Is It Recommended to Visit South Korea after We Have Been to Japan?

Sailormoon on 01/06/2023 - 20:41

Hi all,

I have been to Japan a few times previously (one was in recent months). I am now thinking of doing a trip to South Korea for 2 weeks with my family. Everyone around me kept telling me I will most probably get disappointed and that we should go to South Korea before seeing Japan for the first time.

Hubby is a bit sceptical about Korea but lets see if I can change his mind. We are a family of four (kids are 11 and 9 yo) and thinking to visit during September school holiday.

So, if you have been to both Japan and South Korea, can you share your experiences, tips/hints or suggestions?

Thank you 🙏

Travel Asia South Korea

Comments

  • CyberMurning on 01/06/2023 - 20:49
    +4

    Well yeah

    One is sushi one is kimchi

    • prisonmike on 01/06/2023 - 21:08

      Now imagine eating sushi and kimchi together … yumza !!

  • starspawn on 01/06/2023 - 21:30
    +11

    You know Japan & South Korea are two separate countries, with their own culture, cuisine, history ect.

    "Everyone around me kept telling me I will most probably get disappointed and that we should go to South Korea before seeing Japan for the first time"

    But you just visited Japan recently?

  • helpme on 01/06/2023 - 21:35
    -7

    No, south korea sucks. Only good for make up and kpop

    • AustriaBargain on 01/06/2023 - 23:57

      Also a fantastic drinking culture.

      • Cyphar on 02/06/2023 - 09:33

        Typical Australian response. Focus on the booze lol.

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 02/06/2023 - 10:32

          And making components for most major electronic companies.

      • iridiumstem on 02/06/2023 - 22:06

        South Korean drinking culture is terrible though. Too many people getting smashed and acting like idiots.
        Normally people don't do something too stupid because of the CCTVs in street and the law enforcement being decent enough.
        Probably one of the few countries that is relatively safe at night, most part of the streets are lit and many of the shops are open really late (there are shops you can go to at 3~4am)

        Also the traditional alcoholic beverage side of things have died out with homebrewing being banned from Japanese occupation (allegedly, at least).
        They are making a come back, but I feel like the cause of the alcohol issues in Korea's probably the diluted Soju which is basically diluted spirits with additives.

        I will add that some of the more traditional alcoholic beverages were nice, I personally liked Munbae-ju and Leegang-ju.

  • Mechz on 01/06/2023 - 21:46
    +2

    Definitely go to SK, lots of similarities but many differences.

    The DMZ tour is something you should see with your own eyes.

  • DiLs on 01/06/2023 - 22:45
    +3

    Also visit North Korea

  • Usemame on 01/06/2023 - 23:59

    An option is to try South Korea enjoying food and alcohol. If you don't quite like it, flexi-flight to Japan perhaps?

  • iridiumstem on 02/06/2023 - 00:36
    +2

    South Korea is interesting in its own rights. I guess it really depends on what you are after I guess?
    Culturally speaking, I think both South Korea and Japan are very different (kinda like if you go to Europe, while you see similiarities, you would see differences).

  • Shadowsfury on 02/06/2023 - 08:05
    +2

    I'd say they are different enough that it is worth a trip. But I do also think Japan is the better country for tourism.

    I've spent a lot of time in both (perhaps 7 weeks in Japan as a tourist, and 3 months in Korea for work) and they are each worth a visit.

    That said Korea is much smaller and you'll get a good taste of it from even 7-10 days there (unlike Japan where there are SO many places to visit).

    • Mamajo on 09/06/2023 - 12:24

      My sentiments exactly.

  • eathb on 02/06/2023 - 08:44

    I did South Korea before Japan.

    Both are quite equal to me.

    Japan you will lose more hours/days just by the sheer travel. However since there is more happening in Japan, it might be the preference for a 2+ week trip.

  • KaTst3R on 02/06/2023 - 09:52

    Go on Youtube and search for "Korean Englishman Twins Series".

  • Soundwave on 02/06/2023 - 10:34

    I'm just wondering why your husband would be skeptical about South Korea.

    South Korea is a lovely country full of lovely people.

    I will say though, I found it to be not much of a tourist type destination but still a great experience. I went maybe 8 years ago, not sure how much has changed since.

    You and your family should go just for the experience.

    There was this forum post which you might want to look into regarding their travels in South Korea.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/778255

    If you're the type of family that likes to just get things done and travel here and there, maybe only do one week in Korea and then one week in Japan.

    But if you want to be casual on your holidays, then spend the full two weeks in South Korea.

  • Taro Milk Tea on 02/06/2023 - 14:25

    Do it the other way around. I found strolling in Korea is quiet Dead compare to Japan.

  • john71 on 10/06/2023 - 06:31
    -3

    All you'll find in South Korea are xenophobes and frostbite.

    It's a rubbish country, particularly in winter. Don't even think of walking around Seoul at night with a cute Korean girl on your arm.

  • Billy Boy on 12/06/2023 - 14:25

    Stay away from Korea. Foreigners are not welcome.

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