It seems evaluating nations isn’t all that straightforward to do…not less than, not with out a little assist.
You may be below the impression that deciding which vacation spot to journey to is the straightforward half, however the determination turns into quite a bit trickier if you’re selecting between two breathtaking Asian nations – Japan and South Korea.
Japan has the custom and the meals, however South Korea has the town of Seoul and Ok-pop so how are you supposed to choose one?
To aid you out with this nearly not possible dilemma, we’ve put collectively a complete information evaluating the 2 nations in the case of tradition, landscapes, climate, delicacies, and cities so you possibly can jet off figuring out you made the proper selection.
Culture
Japan may be the land of futuristic expertise and merchandising machines that promote every part below the solar (no actually, you should purchase contemporary lobsters and fortunate charms) however its historic tradition dates again hundreds of years with traditions influenced by Confucianism (launched in AD285) and Buddhism (launched in AD522).
Although there are a number of parts of old-school Japanese tradition practiced all through main cities and rural areas equivalent to tea ceremonies, sumo actions, bowing, geishas, and kendo, it’s truly Japan’s newer generations which are setting the cultural tone lately in a fast-paced world filled with avant-garde trend and digital realities.
However, there’s nonetheless a give attention to core conventional values equivalent to modesty, respect, and self-discipline however that is extra current within the older technology with the nation’s younger folks preferring a lifetime of flamboyancy and ostentation.
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Thinking about South Korea’s tradition may be overwhelming contemplating it dates again to 2,333BC nevertheless it prides itself on a number of core values which are nonetheless practiced immediately: respect, equity, concord, and adaptableness (amongst others).
It’s these Confucius beliefs that underpin South Korea’s society with nearly all of nationals collaborating in each day ancestral choices, adhering to tiered interactions (strict hierarchal roles), and respecting neighborhood elders.
However, like with many different cultures, the youthful generations are forging a brand new, much less conventional path with much less emphasis on humility and extra significance positioned on individuality and equality amongst all.
Landscapes
When you consider Japanese landscapes you may routinely consider Mount Fuji and whereas that’s undoubtedly a landmark you need to set your sights on if you go to Japan, there’s a lot extra pure magnificence to marvel at.
Boasting greater than 6000 islands together with Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Honshu, Japan’s geography consists of mountainous terrain, forested areas, pure scorching springs, lively volcanoes, and tranquil coastlines, in addition to built-up cities, to discover.
Whether you are feeling like wandering by Aokigahara, a wildlife-infested forest on the outskirts of Mount Fuji, taking in the fantastic thing about bamboo groves, or trekking up one of many many mountaineering trails on Mount Takao, this nation’s wonders are each various and distinctive.
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You’d be forgiven for not precisely figuring out if there are any South Korean landscapes value travelling hundreds of kilometres for, however we will guarantee you the nation is filled with pure wonders from mystical forested mountain ranges to rocky and dramatic coastlines.
While Japan has Mount Fuji, South Korea has the smaller however no much less spectacular Halla-san – an extinct volcano that rises 6,398 toes excessive (in comparison with Mount Fuji’s 12,389 toes) and is positioned on Jeju Island. But that’s not all.
From UNESCO World Heritage-listed nationwide parks like Seoraksan National Park with its distinctive rock formations and refreshing scorching springs to Suncheon Bay with its intensive wildlife and breathtaking coastal areas, Mother Nature actually did her greatest in South Korea.
Weather
Japan’s climate tends to shock lots of people with completely different situations and patterns skilled in several elements of the nation from sticky, humid summers to chilly, snowy winters however whatever the season, Japan provides lots to see and do.
If heavy snow (and the snow-based actions that include it) tickles your fancy then head to the northern area of Yamagata from December to February, but when a light-weight dusting is all you’re after, it may be value visiting Hiroshima within the nation’s south.
If you’re travelling throughout the summer time and also you’d quite preserve humidity ranges to a minimal, Tokyo’s the town for you with anticipated common temperatures across the 27°C mark (scorching however not sticky). Osaka additionally experiences heat climate throughout the summer time months and a gentle winter making it one of many higher year-round cities to go to.
