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Japan and South Korea are longtime rivals that, at first look, can seem a bit alike; in any case, each are fashionable, mountainous East Asian international locations with rocky coastlines, wealthy cultures, and temples galore. Nevertheless, for those who scratch beneath the floor, one can find that these are literally two very totally different locations, every providing up its personal distinctive splendors. Right here we check out their stunning similarities and key variations as we measurement them up, side-by-side.
Similarities
Let’s begin with the similarities. Japan and South Korea are lands of rugged pure magnificence, the place the traditional meets the hyper-modern. The mountains supply up numerous alternatives for climbing and winter sports activities, whereas the coasts are dotted with sandy seashores, sleepy fishing villages, and islands ripe for exploration. The cities of each international locations are thrumming metropolises of taxis, trains, eating places, bars, and seemingly limitless neon-lit pleasure, whereas outdoors of the city areas you possibly can absorb the languid rhythms of verdant valleys, rice fields, and picturesque temples nestled among the many pines.
Nevertheless, one have a look at these temples will spotlight very elementary variations between the 2 international locations. Korean temples are finished up in daring, vivid colours, whereas their Japanese counterparts are sometimes made of lovely, unpainted wooden. This serves as an excellent metaphor for each cultures: Korea tends to be splashy, quick, and at occasions over-the-top, whereas Japan is all about subtlety and understatement.
Meals
Each locations are worthy locations for the delicacies alone, however a meal or two in every nation will reveal stark contrasts. Japanese meals depends on delicate flavors, steadiness, and a complete lot of umami, whereas Korean delicacies is spicy, salty, candy, bitter, and completely in-your-face. A Japanese meal can typically appear virtually too fairly to eat, with parts that by no means exceed cause; Koreans are much less involved with aesthetics and extra eager about a hearty eating expertise that’s assured to fill each abdomen on the desk (after which some).
Really feel
Japan is an orderly society, the place public manners are paramount. The streets are clear to a degree approaching immaculate, and even the largest cities possess a serenity that’s at occasions otherworldly (with maybe the exception of Osaka, the rowdiest of Japanese burgs). It’s a really quiet place.
South Korea, then again, is cacophonous and infrequently raucous, the place Okay-pop blares from cellphone outlets and distributors hawk strawberries, clams, watermelons, and dwell octopuses by way of loudspeakers mounted on the cabs of transferring flatbed vehicles. In Japan, practically everybody obeys the foundations and acts with consideration for others; in South Korea, queuing up for the bus remains to be extra of a suggestion than a requirement, strolling and smoking is commonplace, and outdated women don’t have any compunction about shoving their means by means of crowds (watch out for granny elbows).
That stated, South Korea’s comparative chaos additionally injects the environment with vitality and verve. The joy crackling within the air is infectious, and while you stroll by means of its conventional markets or alongside these serpentine alleys and bustling streets you possibly can’t assist however really feel that you simply’re a part of one thing important. It’s a rustic that by no means fails to really feel alive.
Worth
Value, after all, is at all times a priority when touring, and Japan generally is a considerably expensive vacation spot, particularly when contemplating lodging, transportation, and meals. That stated, the Japanese are perfectionists, so that you’ll virtually at all times get what you pay for. High quality and a spotlight to element will likely be discovered at even the humblest ramen stand, as folks in any respect ranges of society take severe satisfaction of their work. Japanese taxis are a fantastic instance of this: whereas not low-cost, they’re with out fail shiny, clear, and pushed by older gents who train each courtesy to each their passengers and fellow motorists.
Not all the things in Japan will break the financial institution, nonetheless. When the alternate fee is favorable, your cash can go a great distance, and also you’ll discover no better comfort shops on the planet, which might present not simply drinks and snacks, however even first rate meals on the go. And for those who’re a fan of whiskey, there’s no place on earth with each the choice and cut-rate costs than Japan. It’s a whiskey-lover’s dream.
South Korea, on the entire, is simpler on the pockets. Good lodging will be had at cheap charges and native meals are sometimes low-cost. Transportation is plentiful and surprisingly inexpensive—particularly taxis—however among the drivers will make you second guess your choice to get into their cabs. South Korea is the land of bali-bali (“hurry hurry”) tradition, and nowhere is that this extra obvious than on the highway, so it’s price stressing to your taxi driver that you simply’re not in a rush.
Aesthetic
Japan is a rustic of designers, a spot the place virtually all the things appears cool. The structure is at all times attention-grabbing and pleasing to the attention, with delicate touches and thrives which can be the proper mixture of kind and performance. The agricultural villages are so good of their development and format that they appear to be film units, and the multihued restaurant and store indicators all through the nation resemble items of artwork. Japan has additionally lengthy been a middle of cutting-edge youth vogue, with the streets of Tokyo and Osaka at occasions feeling like real-life catwalks.
South Korea developed later than Japan, a lot of it feels model new. The cities are full of gleaming skyscrapers and excessive rises, and most each automobile on the highway appears prefer it simply rolled off the lot. The nation is now a cultural powerhouse as effectively, punching effectively above its weight within the export of pop music, movie, and tv reveals. Koreans are very happy with the truth that their nation—as soon as one of many poorest on the planet—is now seemed to as a worldwide trendsetter.
Folks
When each locations, crucial factor to think about is the folks, and the residents of every nation shine in their very own means. The Japanese are calm, unfailingly well mannered, and quietly proud. Additionally they possess a kindness and generosity that’s by no means performative, and can typically exit of their approach to make friends really feel snug. This may are available many types, whether or not it’s a small bow, helping a misplaced vacationer with instructions, and even quietly paying the tab for a stranger’s meal or drink.
Koreans are very totally different in that they have an inclination to put on their hearts on their sleeves. They aren’t shy to precise their feelings, which suggests you often know the place you stand straight away. They giggle loudly and are wanting to please. Koreans will be very delicate about how they’re considered by the remainder of the world, and consequently they’re extraordinarily eager to current their nation in its absolute best mild. You will notice this particularly with meals. It’s not unusual for international guests to be waved over to a desk or mountaintop picnic, the place the locals will insist that you simply share of their meal, full with a shot or two of soju to scrub all of it down.
Each of those international locations are the vacation spot you’ve been ready for, however why hearken to us? Discover out for your self! Discover our Japan and South Korea mixture itineraries on the InsideAsia web site for extra inspiration.
Chris Tharp is the creator of “Dispatches from the Peninsula” and “The Worst Bike in Laos”. His award-winning writing has appeared in Nationwide Geographic Traveller (UK), Asia Instances, Inexperienced Mountains Evaluation, enRoute Journal, and different publications. He lives in Busan, South Korea along with his spouse and a houseful of animals.
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