Japan or Korea? which country is better to live in as a foreigner

[@BrianHSC]

I know many Americans who lived in Japan and Korea. Big difference is that none of them have Japanese friends. I mean true friends, not just acquaintances. But they have Korean friends they keep in touch with. Japanese are polite on the outside but very difficult to get close to. Koreans are very direct but open.

[@mosmeister9445]

sorry but total BS

[@chiisanamijinko]

There are plenty of Japanese who have no friends. This is not only your problem, but also the problem of Japanese society.

[@hder9]

If you living in Japan, maybe you talk with Japanese in TATEMAE

[@userskfjeyqs]

@@BrianHSC 한국인들은 대부분 돌직구성격에 답답한거 못 참고 솔직한 사람이 많다 그래서 친해지기 쉽다 단점으론 욕도 마찬가지로 숨기지않고 대놓고 면전에 대고 하는 경우도 있다는점? 일본은 대부분 친절하지만 깊게 친해지기까지는 시간이 많이 걸리는 것 같다 어느곳이 나쁘다기보단 각 나라만의 문화차이 또 사람차이라고 생각한다

[@CatalinaJH]

I lived in Korea 7 years and I don't have a close Korean friend :( I learnt Korean too but except my ex I couldn't really get close to anyone even though I am quite outgoing

[@badhollywoodscience]

I was really surprised at the one girl who said not many korean people spoke english in the service industry. I feel like these days every store I go to the cashier speaks really good english. Maybe taxi drivers are still not good at english because many of them are older. Also, I left Korea for 10 years to live in the US, and when I came back to Korea, there are so many more foreigners than before, and english is being spoken everywhere and most restaurants even have kiosks with english available.

[@xEagle3Y3x]

Legit, have no idea what she's on about, it's literally the total opposite of what she said, everyone in Korea basically spoke perfect fluent english when I went shopping etc, meanwhile in Japan I'll be VERY lucky to get more than a simple "Yes" or "No" out of them. Japanese also are terrible at English, sorry but for a country that makes it mandatory for basically your entire school life to learn, their level of speaking is abysmal...Too closed off mentally to care about anything other than their failing culture, no wonder the economy has been in the trash for 34yrs here...

[@hder9]

both of them don't speak English. But, Korean more influent than Japanese.

[@igottakillthemall]

I know !! Japanese speaking english? you kidding me? No one !! Non of japanese I met spoke english.

[@darkangel8068]

not sure what that woman was talking about. from my personal experiences everyone in Korea spoke some english and not many knew any english in Japan.

[@zabryant01]

On average from being in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Koreans are better on average at understanding English and speaking it but definitely understanding. Taiwan was the worst and Japan was in between. Not sure what that blonde girl was talking about

[@missplainjane3905]

You visited

[@SwitchMaxFX]

Can you explain taiwan?

[@teamkayfreediving]

In general, Korean can speak English better than japanese

[@unkle.k]

Sara.cbc92 is from **"台湾"**, not Thailand.

[@LOKI77able]

I recently spent two and a half months in Taiwan studying Chinese. Where did you visit in Taiwan and how long did you stay there for?

[@hder9]

Ofcause, they prefer Japan. Because they are now in Japan, and it means they chose Japan. Go to Seoul, maybe the result is different.

[@R_Priest]

Actually, I don't think anyone really said that they "prefer Japan." At least 2 of them said that they're in Japan for work. They were all very respectful in my opinion.

[@grow1820]

I am an American who previously lived in Japan but now resides in Korea. I find Korea to be much better. People here are more honest and open, which I really appreciate. It’s also more convenient and safer to live in.

[@sara.cbc92]

then why are you on a channel about Japan?

[@missplainjane3905]

Convenient in what

[@TwoWheels47]

​@@sara.cbc92 why not? You the web traffic police?

[@lkm2458]

​@@sara.cbc92당신은 일본인에게 듣기좋은 말만 해주는 채널이 되길 바라나요?

[@옴파로스-r1v]

You are definitely right . I agree with you

[@mav7079]

If you like to benefit from digitization, then you gotta stick to korea, yet If you want to live with more analogue culture, go to japan. Overall quality of life is pretty same, cause they both are highly advanced countries.

