which place is better to go to for a vacation? Japan or South Korea?

As a student currently living in Seoul, Korea, I can give you advice based on my experiences in Seoul, the capital vs. Tokyo (which I visited twice).

First, some clarifications:

1. Yes, South Korea is technically in war, but that has no effect whatsoever in daily life. If you're interested in that situation, however, you can fly into Seoul and take an hour's drive up to an observation tower where you can look over the gate separating North and South Korea at the 38th parallel and get a glimpse of North Korea's mountains.

2. Please, Koreans are not stuck up. OK, they may not be the most sensitive about personal space (a shoulder-bump in the street is a no-big-deal, no apology necessary event), but you will find that Koreans are enthusiastic and happy to help foreigners. In my experience, it is more likely that you'll find an English-speaking Korean rather than someone in Japan.

Seoul and Tokyo are both very bustling cities: think Asian New York.

Seoul is divided into the north of the Han River and south of the Han River, with most of the historical palaces and gardens in the north and most of the upper-class shopping and dining areas in the south. It's really easy to navigate: the public transportation is super efficient and it goes everywhere. If you're short on cash, the subway can get you to most places with no more than $2.00. Most shops are open late hours, and it's a very safe city.

There's a lot to see in Tokyo as well, but I don't remember there being historical landmarks in the city. So if that's your interest, try Seoul. The thing about Tokyo is, it's more expensive. But in Japan, there's greatt sushi! Then again, since Japanese food is so mainstream, it's easy to find Japanese cuisine in Seoul too, whereas you probably won't find too many Korean food restaurants in Tokyo.

So here's some suggestions, but yes, check Flickr!

OK. Korea is at war, but that really would have absolutely no impact on your vacation.

I am a Korean, and I would recommend going to Japan. I tihnk there is much more to do there, and Seoul is more of a business oriented city (rather than a major tourist attraction).

Japan has much to do. You can see Fiji, visit the many parks, shop in Tokyo, travel the island. I took a tour of Japan and highly enjoyed.

Honestly, I would not recommend going to Korea without the help of a local who would be able to tell you all the good shopping places (ifyou are going~ Itaewon, 63 Floor Building, Koex...)

Have fun though! and enjoy!

Japan, definitely. Japan has better weather, year round, there is less poverty, and the people there like the USA.

Korea is still a nation technically at war. Always under the threat of invasion, the Korean War ended with an Armistice, not a peace treaty.

Japan has the Bullet Train to ride from each of the big cities, and most of them speak English to some extent.

Be sure to visit Kamakura and see the beautiful shrines, including the Great Buddha there, one of the largest cast brown statues in world.

You won't be able to rent a car there, as you have to pass a Japanese drivers test to qualify, they drive on left side of road too. But, the trains, and bus system in Japan are cheap and easy to use, with maps at every station.

Well I've never been to either place but I have studied them to a certain extent and the one useful thing I can tell you is that your dollar will get you a lot further in Korea.

The person from the previous post

1. Doesn't know the difference between South Korea and North Korea

2. Doesn't fully know what "Propaganda" means.

A great way to find out about peoples holiday experiences in both countries would be to search for pictures of then in Flickr, most of the pictures will be taken by tourists and include short reviews.

www.flickr.com

south koreas cool but lots of people there are stuck up and really all there is too see there thats really cool are like really high apartment buildings so definitely japan its an awsome place to go there tons of cool bilboards and really cool stuff every where you go

hope this helps? and hope u have fun where ever u go

Japan!

Soooo much culture like:

manga

sushi!

tokyo

fun $hit

i wanna go sooooo bad! also a rlly AWSM band called Maximum the Hormone is Japanese...they RAWK!!!

I've never been to either, but visit Tokyo. South Korea still uses propaganda, so I would visit Japan. It has a lot of interesting history.

OMG go to Japan i use to live there and it is wonderful. It is so much fun and it is so pretty there. And a plus is in the most crime town in japan 3 out of every 10000 people comet a crime there .... THERE IS NO CRIME THERE

if you never been to japan, deff. try it. Japan is AMAZING, not just for all those anime but their just so high tech and they got amazing culture and stuff. its worth it !

if your not a nip, neither.

try figi or hawaii

or lonon, my favorite Amsterdam