Seoul
605 km²
Tokyo
2,194 km²
South Korea
Japan
Area Comparison
Seoul is 3.6x smaller than Tokyo
Population Comparison
Seoul has 1.4x fewer people than Tokyo
Yes — Tokyo is 3.6x larger than Seoul by area. Tokyo spans 2,194 km² (847 mi²) while Seoul covers 605 km² (234 mi²) — a difference of 1,589 km². You could fit Seoul inside Tokyo approximately 3 times.
To put Seoul's size in perspective, its area of 605 km² is about 1.3x smaller than New York City. Meanwhile, Tokyo at 2,194 km² is about 1.1x smaller than Moscow.
Picture Seoul another way: its area is large enough to fit about 85,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Central Park, or 10 times the area of Manhattan. Tokyo, by comparison, equals about 307,000 American football fields, 37 times the area of Manhattan, or 21 times the area of Paris.
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.
Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital and most populous city of Japan. With a population of over 14 million in the city proper in 2023, it is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and parts of six neighboring prefectures, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with 41 million residents as of 2024.
Often called "Eastern Capital", Tokyo has an area of 2,194 km² and is home to 14.0 million people. It was established in 1457. Visitors come for Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Tokyo Metro & JR East.
Greater Tokyo holds 41 million residents as of 2024, making it the most populous metropolitan area on Earth.
Looking beyond city limits, the Tokyo metropolitan area covers 13,572 km², which is 1.2x larger than greater Seoul at 11,704 km². The Tokyo metro area is also more populous, with 37.4 million people compared to 25.5 million.
Seoul has a population density of 16,149 people per km² — an extremely dense urban environment. Tokyo, with 6,363 people per km², is a densely populated city. Seoul is noticeably denser, packing 2.5 times more people per square kilometer.
Both cities are in Asia, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Seoul (South Korea) and Tokyo (Japan) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Seoul has a humid continental climate while Tokyo experiences humid subtropical conditions.
Size Ratio
Seoul fits inside Tokyo ~3 times
Density Gap
Seoul is 2.5x more densely populated
History
Seoul is ~1,475 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).
Tokyo covers 2,194 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Ho Chi Minh City (2,061 km²), Shenzhen (1,997 km²), Cape Town (2,455 km²), Moscow (2,511 km²), or Lima (2,672 km²).
The straight-line distance from Seoul to Tokyo is 1,149 km (714 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~1h 51m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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