[@missplainjane3905]

You visited

[@jyc313]

I'll preface by saying this is simply my personal experience. I lived in both places - Japan first, then Korea. 2 Years more in Japan than in Korea. As a non-Asian, I liked Korea more. For me, I found Japan to have a facade that was hard to break, even after I learned a decent amount of Japanese. The people are polite, nice, and friendly in both countries. Both countries are clean, safe and easy to get around. And both countries have amazing sights and food. But Korea just has this... upfront honesty that doesn't make you feel as if you're doing something wrong or walking on eggshells. Japan, even within the major cities has this.... "we're us and you'll never be truly accepted" kind of attitude. Yes, that is something to be expected as a foreigner in any country but Koreans embraced me as a true member of their community, and has a direct politeness that's simply refreshing. It has been a few years, I've moved back home around 2018. But, I miss both countries, and Korea especially. Good to see its people, culture, and nation as a whole getting way more exposure these years. Cheers.

[@missplainjane3905]

Other differences ?

[@user-ft6iq6jb9k]

한국을 좋아해주셔서 감사합니다

[@Carambolases]

Love the comment. Yeah I agree that it's kinda tough to be in a group as a Gaijin in Japan. I guess it's related to what is described in the videio about the line in terms of personal life and society. I think Koreans usually tend to be more straightforward and honest, which makes them rude and ignorant sometimes. In Japan, you are treated with more courtesy and politeness, but at one point you can literally feel a sense of thin layer of distance between you and them. In constrsat, Koreans would accept you as you are and show you as they are. People sometimes misunderstand Koreans hate foreigners, but keep in mind that Koreans hate Koreans more than they hate the whole group of foreigners. While working in Japan, I remember making one frined to one guy from the north who was not like a Japanese as he studied in the US; this was not a usual case. In general, working in Japan was a good experience and kinda wish to go back and work for a few years as I lived in a bubble and did not speak alot of Japanese.

[@jyc313]

@@Carambolases Echoing some of what you said.. to me, Japan has a subtle but noticeable layer of “passive aggressiveness” that you just learn to deal with. As for language or social barriers - yeah a gaijin will always be one. I worked in an international agency so a bit more comfortable with westerners even though most if not everyone was Japanese. Same case with my experience in Korea - intl agency. And here’s one fact I didn’t mention - the average Korean of a working age (esp the younger Gen) is much more proficient in English than their Japanese counterparts. That made the entry into their workforce a bit easier. Not sure what you meant by Koreans being straightforward and honest “which makes them rude and ignorant” - I’m gonna assume you meant that as in a case by case basis and not a slander to the people in general. I didn’t feel they were rude, if anything - they have less of a social bubble sometimes than westerners who really value privacy. But overall very kind, polite, and considerate society over there.

[@inquisitvem6723]

Japan has the most introverts in the world….😂…there are 37 million people in the Tokyo area😮

[@darkangel8068]

6:55 that's bizarre, it's completely the opposite from my personal experience. Everyone in Korea knew a little english to help me out, whereas in Japan, 99% didn't speak any english whatsoever.

[@nutherefurlong]

If you ever visit Korea try asking the same thing, since you're getting people who have left Korea usually. Love these reflections, was paying close attention the entire time. Thank you :)

[@magnoliaflower3310]

I'm hoping K Explorer would do that if he hasn't done it yet.

[@hder9]

Yes. because they are living in Korea. It means mostly they chose living in Korea. So in this video's result is very easy to know. Because mostly they chose living in Japan.

[@ID_iKONIC_VIP]

Of course this interview is biased..... Because everyone he interviews lives in Japan currently. There's a reason they moved there.

[@worldcollides4197]

Yh. I mean currently living in Japan after experiencing both countries somehow will make it biased toward Japan. I’d like interview with same topic with foreigner in Seoul.

[@worldcollides4197]

@missplainjane3905 they experienced both country and chose Japan to live in. They would definitely have more favorable opinion towards Japan.

