Beijing, China → Seoul, South Korea · ✈ 1h 41min · 🚗 15h 28min
514 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: southeast
The distance from Beijing to Seoul is 952 km (592 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 41min.
The straight-line distance from Beijing, China to Seoul, South Korea is approximately 952 kilometers (592 miles or 514 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Seoul is located southeast of Beijing. Beijing is in Asia, in the Hebei region of China, while Seoul is in Asia, in Capital Area, South Korea. Both cities are in Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 952 km | ~1h 41min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,238 km | ~15h 28min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~1,095 km | ~3h 24min | Comfortable alternative to flying |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,142 km | ~9h 31min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Beijing to Seoul. For 952 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,238 km, fuel costs for driving from Beijing to Seoul are approximately $99–$186 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Beijing sits at 39.9042°N, 116.4074°E, while Seoul is located at 37.5665°N, 126.9780°E. The initial compass bearing from Beijing to Seoul is 102° (ESE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Beijing heading roughly ESE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 2.34° and the longitude difference is 10.57°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Beijing and Seoul is approximately 38.8545°N, 121.7794°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 476 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Beijing and Seoul share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Beijing uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY), while Seoul uses the South Korean Won (KRW). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. The primary local language shifts from Mandarin in Beijing to Korean in Seoul. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Beijing is a major city in China with a population of approximately 21,540,000. Located in the Hebei region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in China, Beijing is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Beijing
Seoul is a notable city in South Korea with a population of approximately 9,776,000. Situated in the Capital Area region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Seoul is one of South Korea's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Seoul
952 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 952 km, the Beijing-Seoul route is about 2.4% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 41min.
Combined, Beijing and Seoul have a population of over 31,316,000 people, making this a major urban corridor.
See how the Beijing to Seoul distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Beijing to Seoul is approximately 952 kilometers (592 miles, 514 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 41min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 15h 28min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Seoul is approximately Same timezone compared to Beijing.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,238 km, which is about 30% longer than the 952 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.