Seoul
605 km²
Taipei
272 km²
South Korea
Taiwan
Area Comparison
Seoul is 2.2x larger than Taipei
Population Comparison
Seoul has 3.7x more people than Taipei
Seoul is significantly larger, covering 2.2 times the area of Taipei. Seoul spans 605 km² (234 mi²) while Taipei covers 272 km² (105 mi²) — a difference of 333 km². You could fit Taipei inside Seoul approximately 2 times.
To put Seoul's size in perspective, its area of 605 km² is about 1.3x smaller than New York City. Meanwhile, Taipei at 272 km² is about 1.2x the size of Amsterdam.
In more relatable units, Seoul's 605 km² is about 85,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Central Park, or 10 times the area of Manhattan. Taipei, by comparison, equals about 38,000 American football fields, 130 times the area of Monaco, or 80 times the area of Central Park.
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 covers 605 km² with a population of 9.8 million. The city was founded around 18 BC. Seoul is known for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gangnam district, Myeongdong shopping, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is 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.
Taipei, officially Taipei City, is the capital and a special municipality of Taiwan. Located in Northern Taiwan, Taipei City is an enclave of the municipality of New Taipei City that sits about 25 kilometres (16 mi) southwest of the northern port city of Keelung. Most of the city rests on the Taipei Basin, an ancient lakebed. The basin is bounded by the relatively narrow valleys of the Keelung and Xindian rivers, which join to form the Tamsui River along the city's western border.
Taipei has an area of 272 km² and is home to 2.6 million people. The city dates back to 1709. Visitors come for Taipei 101 tower, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, Shilin Night Market, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Taipei Metro (MRT).
Most of Taipei rests on the Taipei Basin, an ancient lakebed bounded by narrow river valleys.
Looking beyond city limits, the Seoul metropolitan area covers 11,704 km², which is 4.8x larger than greater Taipei at 2,458 km². The Seoul metro area is also more populous, with 25.5 million people compared to 7.0 million.
Seoul has a population density of 16,149 people per km² — an extremely dense urban environment. Taipei, with 9,743 people per km², is a densely populated city. Seoul is noticeably denser, packing 1.7 times more people per square kilometer.
Both cities are in Asia, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Seoul (South Korea) and Taipei (Taiwan) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Seoul has a humid continental climate while Taipei experiences humid subtropical conditions. Winters differ dramatically: Taipei stays around 16°C while Seoul drops to -3°C.
Size Ratio
Taipei fits inside Seoul ~2 times
Density Gap
Seoul is 1.7x more densely populated
History
Seoul is ~1,727 years older
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).
Taipei covers 272 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Edinburgh (259 km²), Kuala Lumpur (243 km²), Munich (311 km²), Boston (232 km²), or Osaka (225 km²).
The straight-line distance from Seoul to Taipei is 1,485 km (923 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~2h 15m.
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