[@TwoWheels47]

​@@missplainjane3905your response makes no sense

[@TwoWheels47]

@@missplainjane3905 your answer makes no sense as well

[@TwoWheels47]

@@worldcollides4197 I'm glad you have more intelligence than the person you're responding to. It's a classic biased opinion based on a biased group. If people can't understand this simple concept, we're going to have problems when they get older and gets the keys to the kingdom

[@texasburbs4380]

Very interesting......for me as an American, I think I would rather live in SK and visit Japan. Interesting the lady who said she had a harder time communicating in Seoul opposed to Tokyo....in my visits I found the complete opposite (but have not lived in either).

[@Mwoods2272]

I feel she surrounds herself in the American bubble. She probably lives in an area of Tokyo where a lot of foreigners live(Azabu-Juban and Roppongi) so many places cater to foreigners and speak English and employ foreigners.

[@JW-mw7sr]

I don't quite trust that blonde lady's opinion.

[@xEagle3Y3x]

I'd say a solid 99% of people agree with you, I think the other chick must be smoking something 😅

[@mashc7157]

totally agree koreans understand more english, it was harder in Japan

[@jansolo69]

I believe that Koreans have to take a language course of some kind and the most common one they take is English. They are later tested for reading ability and comprehension, but not speaking, for their college entrance exam, called Suneung.

[@Annihilator3x]

City life is better in Korea. Countryside in Japan is much more beautiful

[@sara.cbc92]

there's nothing interesting about Korea

[@missplainjane3905]

As in

[@Ghhj-lu8ed]

@@sara.cbc92 my country has so many interesting things bruh. Don’t generalize

[@joshofosho3]

@@sara.cbc92 There's nothing interesting about you

[@userskfjeyqs]

​@@Ghhj-lu8ed 저 사람 댓글 목록 보면 그냥 한국 싫어하는 사람이다 일본인도 아닐듯ㅋㅋ 괜히 한국 일본 이간질 시켜서 갈등 생기게 만드려는 외국인일거임

[@ga5835]

You guys should know even if Korean people are more extroverted than Japanese, it's not comparable to American or latino. The standard is just for Asian.

[@Sun_flowers99]

So what was the final conclusion? I think this video lost track of the main topic on which country is better for foreigners, and it is greatly biased since the video itself was filmed only in Japan...so in my opinion it is inherently bias toward Japan since it shows naturally the ones who ended up favoring to stay in Japan, be it for work or otherwise. I wish they concluded on their decision to stay in Japan and if filmed in Korea on their decision to stay in Korea. That would have much more fair. The video didn't definitively show any strong opinion on which country truly was better or worst, but rather showed certain instances which were more advantageous or cultural differences only. I think this video title should be changed.

[@sara.cbc92]

Tbh, S.Korea is better for Westerners. They are receptive and direct which suits westerners. Japan is relatively closed and you have to "read the air".

[@unkle.k]

Sara.cbc92 is from Chinese-taipei

[@411faithhopelove]

Lots of people saying Korea is for extroverts, but I am an introvert and I prefer Korea. I have lived 10years in Korea and 10 years in Japan. I am of Korean and Japanese ancestry (US citizenship) and speak both languages fluently. Yes, I like to be left alone, but in Japan, it was unbearably isolating to do that. I was forced to become somewhat extroverted in Japan so that I wouldn't go crazy. In Korea, people bother you enough so that you are able to decline and be like, "nah, I'll stay home tonight" but always have someone checking up on you so you're not isolated. I also prefer Korean food (Japanese food was very heavy/greasy and the healthier/traditional options basically all had the same taste and the vegetable options were very minimal when eating out.) There are lots more options for entertainment and ways to have fun without breaking the bank in Korea. In Japan, anything you did was extremely expensive. Costs overall are cheaper in Korea and you can find ways to cut costs. Also, I found Japanese to be in general nationalistic and although subtle, 99% of the people blatantly "othered" non-Japanese people. It didn't matter if my father was Japanese, I was "foreign" and thus not one of them. Every time I met a new person in Japan, they would say things like, "I bet you eat bread and potatoes everyday" "Can you use chopsticks?" etc. It was annoying to be stereotyped as if I were a white person from Kansas. I have always felt "accepted" by Koreans. They are curious about my birthplace, but they treat me like a distant cousin, which was refreshing.

