4 week break: South Korea or Japan?

I've been to SK for two weeks and Japan for three weeks. To be honest, I could have done better in SK (but I was basing myself around seeing a friend who lived in Daegu) but SK didn't grip me. I even struggled in Seoul to find things to do. Went to Jeju island too, it was nice, but again, but didn't feel the need to stay longer.

Japan on the other hand is a whole different kettle of fish. I did a lot in three weeks, but could have definitely done with more time there, including spending more time in each town/city I visited... it really was a flying visit to get in as much as possible.

Could easily kill four weeks in Japan, so that's my advice.
 
I've also recently been to South Korea and Japan. I personally found that Japan has more to do and see and will keep you occupied for longer. But South Korea is still definitely worth seeing.

I'd echo what was said earlier, one week in SK and three weeks in Japan. If you want to go back in the future at least you'll have a good idea of what both countries are like. This is the philosophy I took when deciding to see both countries in a shorter time than one for a longer time.
 
I'd spend a couple of weeks in both tbh, just buy an open jaw ticket fly into seoul and then home from japan and then you only need to buy a 1-way between the two.

They have excellent transport systems so you can zoom around very quickly.

Buy a train pass for Japan before you go, for Korea you can buy a tourist pass once you're there.
 
timebomb26 said:
Whilst I recommend Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo I would personally skip Osaka. Maybe spend some more time in Kyushu? Lots of great little towns between Fukuoka and Beppu.
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Skip Osaka?? Terrible advice. Osaka is by far the most electric city in Japan. It is what Tokyo should be and the people are really unique. Add to that it is the central hub for trips to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, you'd be mad to miss it.
 
D3K said:
Skip Osaka?? Terrible advice. Osaka is by far the most electric city in Japan. It is what Tokyo should be and the people are really unique. Add to that it is the central hub for trips to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, you'd be mad to miss it.
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It is also the food capital of Japan.

Korea in the winter is pretty cool too. Massive frozen waterfalls and lots of snow.
 
D3K said:
Skip Osaka?? Terrible advice. Osaka is by far the most electric city in Japan. It is what Tokyo should be and the people are really unique. Add to that it is the central hub for trips to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, you'd be mad to miss it.
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I just found it to be very average. I imagine it would be great for someone just visiting though. I just think there are way cooler places I'd rather go. Would probably skip Kobe and Nara as well!
 
The snowboarding in Niseko in Japan is *unbelievable*, I've been a couple of times. Couldn't recommend it highly enough :) More or less guaranteed powder every day, hot springs (onsens) to soak in when you come off the slopes, and amazing food.

Hokkaido in general is beautiful in the winter too, but it is properly cold around February, -20C ish. Sapporo ice festival is worth checking out.
 
timebomb26 said:
I just found it to be very average. I imagine it would be great for someone just visiting though. I just think there are way cooler places I'd rather go. Would probably skip Kobe and Nara as well!
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I like Osaka, It was my base when i visited in 2005, I live in the south now Kumamoto.

skipping Kobe is probably good advice. Would go to Nara as it is very walkable.

Tim
 
D3K said:
Disses Osaka.
Lives in Niseko.
:P
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Haha you've definitely got a point. I am required to live there during the ski season though. Living in Sapporo at the moment although back in the UK for a month.

Have been in Japan for nearly three years now though and have lived in Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Okinawa. Saying that, everyone I meet in Japan loves Osaka and think I'm crazy.
 
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