premium economy on this route, scoring 5.5/10.
Quick pick
Fly Korean Air. It has a private suite and a door for privacy.
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Fly United. It has free Wi-Fi (paid on Korean Air).
If prices are similar, go with this one.
Select two airlines to compare head-to-head
Data verified June 2026
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Airlines on this route
Route insights
- In business class, Korean Air's Prestige Suite 2.0 (787-10) edges out the field with a 7.6/10.
- United is the only carrier offering premium economy on this route, scoring 5.5/10.
- In economy, United's Economy (787-9) edges out the field with a 4.8/10.
Frequently asked
Which is better in business: United or Korean Air on SFO-ICN?
Prestige Suite 2.0 (Korean Air, 787-10) edges out Polaris Business (United Airlines, 787-9) in business, scoring 7.6/10 vs 7.2. The deciding factor: a closed suite door vs an open cabin. United Airlines fights back on wi-fi and bedding.
Which is better in economy: United or Korean Air on SFO-ICN?
Economy (United Airlines, 787-9) and Economy (Korean Air, 787-10) score virtually the same in economy: 4.8 vs 4.5/10. The biggest gap is wi-fi — Free Wi-Fi vs Paid Wi-Fi — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
What are the best seats in United Polaris Business on SFO-ICN?
Best: Row 11 in the 4-row mini-cabin is the most private and quiet row in United's entire fleet, far from galleys and lavatories. Odd-numbered window seats (A or L) in rows 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 offer a privacy cocoon. Couples should pick center pairs (D-E) in odd rows. Avoid: Even-numbered rows offer less foot room, problematic for taller passengers. Seats near the mid-cabin galley (between main and mini cabins) experience more noise and traffic. Row 12 is closest to premium economy. Reverse herringbone 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access from every seat. The mini-cabin (rows 9-12) is genuinely secluded and highly sought after. No privacy doors on this variant. Panasonic Ku-band WiFi; Starlink retrofit underway. 48-seat Polaris cabin is the standard long-haul 787-9 configuration.
What are the best seats in United Premium Plus on SFO-ICN?
Best: Row 20 bulkhead has the most legroom, though it lacks under-seat storage during takeoff and landing. Window pairs (A-B and H-J) are best for couples on overnight flights. Avoid: Row 20 lacks under-seat storage. Center seats in the 3-abreast middle section (D-E-F) are least private for sleeping. Row 22 is closest to economy. Small 21-seat cabin in 3 rows. 2-3-2 layout is standard for Dreamliner premium economy. Complimentary meal service with premium wine selection. Separate meal and beverage service from economy. Adjustable headrests with wings for sleeping support.
What are the best seats in United Economy on SFO-ICN?
Best: Rows 35-38 are the forward economy rows, closest to the mid-cabin lavatory and away from the noisier rear. Window seats benefit from the 787 Dreamliner's larger electronically dimmable windows. Avoid: Row 57 (last row) has limited or no recline and sits right against the rear galley and lavatories. Rows 55-57 experience significant galley noise and crew traffic. Row 35 near the mid-cabin lavatory can be noisy. 9-abreast seating at 31-inch pitch is tight for long-haul flights. Complimentary meals on international routes. USB-A ports and AC outlets at every seat. The 787 Dreamliner cabin features higher humidity, lower cabin altitude, and larger windows than conventional aircraft, reducing jet lag.
What are the best seats in Korean Air Prestige Suite 2.0 on SFO-ICN?
Best: Window suites for maximum privacy with the sliding doors. Avoid: Center pairs share a divider that can be lowered. Korean Air's newest business product. 1-2-1 all-aisle-access with sliding doors. 24-inch IFE. Bluetooth audio. Viasat wifi (paid, slow on Pacific routes). USB-C + AC + wireless charging.