Seoul, South Korea → Taipei, Taiwan · ✈ 2h 21min · 🚗 24h 8min
802 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: southwest
The distance from Seoul to Taipei is 1,485 km (923 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 21min.
The straight-line distance from Seoul, South Korea to Taipei, Taiwan is approximately 1,485 kilometers (923 miles or 802 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Taipei is located southwest of Seoul. Seoul is in Asia, in the Capital Area region of South Korea, while Taipei is in Asia, in Northern Taiwan, Taiwan. Both cities are in Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,485 km | ~2h 21min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,931 km | ~24h 8min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~1,708 km | ~5h 18min | Comfortable alternative to flying |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,782 km | ~14h 51min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Seoul to Taipei. For 1,485 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,931 km, fuel costs for driving from Seoul to Taipei are approximately $154–$290 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 Taipei is located at 25.0330°N, 121.5654°E. The initial compass bearing from Seoul to Taipei is 202° (SSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Seoul heading roughly SSW. 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 12.53° and the longitude difference is 5.41°. 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 Taipei is approximately 31.3280°N, 124.0909°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 743 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Seoul and Taipei share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. 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 Taipei uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). 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 Mandarin in Taipei. 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
Taipei is a notable city in Taiwan with a population of approximately 2,646,204. Situated in the Northern Taiwan region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Taipei offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Taiwan.
→ See all distances from Taipei
1,485 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 1,485 km, the Seoul-Taipei route is about 3.7% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 2h 21min.
Combined, Seoul and Taipei have a population of over 12,422,204 people, making this a major urban corridor.
See how the Seoul to Taipei distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Seoul to Taipei is approximately 1,485 kilometers (923 miles, 802 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 21min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 24h 8min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Taipei is approximately Same timezone compared to Seoul.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,931 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,485 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.