Sapporo, Japan → Seoul, South Korea · ✈ 2h 12min · 🚗 22h 7min
735 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: southwest
The distance from Sapporo to Seoul is 1,361 km (846 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 12min.
The straight-line distance from Sapporo, Japan to Seoul, South Korea is approximately 1,361 kilometers (846 miles or 735 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 southwest of Sapporo. Sapporo is in Asia, in the Hokkaido 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 | 1,361 km | ~2h 12min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,769 km | ~22h 7min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~1,565 km | ~4h 52min | Comfortable alternative to flying |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,633 km | ~13h 37min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Sapporo to Seoul. For 1,361 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,769 km, fuel costs for driving from Sapporo to Seoul are approximately $142–$265 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.
Sapporo sits at 43.0618°N, 141.3545°E, while Seoul is located at 37.5665°N, 126.9780°E. The initial compass bearing from Sapporo to Seoul is 248° (WSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Sapporo heading roughly WSW. 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 5.50° and the longitude difference is 14.38°. 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 Sapporo and Seoul is approximately 40.5370°N, 133.8720°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 681 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 Sapporo. When it is 09:00 in Sapporo, 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.
Sapporo 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 Sapporo to Korean in Seoul. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Sapporo is a major city in Japan with a population of approximately 1,973,395. Located in the Hokkaido region, it is an important hub in Asia. Sapporo 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
1,361 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,361 km, the Sapporo-Seoul route is about 3.4% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 2h 12min.
Combined, Sapporo and Seoul have a population of over 11,749,395 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Sapporo to Seoul is approximately 1,361 kilometers (846 miles, 735 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 12min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 22h 7min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Seoul is approximately -1h behind compared to Sapporo.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,769 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,361 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.