Jakarta
662 km²
Seoul
605 km²
Indonesia
South Korea
Area Comparison
Jakarta is 1.1x larger than Seoul
Population Comparison
Jakarta has 1.1x more people than Seoul
Jakarta is significantly larger, covering 1.1 times the area of Seoul. Jakarta spans 662 km² (256 mi²) while Seoul covers 605 km² (234 mi²) — a difference of 57 km².
To put Jakarta's size in perspective, its area of 662 km² is roughly the same size as Seoul. Meanwhile, Seoul at 605 km² is about 1.3x smaller than New York City.
Jakarta's footprint is roughly about 93,000 American football fields, 190 times the area of Central Park, or 11 times the area of Manhattan — pick whichever unit feels intuitive. Seoul, by comparison, equals about 85,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Central Park, or 10 times the area of Manhattan.
Jakarta, officially the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, is the de facto capital and largest city of Indonesia, with administrative status equivalent to a province. It lies on the northwestern coast of Java, borders the provinces of West Java and Banten, and faces the Java Sea to the north. Jakarta itself covers about 662 square kilometres, but the wider Jakarta metropolitan area—locally known as Jabodetabek—is among the largest urban agglomerations in the world.
Known as "Big Durian", Jakarta covers 662 km² with a population of 10.6 million. The city was established in 1527. Jakarta is known for National Monument Monas, Istiqlal Mosque, Kota Tua old town, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Jakarta MRT.
Jakarta has administrative status equivalent to a province as the Special Capital Region of Indonesia.
Seoul, officially Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the capital and largest city of South Korea, and the largest city in the whole of Korea. The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area, encompassing Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, emerged as the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022, behind New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and London, and hosts more than half of South Korea's population.
Seoul has an area of 605 km² and is home to 9.8 million people. The city dates back to 18 BC. Visitors come for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gangnam district, Myeongdong shopping, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Seoul Metro.
Seoul Metropolitan Area emerged as the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022, behind only NYC, Tokyo, LA, Paris, and London.
Looking beyond city limits, the Seoul metropolitan area covers 11,704 km², which is 1.8x larger than greater Jakarta at 6,392 km². The Jakarta metro area is also more populous, with 34.5 million people compared to 25.5 million.
Jakarta has a population density of 15,952 people per km² — an extremely dense urban environment. Seoul, with 16,149 people per km², is an extremely dense urban environment. Both cities have comparable density, though Seoul is slightly more compact.
Both cities are in Asia, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Jakarta (Indonesia) and Seoul (South Korea) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate while Seoul experiences humid continental conditions. Winters differ dramatically: Jakarta stays around 27°C while Seoul drops to -3°C. When it's noon in Seoul, it's 10:00 AM in Jakarta — a 2-hour time difference.
History
Seoul is ~1,545 years older
Jakarta covers 662 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Hyderabad (650 km²), Toronto (630 km²), Nairobi (696 km²), Chicago (606 km²), or Seoul (605 km²).
Seoul covers 605 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Chicago (606 km²), Madrid (604 km²), Mumbai (603 km²), Toronto (630 km²), or Hyderabad (650 km²).
The straight-line distance from Jakarta to Seoul is 5,296 km (3,291 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~6h 44m.
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