Busan, South Korea → Seoul, South Korea · ✈ 54 min · 🚗 5h 17min
175 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: northwest
The distance from Busan to Seoul is 325 km (202 miles). The fastest way to travel is by high-speed train. A high-speed train covers the distance in approximately 1h 10min.
The straight-line distance from Busan, South Korea to Seoul, South Korea is approximately 325 kilometers (202 miles or 175 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 northwest of Busan. Busan is in Asia, in the Southeast region of South Korea, while Seoul is in Asia, in Capital Area, South Korea. Both cities are in Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 325 km | ~54 min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~423 km | ~5h 17min | Convenient and flexible |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~374 km | ~1h 10min | Often faster than flying (no airport time) |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~390 km | ~3h 15min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: high-speed train is typically the best way to travel from Busan to Seoul. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 423 km, fuel costs for driving from Busan to Seoul are approximately $34–$63 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.
Busan sits at 35.1796°N, 129.0756°E, while Seoul is located at 37.5665°N, 126.9780°E. The initial compass bearing from Busan to Seoul is 325° (NW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Busan heading roughly NW. 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 2.39° and the longitude difference is 2.10°. 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 Busan and Seoul is approximately 36.3776°N, 128.0429°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 163 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Seoul is roughly 1 hour behind Busan. When it is 09:00 in Busan, it is approximately 08:00 in Seoul. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Busan is a major city in South Korea with a population of approximately 3,429,000. Located in the Southeast region, it is an important hub in Asia. Busan is a significant metropolitan area in South Korea with good domestic and international transport connections.
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
325 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.
The distance from Busan to Seoul (325 km) is roughly equivalent to 8 marathon distances laid end to end.
Combined, Busan and Seoul have a population of over 13,205,000 people, making this a major urban corridor.
At just 325 km within South Korea, the Busan–Seoul corridor is well-suited for a day trip or weekend getaway. Consider driving for flexibility, or check regional rail connections for a hassle-free journey.
The straight-line distance from Busan to Seoul is approximately 325 kilometers (202 miles, 175 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 54 min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 5h 17min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Seoul is approximately -1h behind compared to Busan.
The estimated road distance is approximately 423 km, which is about 30% longer than the 325 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.