[@sara.cbc92]

No one cares. KZbin is not your personal diary.

[@jinnywhittingham9645]

​@sara.cbc92 if you don't care why did you read the whole thing and care enough to respond with such a negative comment? Grow up

[@sara.cbc92]

@@jinnywhittingham9645 who said I read the whole thing?

[@ソフィ庭]

韓国が好きなのは別に構わないけど、なぜ日本を悪く言う必要あるの？反日工作員さん

[@user-qm7jw]

bunch of BS not worth reading

[@zachmiller9189]

I've lived little over 2 years at each place. I loved both places but for me S. Korea was better. South Korea fit my personality better. I'm an extravert who appreciate more direct communication and approach to things. I feel Koreans tend to be much more direct in their ways than the Japanese overall. I also felt the overall infrastructure in Korea was newer and little better and cheaper (transportation) when I lived there. You can't go wrong with either place. Compared to the US, I much prefer living over there, and I really miss living in East Asia.

[@sara.cbc92]

you're opinion isn't worth a grain of rice

[@psuirsea5522]

@@missplainjane3905 S Korea?? In fron of Noth korean ICBMs sir.....................

[@XC-Z-cv8qw]

Lol South Korea is a lookist hellscape

[@heya1988]

@@psuirsea5522 ICBMs are in range of both lmao

[@psuirsea5522]

However, North Korea fires shells toward South, sending islanders to bomb shelters...and N korea sends commnadoes to S Korea to kill people ..

[@gregmaxwell7636]

Korea and Japan are not just Seoul or Tokyo.

[@youneke]

No but as the capital and hub it is the city most foreigners would visit first. You don't fly to a foreign country and end up in their most rural village now do you? Same as most people can identify with New York or California when speaking about America even if they aren't representative of the whole nation.

[@maplemanju3083]

🤯🤯🤯

[@spartakiuu]

Thank you genius ^^

[@watermelonlover745]

wow really captain obvious?

[@mashiroboy]

Thank you Sherlock Holmes 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@voiceauthor2850]

Life in Korea is good 👍👍

[@sara.cbc92]

Stay there

[@unkle.k]

Sara.cbc92 is from Chinese-taipei.

[@chsyrp2437]

I'm Japanese, but I like Korea, so I really can't stand videos that stir up unnecessary nationalism by comparing the two countries. Japan, China, and Korea shouldn't be pitted against each other like this. Too many KZbinrs exploit it for views, and it's just exhausting.

[@kpt002]

But I don't think it is negative. The countries (cultures, peoples' mindsets and beahvior etc.) are different. I am Finnish and Finland is part on the five Nordic Countries - the other four being Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland. We share similarities, but are also different and often compared to each other. I don't think it is negative, it is just reality. And people like different things in different countries. So I think comparing is just fine. It is up to you how you take it.

[@michaeldahm214]

I find it interesting to know the differences between countries cultures and acceptable behaviour. When travelling it is much easier to behave appropriately if you know the subtle differences (and not so subtle differences!). I also didn’t find the comparisons negative or nationalistic.

[@arrayindexoutofboundsexcep1088]

I think it's not about being 'better' but about being 'different'. It depends on your own personality which country fits better to someone. For me it's Japan but for others it might be Korea.

[@sawakun]

I just very curious this 3 country hate the each other and even do some discrimination behavior,but when them go to abroad ,they will stick together to fight for Asian rights 😅,and I knew that was all talking about the profits,human finally will fight for the profits ,what a stupid nationalism

[@sara.cbc92]

@@sawakun you know nothing about East Asia.

[@sunalwaysshinesonTVs]

Best line Ive heard about the difference: Japanese are polite to a fault. Koreans are polite to a point.

[@JHunter_]

Japanese extreme politeness can sometimes feel insincere. It create situations where true feelings are hidden :|

[@davidpark2509]

Koreans are more similar to westerners in that they are much more direct and temperamental.

[@killerecho]

Johnny Somali found that out.