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South Korea’s climate is very similar to that of its Asian neighbours – {the summertime} is taken into account the recent and wet season and winter temperatures are inclined to drop beneath freezing in most elements of the nation. For this motive, spring and autumn are typically thought-about the most effective seasons to go to.
During the months of March, April, and May, in addition to September, October, and November, you possibly can count on delicate however comfy temperatures with out the rain and humidity skilled throughout the peak summer time season. However, these optimum seasons by no means appear to final lengthy so you actually must take advantage of this nation’s good climate whilst you have the possibility.
Cuisine
Your toes don’t must do all the exploring if you get to Japan. Embark on a culinary journey and let your tastebuds take over with delicacies equivalent to sushi, ramen, and okonomiyaki on the menu in most eating places and eateries across the nation.
Want to strive one thing on-the-go? Pick up your subsequent snack from one of many many merchandising machines you’re certain to see with seafood, ice cream, and scorching meals all choices for if you’re busy however peckish.
But a meal isn’t full with out a refreshing beverage to clean it down with; fortunately, Japan has loads of these. From conventional sake to antioxidant-packed inexperienced tea, making an attempt out Japan’s delicacies is an expertise you don’t wish to miss.
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It’s laborious to separate Japan and South Korea in the case of their respective cuisines, like how will you pit sushi and kimchi towards one another?! Answer: you possibly can’t. But the place Japanese meals is centred on selection and stability, South Korean meals is usually scorching and spicy with substances equivalent to fermented chilli paste and powdered pink chilli the star of many conventional dishes.
However, lengthy earlier than Korean corn canine stole the hearts of foodies around the globe, conventional dishes equivalent to bibimbap (a concoction of meat, greens, egg, and rice), jeon (a savoury pancake), and mandu (boiled, steamed, or pan-fried dumplings) have been what travellers instantly sought out.
Other notable meals to strive in South Korea are kan poong gi (spicy fried hen), yook hwei (South Korea’s model of steak tartare), and gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). Oh, and you’ll’t overlook to have Korean BBQ.
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Cities
While Japan’s pure magnificence can’t be denied, it’s the nation’s vibrant, history-laden cities that steal travellers’ hearts the world over – suppose Kyoto with its historic shrines and temples, Tokyo with its leisure and neon-lit streets, and Hiroshima with its cherry blossoms and conflict memorials.
But Japan’s alluring cities go additional than the favored, tourist-riddled ones. Take Nagoya for instance. It’s truly Japan’s third largest metropolis however is usually missed in favour of its bustling neighbours when in precise truth, it has quite a bit to supply when it comes to sights, tradition, and delicacies.
From its assortment of castles and spiritual monuments to the Osu district (the go-to place for second-hand goodies and scrumptious road meals), Nagoya could shock you in one of the simplest ways.
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South Korea’s cities vary from chaotic and concrete jungle-like to peaceable and history-filled with locations equivalent to Seoul and Gyeongju on the high of travellers’ lists – and with good motive.
Seoul is filled with fascinating issues to see and do – Gwangjang market, Bongeunsa Temple, and Hanok Village are all must-visits – and even boasts loads of breathtaking pure parks and gardens to wander round.
Gyeongju, however, is a slower-paced, historic metropolis that feels as if it belongs in a special time because of its UNESCO world heritage listed temples and historic monuments.
But these cities aren’t the one ones fashionable amongst vacationers with a number of others equivalent to Busan (a beachside retreat), Suwon (recognized for its spectacular surroundings), and Daegu (the financial hub of the nation) all capturing hearts and taking on digital camera roll house.
The verdict
Japan and South Korea may be equally positioned in Asia, however they couldn’t be extra completely different, and to be trustworthy, selecting between the 2 is just about not possible. Both nations provide unimaginable experiences because of their respective cultures, cuisines, and sights – in actual fact, you possibly can’t actually go mistaken with both of them. So, we’re calling this one a draw.