Tokyo
2,194 km²
Seoul
605 km²
Japan
South Korea
Area Comparison
Tokyo is 3.6x larger than Seoul
Population Comparison
Tokyo has 1.4x more people than Seoul
In terms of area, Tokyo is 3.6x the size of Seoul. 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 Tokyo's size in perspective, its area of 2,194 km² is about 1.1x smaller than Moscow. Meanwhile, Seoul at 605 km² is about 1.3x smaller than New York City.
Tokyo's footprint is roughly about 307,000 American football fields, 37 times the area of Manhattan, or 21 times the area of Paris — pick whichever unit feels intuitive. For Seoul, that's about 85,000 American football fields, 180 times the area of Central Park, or 10 times the area of Manhattan.
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.
Known as "Eastern Capital", Tokyo covers 2,194 km² with a population of 14.0 million. The city was established in 1457. Tokyo is known for Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Tokyo Metro & JR East.
Greater Tokyo holds 41 million residents as of 2024, making it the most populous metropolitan area on Earth.
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 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.
Tokyo has a population density of 6,363 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 2.5 times more people per square kilometer.
Both cities are in Asia, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Tokyo (Japan) and Seoul (South Korea) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate while Seoul experiences humid continental 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
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).
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 Tokyo to Seoul 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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