Seoul, South Korea → Osaka, Japan · ✈ 1h 32min · 🚗 13h 28min
448 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: southeast
The distance from Seoul to Osaka 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 Seoul, South Korea to Osaka, Japan 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.
Osaka is located southeast of Seoul. Seoul is in Asia, in the Capital Area region of South Korea, while Osaka is in Asia, in Kansai, Japan. 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 Seoul to Osaka. 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 Seoul to Osaka 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.
Seoul sits at 37.5665°N, 126.9780°E, while Osaka is located at 34.6937°N, 135.5023°E. The initial compass bearing from Seoul to Osaka is 110° (ESE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Seoul heading roughly ESE. 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 Seoul and Osaka 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.
Osaka is roughly 1 hour ahead of Seoul. When it is 09:00 in Seoul, it is approximately 10:00 in Osaka. 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 Osaka 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 Osaka. 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
Osaka is a notable city in Japan with a population of approximately 2,753,862. Situated in the Kansai region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Osaka offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Japan.
→ See all distances from Osaka
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 Seoul-Osaka route is about 2.1% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 32min.
Combined, Seoul and Osaka have a population of over 12,529,862 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Seoul to Osaka 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.
Osaka is approximately +1h ahead compared to Seoul.
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.