Fukuoka, Japan → Seoul, South Korea · ✈ 1h 11min · 🚗 8h 47min
292 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: northwest
The distance from Fukuoka to Seoul is 540 km (336 miles). The fastest way to travel is by high-speed train. A high-speed train covers the distance in approximately 1h 56min.
The straight-line distance from Fukuoka, Japan to Seoul, South Korea is approximately 540 kilometers (336 miles or 292 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 Fukuoka. Fukuoka is in Asia, in the Kyushu region of Japan, while Seoul is in Asia, in Capital Area, South Korea. Both cities are in Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 540 km | ~1h 11min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~702 km | ~8h 47min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~621 km | ~1h 56min | Often faster than flying (no airport time) |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~648 km | ~5h 24min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: high-speed train is typically the best way to travel from Fukuoka to Seoul. For 540 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 702 km, fuel costs for driving from Fukuoka to Seoul are approximately $56–$105 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.
Fukuoka sits at 33.5904°N, 130.4017°E, while Seoul is located at 37.5665°N, 126.9780°E. The initial compass bearing from Fukuoka to Seoul is 326° (NW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Fukuoka 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 3.98° and the longitude difference is 3.42°. 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 Fukuoka and Seoul is approximately 35.5905°N, 128.7324°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 270 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 Fukuoka. When it is 09:00 in Fukuoka, 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.
Fukuoka uses the Japanese Yen (JPY), 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 Japanese in Fukuoka to Korean in Seoul. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Fukuoka is a major city in Japan with a population of approximately 1,603,043. Located in the Kyushu region, it is an important hub in Asia. Fukuoka is a significant metropolitan area in Japan 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
540 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 540 km, the Fukuoka-Seoul route is about 1.3% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 11min.
Combined, Fukuoka and Seoul have a population of over 11,379,043 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Fukuoka to Seoul is approximately 540 kilometers (336 miles, 292 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 11min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 8h 47min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Seoul is approximately -1h behind compared to Fukuoka.
The estimated road distance is approximately 702 km, which is about 30% longer than the 540 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.