[@Sirawxy]

@@JHunter_they apologize because it’s their habit 😂

[@roxaslynne3227]

And the Chinese are polite to a purpose

[@johnnybaum7957]

I agree with everything except the American lady saying Japan has more English friendly places. That is not true at all lol.

[@slee2695]

Yeah that was nonsense

[@hlsylsify]

@@johnnybaum7957 I couldn't understand the American lady when she said that. Korea has more English friendly culture.

[@ryhk3293]

That one had me going, oro? I speak Korean and Japanese (well not so much the latter anymore since it’s been almost 30 years since I spoke Japanese on the daily) so I never needed to, but I always got the sense from my expat friends that it was easier to go around the daily business of life in Korea on just English than in Japan.

[@Anna-hu6wu]

I agree with her, I found Japan way more English friendly than Korea, Japan does have a more established tourist industry with more English signage etc. Of course, neither should have to be English friendly but that was just my observation.

[@fustiancorduroy]

​@Anna-hu6wu Where did you go in Korea? English is everywhere in Seoul these days. I can easily go all speaking only English in most places in Seoul. Japan has some English, but it's less common at restaurants, public transportation, etc. Japan was less English friendly, overall, but I still managed.

[@darksword1]

Japan has earthquakes. So if I had to pick, I'd pick the one that doesn't have earthquakes. Just my opinion.

[@darksword1]

@@Tree-s6c Maybe in the Busan region of Korea but other areas like Seoul do not have earthquakes. And even in Busan, earthquakes are not as frequent or as powerful as in Japan. Japan has a serious earthquake problem and I would not want to live in Japan for that reason.

[@darksword1]

@@Tree-s6c Japan averages 1500 earthquakes per year. Korea only about 20 / year since 1978. So Japan is prone to earthquakes, Korea not so much.

[@Tree-s6c]

​@@darksword1So you knew about it. Yes, Gyeongju and Ulsan. Both had magnitude 5 or greater earthquakes in places that had never had earthquakes before, I personally don't think we can say with 100% certainty that the other areas are safe. I heard that there is the world's largest nuclear power plant in Gyeongju, so if an earthquake occurs there, it will affect other areas as well. Both Japan and Korea are affected by earthquakes, so if you are afraid of earthquakes, it would be other countries. I can coexist with myself, so either is fine

[@jamin-r4k]

@Tree-s6c there is no earthquake that is dangerous in korea. stop misinformation

[@Tree-s6c]

@@darksword1 pls google reuters news, you may find something in 2016 news.

[@joonlee3663]

This question should also be asked the same to foreigners living in Korea

[@Tree-s6c]

There are already too many videos in this topics from Korean side by KZbinr in Korea. thats why this video is very special, we wanted to hear so much.

[@salade99]

The Korean culture is based on Confucianism and the Japanese culture is mainly based on Shintoism. And as far as I know, Koreans are more extroverted and Japanese people tend to be shy. After all it depends on your personality or mindset.

[@UserUser-zc6fx]

Yep, it's also why Koreans tend to be more extroverted about their racism, and the Japanese tend to be more introverted. And because of this, as far as the foreigner is concerned, it's easier to live in Japan.

[@mdenjoyer831]

both are good if you are rich

[@vizisolutions]

You could say that about any country tbh.

[@IdkIdk-kp2wt]

@@vizisolutionseven africa?

[@diemes5463]

That's a continent, but yes, there are nice places in Africa if you can afford everything to keep you isolated from the poors

[@ViewTube_Emperor_of_Mankind]

Anywhere is good when you are rich…

[@sergiopepe2210]

I've heard from friends visiting Japan that it's cheaper now.

[@HalO-q1d]

Born and raised American of Asian ancestry here. Considered borderline introvert while in the US and borderline extrovert when in Asia.

[@GaGaObession]

that’s a very interesting take!

[@AnnoyedFrog-wu1zi]

Oh yeah! Geography knowledge of Americans.

[@Otter-Destruction]

I just came back from Japan and ain't that the truth.

[@elainediamond7572]

😂! Love this.

[@szvqorwnpstahskypfwmp9821]

But where are you really from?

