egondo

Well, I'm planning for my family trip this summer (early July to be precise), wondering which of the two is better to visit. In terms, of cost, places to see, and etc. Any FTers who visit the two regularly have any ideas?

regards

ccyao

Japan.

jpatokal

I like 'em both, but if I had to pick one, I'd also pip for Japan. More things to see, more approachable food, easier to get around without knowing the local lingo, etc.

Korea does remain somewhat cheaper than Japan, but with the yen at record lows, Japan isn't expensive either at the moment.

egondo

What about the food? Well i know its subjective, but maybe some of us have any preferences on whether japanese/korean foods are better

Thanks anyway for the answers, appreciate it!

BuildingMyBento

FYI, planning for an early July trip might augur rainstorms in both countries.

Also, both countries have potable water, and food handling/preparation standards are generally laudable.

tentseller

In Asia, such discussion is taboo!

craz

A while ago I asked some friends the same question, they answered me OK if you can hit the DMZ when you are there (not always open) then what will you do after that, and if you cant hit the DMZ what will you do the whole time you are there.

Basically there are many places to go and see in Japan , while Korea seems not to offer much of anything. Since asking that question Ive been to Tokyo and Kyoto (different trips) and plan on going back. Korea was the only place I ever asked people about that basically answered me "Boring" and not much to do if its not a biz trip.

BuildingMyBento

You can thank Japan for some of that...

There are some nifty grottoes in the south, cool hikes abound and food markets are all worth a visit. If one is interested in modern architecture/urban planning, Seoul is also worth a visit in that respect.

At the same time, I have ZERO interest in hallyu, which is what drives much tourism to the RoK these days.

glennaa11

That would be my main reason for going!

Japan is much larger of course. I wonder if people only think of Seoul when they think of Korea the way people only think of Taipei when they think of Taiwan.

Arirang TV (English language network available online http://www.arirang.co.kr/player/onair_tv.asp ) has lots of travel programs and Korea Today which often has segments on things to do and see.

Personally I think both are worth a visit

BuildingMyBento

My one hallyu concession, if it's even related- I want to visit that waterfall!

monahos

In the first half of July, Korea is at its wettest, with frequent and heavy monsoon rains. Some Seoulites I know prefer to head overseas at the time. It does make for a lush countryside, though.

Japan, while hot and humid, will see more sporadic rain and blue skies in July, June being the cloudiest month in central Japan.

For a first visit to East Asia in early July, Japan is probably the better choice, especially with the current exchange rate making it the most affordable it has been in many years.
Korea is better left for visitors with a specific interest in the country's culture, whether ancient or modern. To someone who has followed its progress over the years, it has a dynamism which has eluded Japan lately.

P.S. all the above posters answered from a western perspective. As the OP is based in southeast Asia, I'd say both destinations could be equally interesting

RustyC

I did a 3-day stopover in Seoul last summer and the summer before and can confirm the bit about rain and humidity. The city has some massive museums for art and the Korean war, and it's pretty easy to get around. OTOH, transit in Japan also is good, and the depressed yen may present a unique opportunity.

jpatokal

Generalizing broadly here, but Korean food tends to be pretty heavy on chilli, garlic and fermented foodstuffs, and can be a bit of an acquired taste. Japanese food is lighter and less spiced, and tends to be more palatable to the average Westerner.

wanderlustoz

Japan is bigger country with more interesting sites and probably better transport. But it's like asking whether you should go to France or Spain. Or Brazil or Argentina. It depends on what you want to get out of it.

In terms of cost Korea is probably cheaper, but not as huge a difference as perhaps a couple decades ago.

rizayosia

I have visited both. I think Japan offers more things to see. If this is your first time, I suggest that you go to Japan. Make sure that you take advantage of the JR pass for travelling around the country with shinkansen.