Osaka, Japan → Seoul, South Korea · ✈ 1h 32min · 🚗 13h 28min
448 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: northwest
The distance from Osaka to Seoul is 829 km (515 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 32min.
The straight-line distance from Osaka, Japan to Seoul, South Korea is approximately 829 kilometers (515 miles or 448 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 Osaka. Osaka is in Asia, in the Kansai 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 | 829 km | ~1h 32min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,078 km | ~13h 28min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~953 km | ~2h 58min | Comfortable alternative to flying |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~995 km | ~8h 17min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Osaka to Seoul. For 829 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,078 km, fuel costs for driving from Osaka to Seoul are approximately $86–$162 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.
Osaka sits at 34.6937°N, 135.5023°E, while Seoul is located at 37.5665°N, 126.9780°E. The initial compass bearing from Osaka to Seoul is 295° (WNW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Osaka heading roughly WNW. 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 2.87° and the longitude difference is 8.52°. 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 Osaka and Seoul is approximately 36.2057°N, 131.3183°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 415 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 Osaka. When it is 09:00 in Osaka, 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.
Osaka 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 Osaka to Korean in Seoul. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Osaka is a major city in Japan with a population of approximately 2,753,862. Located in the Kansai region, it is an important hub in Asia. Osaka is a significant metropolitan area in Japan with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Osaka
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
829 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 829 km, the Osaka-Seoul route is about 2.1% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 32min.
Combined, Osaka and Seoul have a population of over 12,529,862 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Osaka to Seoul is approximately 829 kilometers (515 miles, 448 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 32min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 13h 28min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Seoul is approximately -1h behind compared to Osaka.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,078 km, which is about 30% longer than the 829 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.