[@fustiancorduroy]

Having lived in Korea for many years and visited Japan several times, I agree with most of what was said in the video. But a few things the American woman in the blue shirt said left me scratching my head. 1. "Tokyo is a much bigger city than Seoul." Kinda? The metro area of Tokyo is bigger--37 million versus 25 million--but the central city areas are almost the exact same size. The special wards of Tokyo are 617 sq km with 9.7 million people. Seoul City is 605 sq km with 9.8 million. So Seoul is actually a bit more populous and crowded in terms of the actual city areas. 2. "Japan is more American friendly." Japan and the US were enemies in WWII. In contrast, the Koreans viewed America as their savior. Obviously, that was decades ago, but it has colored the relationship between Japan and the US versus Korea. To wit, I hardly saw any American food places in Tokyo aside from McDonald's and the like. Tons of American food places are in Seoul these days. Plus, having US Army bases in and around Seoul means there is plenty of direct American influence in the city. 3. "Japan is more English friendly." The last time I went to Tokyo, some people could speak English, some signage was in English, etc. But pretty much every Korean under 30 speaks a decent amount of English and everywhere has English signs and menus aside from really old Korean restaurants. And Koreans have much higher scores on international English tests such as the TOEFL. Korea is actually among the top 5 English-speaking countries in Asia now. Japan is in the middle of the pack at best. Yeah, some of her conclusions don't really match reality. But I can't deny that Tokyo is a great city, English-friendly or not, and if she feels more comfortable there, then good for her.

[@sara.cbc92]

Japanese have more courtesy than Koreans.

[@missplainjane3905]

How you manage with the language barrier

[@lkm2458]

I agree this opinion.

[@fustiancorduroy]

@missplainjane3905 I have learned to speak a decent amount of Korean and can use it when needed, especially at banks, hospitals, traditional restaurants, and in smaller towns. But most busy parts of Seoul--Hongdae, Sinchon, Jongro, Itaewon, Gangnam, Jamsil, etc.--will have English-speaking staff, English menus, signs, and so on. So you could get by in those places pretty well just speaking English. That said, learning Korean has minimized communication problems and has given me more job opportunities, so I don't regret learning it.

[@h.8651]

Exactly!!!

[@kk-tj4ls]

Not all japanese are shy or introverted. I am a half japanese and korean. In my case, I am excessively one of the extroverted people, and i also talk to people in a direct way if i feel umfortable. I believe that It depends on who you are. The reason that I am an extrovert myself is because I was born and raised in foreign countries, not in both countries. My passport is actually singaporean, and I've received Aussie PR a few years ago. Don't judge others by some people's behavior. I have seen a lot of shy people in korea as well.

[@9y2bgy]

Just as Western countries generally "encourage" extrovertism over introvertism, there is a difference between Korea and Japan in terms of how these two characteristics are interpreted and encouraged/discouraged.

[@Tengeki1]

정답! 사람에 따라 성격과 살아온 환경이 다릅니다!

[@sheridan1700]

yeah it almost seems like people as individuals have different personalities even in the same community.

[@divakukulza]

You are singaporean. because your raised environment is not borh kor or jap, you can not deeply understand those country

[@xEagle3Y3x]

Native born Japanese are the total opposite of you, you being born in a foreign country set you up socially for success - well done I suppose, but 99% of Japanese don't fit the same description and that's a fact.

[@zjuun]

I’m Korean and have traveled to over 30 countries including Japan. I think both countries are among the best places to live in the world. Extroverts might find Korea a better fit, while introverts might prefer Japan. So if you want to experience living abroad in a comfortable and safe place, just pick one of the two.

[@sara.cbc92]

You are speaking as a Korean. infact many people don't want to cohabit with Koreans. I prefer a Japanese neighbor than a Korean.

[@leywa-n5w]

​@@missplainjane3905 The size of the economy is larger in Japan than in Korea due to the difference in population, meaning Japan's total GDP is higher. However, Korea recently surpassed Japan in terms of real wages. Therefore, the economic standard of living is almost the same.

[@sara.cbc92]

@@leywa-n5w wages isn't total GDP. Korea is still poorer than Japan.

