In short:
For a first stay in Asia, Seoul is required if you are looking for reduced transport costs and reduced formalities, while Tokyo offers an exceptional urban experience for a higher budget.
- Administrative formalities: South Korea grants a temporary exemption from K-ETA to French citizens until December 31, 2026, reducing entry proceedings.
- Transport from the airport: The Incheon-Seoul express route costs 13,000 KRW with Larex, against 2,619 JPY for the Keisei Skyliner between Narita and Tokyo.
- Urban trips: The 72-hour subway pass in Tokyo costs JPY 1,500, while the 3-day Climate Card in Seoul rises to KRW 10,000.
- Mandatory taxes: Japan prepares your departure with an international tax of 3,000 JPY applied at the exit of the territory.
Seoul or Tokyo: cost and transport comparison in 2026
Choosing between Seoul and Tokyo for a first stay in Asia is often based on daily budget management and ease of access to the local transport network. The two capitals offer world-class infrastructure, but their tariff structures and administrative requirements differ markedly.
| Comparison criterion | Seoul (South Korea) | Tokyo (Japan) |
|---|---|---|
| Airport-Centre (Express) connection | 13,000 KRW (Arex Express) | 2,619 JPY (Keisei Skyliner with IC card) |
| Airport-Centre (Omnibus) connection | 5,350 KRW (AREX All-Stop) | Not available at direct equivalent rate |
| Base metro fare | 1,550 KRW (with transport card) | 178 JPY (Tokyo Metro with IC card) |
| Unlimited transport pass (3 days) | 10,000 KRW (Climate Card) | 1,500 JPY (Tokyo Subway Ticket 72h) |
| Acquisition cost Physical card | 3,000 KRW to 4,000 KRW (T-Money, non-refundable) | 500 JPY (Suica, refundable deposit) |
| Hotel tourist tax (per night) | Variable depending on the establishment | 100 JPY to 200 JPY (according to room rate) |
| International departure tax | Included in the plane ticket | 3,000 JPY per passenger |
How to manage your transport on arrival from the airport?
The arrival at destination is often the first orientation test for novice travelers in Asia. The two metropolises have fast rail connections, but the price differences are clearly visible from the terminal.
In Seoul, AirPort Railroad Co., Ltd. Operates the AREX train from Dincheon International Airport. The direct journey to Seoul station costs 13,000 KRW in express version. To reduce spending, the OMNIBUS ALL-STOP omnibus train takes the same route with a few additional stops for 5,350 KRW Laller single.
In Tokyo, the connection from Narita airport to Nippori station via the Keisei Skyliner, managed by Keisei Electric Railway, amounts to 2,619 JPY Laler single by setting with an IC card. Japanese logistics require higher financial anticipation right out of the plane.
What is the real cost of daily subway trips?
The metro is the preferred way to travel through these two megacities. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the base rate for a subway ride to Seoul is set at 1,550 KRW when using a prepaid transport card. The purchase of the T-Money physical card requests a non-repayable initial investment of between KRW 3,000 and 4,000 from T-Money Co., Ltd.
For a short stay in Seoul, the Metropolitan Government offers the Climate Card. The 3-day version costs 10,000 KRW for unlimited access to transport, to which is added the purchase price of the physical card at 3,000 KRW.
In Tokyo, Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. Sets the basic ticket to 178 JPY with an IC card (or 180 JPY for a paper ticket). To obtain a Suica Physical Card from East Japan Railway Company (JR East), a mandatory security deposit of 500 JPY is deducted, but this amount remains refundable when returning the card.
The Tokyo Subway Ticket Tourist Pass (jointly operated by Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. and Toei Transportation) is particularly profitable: it offers 72 hours of unlimited travel across the entire metro network for 1,500 JPY.
What entry formalities and taxes anticipate in 2026?
The administrative procedures condition the tranquility of your departure. Both countries have modernized their access, but some direct taxes need to be taken into account in your overall budget.
For South Korea, the K-ETA electronic authorization issued by the Department of Justice normally costs KRW 10,000 per person. However, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea confirms a temporary exemption from K-ETA for French citizens, valid until December 31, 2026. This measure simplifies the steps prior to the trip.
For Japan, the online visit Japan Web system, set up by the Digital Agency of Japan (Digital Agency of Japan), allows you to register free of charge (0 JPY) immigration and customs formalities before boarding. At the end of your stay, the National Tax Agency of Japan (National Tax Agency of Japan) levies an international departure fee of 3,000 JPY per passenger.
Finally, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government applies a hotel tax calculated per night and per person. For a room with a rate varies between JPY 10,000 and JPY 14,999 per night, the tax amounts to JPY 100. If overnight reaches or exceeds 15,000 JPY, the amount increases to JPY 200 per person per night.
frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay an exit tax when traveling to Japan?
Yes, the National Tax Agency of Japan sets the international starting tax at 3,000 JPY per passenger. This amount is deducted at the time of your departure from the Japanese territory, generally included directly in the cost of the return plane ticket.
Is K-ETA’s request chargeable to travel to Seoul?
The official costs of the Korean Ministry of Justice amount to KRW 10,000. Nevertheless, French citizens benefit from a temporary exemption from K-ETA granted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism until December 31, 2026.
Which transport card is the most advantageous in Tokyo?
The 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket, offered at 1,500 JPY by Tokyo Metro and Toei, is ideal for unlimited travel. For trips outside the metro, a Suica card can be purchased with a refundable deposit of 500 JPY from JR East.
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