Madrid
604 km²
Seoul
605 km²
Spain
South Korea
Area Comparison
Madrid is 1.0x smaller than Seoul
Population Comparison
Madrid has 2.9x fewer people than Seoul
Yes — Seoul is 1.0x larger than Madrid by area. Seoul spans 605 km² (234 mi²) while Madrid covers 604 km² (233 mi²) — a difference of 1 km².
To put Madrid's size in perspective, its area of 604 km² is roughly the same size as Seoul. Meanwhile, Seoul at 605 km² is about 1.3x smaller than New York City.
In more relatable units, Madrid's 604 km² is about 85,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Central Park, or 10 times the area of Manhattan. Seoul, by comparison, equals about 85,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Central Park, or 10 times the area of Manhattan.
Madrid is the capital and most populous city of Spain. It had a population of over 3.4 million in the city proper in 2025, and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.8 million. Madrid is the second-largest city in the European Union (EU), after Berlin, and its metropolitan area is the second-largest in the EU, after Paris. The municipality covers an area of 605.77 square kilometres (233.89 sq mi).
Known as "La Villa y Corte", Madrid covers 604 km² with a population of 3.3 million. The city was established in 852. Madrid is known for Royal Palace of Madrid, Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Madrid Metro.
Madrid is the second-largest city in the European Union after Berlin, with over 3.4 million residents in the city proper
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. Its history stretches 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 1.5x larger than greater Madrid at 8,028 km². The Seoul metro area is also more populous, with 25.5 million people compared to 6.8 million.
Madrid has a population density of 5,513 people per km² — a densely populated city. Seoul, with 16,149 people per km², is an extremely dense urban environment. Seoul is noticeably denser, packing 2.9 times more people per square kilometer.
This comparison spans continents — Madrid in Europe versus Seoul in Asia. Despite the geographic distance, comparing their sizes reveals surprising insights about how cities grow worldwide.
Madrid has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate while Seoul experiences humid continental conditions. When it's noon in Seoul, it's 4:00 AM in Madrid — a 8-hour time difference.
Density Gap
Seoul is 2.9x more densely populated
Time Difference
8 hours apart
History
Seoul is ~870 years older
Madrid covers 604 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Seoul (605 km²), Mumbai (603 km²), Chicago (606 km²), Toronto (630 km²), or Hyderabad (650 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 Madrid to Seoul is 9,995 km (6,211 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~12h 16m.
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