[@zjuun]

@@sara.cbc92 Wow good for you lol

[@Illiad89]

@@sara.cbc92 cant really use the word poorer when both countries are top 10 economies

[@gortys3929]

Poland has strong economic ties with South Korea, which may explain large numbers of Poles there.

[@JohnVKaravitis]

The Poles have a heavy heavy drinking culture, like South Korea.

[@Sunlovesbangtan]

People of Poland are called poles? I thought they are called polish

[@gortys3929]

@ Polish is standard and commonly used, however it is an adjective. Pole is a noun and technically correct but hardly anybody say that way.

[@Sunlovesbangtan]

@@gortys3929 oh ok

[@universe682]

わかります。日本人より明らかに韓国人の方が英語うまいよね。

[@ShibaHamamatsucho]

それが教育のおかげだよ

[@mikloridden8276]

アメリカだからさ

[@penname4764]

it's because Koreans are more extroverted, you have to practice speaking a language to get better at it. If it's writing English, both Koreans and Japanese are probably equal.

[@9y2bgy]

I think the Korean language lends better to English pronunciation. All you have to do is ask Japanese and Korean how they say "McDonald's" and see which can be understood better to an American/Canadian.

[@ponpnonga5656]

上手くなくてもいいんだよ

[@kwono.c7091]

Unfortunately, Korea was invaded by China, Mongolia, and Japan, and most of them burned down, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hwangnyongsa Buddhist temples. Most of Japan's civil war was on its own, but there were few foreign invasions. In a way, it is natural that Japan has many tourist attractions.

[@ninetwo5]

extrovert for korea, introvert for japan (definitely varies tho)

[@Mimlou]

Great comparison!

[@Newt4321]

True

[@elainediamond7572]

Geez. Where does he get these people? All of them are charismatic, great looking, intelligent, grounded! ❤

[@ID_iKONIC_VIP]

Wow.... That guy that can speak Japanese and Korean..... Amazing....

[@KH-bu7dm]

For those with tattoos, you feel more comfortable in Korea than in Japan and able to use a gym and saunas without being judged.. It’s almost impossible to find a gym in Japan if you have tattoos..

[@JohnVKaravitis]

Which is as it should be.

[@Magicalmoomin]

@@JohnVKaravitisnah

[@Swiplys]

It's because only Yakuza have tattoos so these are seen as sign of affiliation with gangs or extreme/untrustworthy behaviours

[@KH-bu7dm]

@@Swiplys so everyone with tattoos has to be judged because of Yakuza? It’s like saying all Japanese men are pedos even though not all of them are like that ..

[@jilzcrocks3470]

If your South East Asian its better to be in Japan. I prefer the attitutude of Japanese than racist Koreans

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

I love both

[@incyphe]

25:25 this guy's Korean is really great considering he lived there during heavy covid period!

[@contemplator5640]

It was very interesting to watch this video. I think that the opinions of people here are accurate, as they have seen one side of the deeper aspects that can only be seen by those who have lived and stayed in the area. Certainly, the differences between Confucianism and Shintoism, the real estate situation, and the tendencies of Japanese and Korean people's personalities can only be understood by those who have lived in both countries. Also, it is true that people with tateu may not be able to use some hot springs and other facilities in Japan. The reason for this is that the Yakuza and other Anti-social elements in Japan are symbolic of people with tateu, so it is difficult to distinguish them from those who do not have it, and there are socially accepted traumas, which may make it difficult to accept.

[@amystarke3317]

This is a very interesting video because I lived in Japan and just got back from visiting South Korea. I enjoyed hearing the observations.

[@missplainjane3905]

What's the difference

[@iliili8178]

Japan and Korea relationship is the best ever than before

[@zm_mruuz]

現在の韓国の大変な状況はご存じですか 近い将来また反日国家に戻ると思いますね

[@ESL-O.G.]

It's no big surprise to me that some people prefer to live in japan. But I also think Korea is very good. Just depends on your personality type.

[@hder9]

yeah. because they living in Japan. Go to KFC and ask them which one do you prefer Donut? or chicken?

