Which city has better public transportation?

Both cities have world-class metro systems, but Tokyo has 14 subway lines versus Seoul's 9 lines. Seoul edges out Tokyo in walkability (91 vs 89) and English signage clarity.

Is English widely spoken in both cities?

Seoul has significantly better English proficiency with more bilingual signs and staff. Tokyo requires more effort navigating without Japanese language knowledge, though major tourist areas have English support.

Which city is better for technology enthusiasts?

Seoul excels with faster internet speeds (256 Mbps), higher smartphone penetration (95%), and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. Tokyo matches in innovation but Seoul leads in connectivity.

What is the best time to visit each city?

Tokyo: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November). Seoul: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October), though winter air quality can be challenging.

Which city attracts more international visitors?

Tokyo attracts 14.9 million annual international visitors compared to Seoul's 12.6 million, reflecting its status as Asia's most visited metropolitan area.

Tokyo vs Seoul

Updated April 1, 2026

Tokyo

Capital of Japan and world's largest metropolitan area with cutting-edge technology and traditional culture.

Culture enthusiasts, food lovers, technology seekers, and travelers with higher budgets

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Seoul

South Korea's vibrant capital offering modern K-pop culture, excellent cuisine, and high-tech infrastructure at better value.

Budget travelers, tech enthusiasts, K-culture fans, and digital nomads

Short Answer

Tokyo is the world's largest metropolitan area with superior infrastructure and cultural diversity, while Seoul offers better value, faster internet, and a more compact experience. Choose based on budget, pace preference, and interests in traditional versus modern Asian culture.

Our Verdict

Both cities are world-class destinations with distinct advantages. Choose Tokyo for world-leading infrastructure, diverse cultural experiences, and iconic landmarks, or select Seoul for better affordability, superior connectivity, and a more intimate urban experience. Budget-conscious travelers and tech enthusiasts may prefer Seoul, while those seeking maximum diversity and scale should pick Tokyo.

Tokyo6.7

8.3Seoul

Choose Tokyo if

Culture enthusiasts, food lovers, technology seekers, and travelers with higher budgets

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Key Differences at a Glance

👥

Population: Tokyo wins (37.4 million vs 9.9 million)

💰

Cost of Living Index: Seoul wins (72 vs 87)

⚡

Internet Speed (Mbps): Seoul wins (256 vs 218)

See all 8 differences

Key Facts & Figures

Metric	Tokyo	Seoul	Diff
Metropolitan Population(millions)	37.4	9.9	+278%
Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom)(USD)	$1,050	$775	+35%
Cost of Living Index(Comparative %)	87	72	+21%

Key Differences

Tokyo

Attribute

Seoul

37.4 million🏆

Population

9.9 million

Cost of Living Index

72🏆

218

Internet Speed (Mbps)

256🏆

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Last updated: April 1, 2026AI generated

Choose Seoul if

Budget travelers, tech enthusiasts, K-culture fans, and digital nomads

All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated May 2026.

Extensive (14 lines)

Public Transport Coverage

Very Extensive (9 lines)

$900-1,200

Average Monthly Rent (1BR)

$650-900🏆

Walkability Score

91🏆

14.9🏆

Annual Tourists (millions)

12.6

Moderate

English Proficiency Level

High🏆

Population

Tokyo

37.4 million🏆

Seoul

9.9 million

Cost of Living Index

Tokyo

Seoul

72🏆

Internet Speed (Mbps)

Tokyo

218

Seoul

256🏆

Public Transport Coverage

Tokyo

Extensive (14 lines)

Seoul

Very Extensive (9 lines)

Average Monthly Rent (1BR)

Tokyo

$900-1,200

Seoul

$650-900🏆

Walkability Score

Tokyo

Seoul

91🏆

Annual Tourists (millions)

Tokyo

14.9🏆

Seoul

12.6

English Proficiency Level

Tokyo

Moderate

Seoul

High🏆

Full Comparison

Attribute	Tokyo	Seoul

Metropolitan Population(millions)	37.4	9.9

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom)(USD)	$1,050	$775
Average Daily Budget (Mid-range)(USD)	$120-150	$80-110

Cost of Living Index(Comparative %)	87	72

Average Internet Speed(Mbps)	218	256
Smartphone Penetration Rate(percent)	82	95

Walkability Score(score)	89	91

Subway Lines(count)	14	9

Annual International Visitors(millions)	14.9	12.6

English Proficiency(level)	Moderate	High

Michelin-Starred Restaurants(count)	400+	180+

Air Quality Index (Annual Average)(AQI)	52	68

Tokyo

Seoul

Metropolitan Population(millions)

37.4

9.9

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom)(USD)

$1,050

$775

Average Daily Budget (Mid-range)(USD)

$120-150

$80-110

Cost of Living Index(Comparative %)

Average Internet Speed(Mbps)

218

256

Smartphone Penetration Rate(percent)

Walkability Score(score)

Subway Lines(count)

Annual International Visitors(millions)

14.9

12.6

English Proficiency(level)

Moderate

High

Michelin-Starred Restaurants(count)

400+

180+

Air Quality Index (Annual Average)(AQI)

Visual Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes