Seoul, South Korea → Fukuoka, Japan · ✈ 1h 11min · 🚗 8h 47min
292 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: southeast
The distance from Seoul to Fukuoka 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 Seoul, South Korea to Fukuoka, Japan 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.
Fukuoka is located southeast of Seoul. Seoul is in Asia, in the Capital Area region of South Korea, while Fukuoka is in Asia, in Kyushu, Japan. 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 Seoul to Fukuoka. 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 Seoul to Fukuoka 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.
Seoul sits at 37.5665°N, 126.9780°E, while Fukuoka is located at 33.5904°N, 130.4017°E. The initial compass bearing from Seoul to Fukuoka is 144° (SE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Seoul heading roughly SE. 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 Seoul and Fukuoka 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.
Fukuoka is roughly 1 hour ahead of Seoul. When it is 09:00 in Seoul, it is approximately 10:00 in Fukuoka. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Seoul uses the South Korean Won (KRW), while Fukuoka uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). 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 Korean in Seoul to Japanese in Fukuoka. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Seoul is a major city in South Korea with a population of approximately 9,776,000. Located in the Capital Area region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in South Korea, Seoul is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Seoul
Fukuoka is a notable city in Japan with a population of approximately 1,603,043. Situated in the Kyushu region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Fukuoka offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Japan.
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 Seoul-Fukuoka route is about 1.3% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 11min.
Combined, Seoul and Fukuoka have a population of over 11,379,043 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Seoul to Fukuoka 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.
Fukuoka is approximately +1h ahead compared to Seoul.
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.