[@misosoup8030]

Thank you, Takashi. I really enjoyed this! I recognized Alecia, Joshua’s sister! 👍🏼😍

[@meeks1201]

I always noticed how Christianity is HUGE amongst Koreans and they come off more ‘westernized’ and extroverted than Japanese folks. Concept of personal/emotional space, noise/volume standards in public places are very different. Me being ‘extra’ in Japan is considered being ‘shy’, ‘mysterious’ or ‘introverted’ in the US 😅

[@vsedai]

Well, when the US split Korea , the South had to become Westernized. And then we ran the place with their dictator so.....

[@RafaelaBittencourt-k3t]

Koreans are not extroverted at all. What kinda of Korea have you visited/lived? 😂

[@missplainjane3905]

@@RafaelaBittencourt-k3t Can you elaborate

[@watermelonlover745]

Don't get mad but in general Korean men are more desirable than Japanese men who are stuck in the past when it comes to gender roles.

[@jameskim6605]

We Koreans are also indebted to western Christian missionary doctors who helped build the medical infrastructure ❤

[@xSONCASUAL]

Ayy shoutout Eliyah. That’s my hometown friend. Glad to see him on the channel. H-Town babeeee 😅

[@saya1423]

It is is difficult for foreigners to understand the housing rental situation in Korea. Furthermore, the rental system called "chonse" is causing private debt to balloon.

[@mimoso_7773]

THAT'S THE VIDEO I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR! I was really wondering what differences are there between Japan and South Korea and this video is a very good help

[@thomas-p6o2e]

Hmm I watched a video interviewing foreigners in Seoul and asking the same question to them. Their answers were interesting. It was quite different from the answers from this video

[@Tree-s6c]

I suppose it is natural for people to have different opinions because there are individual preferences and backgrounds that cannot be heard through conversation. Finally, there are people who live in Japan, so there is also this content. But in Korea, I hear that there is a society where people cannot express opinions that differ from the masses. They say they are attacked to the point of losing their careers. I think that's why they can't express their true feelings in interviews. A person who is said to be a candidate for the next president of South Korea is accused of transferring funds to North Korea, though, I wonder what kind of society South Korea would become if it were to merge with North Korea and become the Korean Peninsula again. I am interested in.

[@betterdrugsthanyours]

A lot of channels like this rage bait/choice select people that complain about everything to satiate people with victim complexes from the purview of western identity politics.

[@kwono.c7091]

content that many people are not familiar with. Japan should have been divided like Germany as a war criminal, but unfortunately, Korea next door was divided. It has become one of the greatest misfortunes in Korean history. If Korea had not been divided, it would have been a much larger weight class with a population of 100 million. Japan developed greatly into a mutual trade treaty between the U.S. and Japan, but it angered the U.S. by airstrikes on Pearl Harbor. 발음표기 확대보기

[@dealman3312]

WOW 🥰 Great video! I made some interesting observations visiting Korea since 07 and Japan since 05. Very different. Both are full of so many awesome people! Toronto has so many Koreans, but few Japanese. Please come and settle here, both of y’all

[@sara.cbc92]

You know nothing about the two countries

[@dealman3312]

@ I’d love to see where you got this information. It sounds fascinating

[@missplainjane3905]

@@dealman3312 Could you share it

[@2merh8n]

24:55 the best part starts here😊 It is always interesting to see people from other countries speak languages of other than their own

[@anonanon7822]

This video is Tokyo or Korea .Tokyo is not real Japan, it's Tokyo :) Come to Kansai or Fukuoka or Tohoku for Japan, not to Tokyo, and don't stay in english-speaking "expat" bubble. Greets from simple foreigner in Osaka. Nor is Japan introverted, but Tokyo certainly is :)

[@JeffreyBue_imtxsmoke]

totally agree... Tokyo doesn't represent all of Japan. Fukuoka is one of my favorite cities in Japan.

[@Rynopb]

Agree... Making a strong friend circle in Kanazawa or okayama or Fukuoka...other small cities is best life. I'm in the states right now but will return to Kansai in 5 months finally.

[@cboy0394]

I mean tokyo is 38 million Japanese. It’s probably the most real part of Japan compared to the rest of the country…

[@Justcetriyaart]

yeah but honestly, they're comparing the 2 capitals so it still kinda matches. title should have said seoul and tokyo to compare. not japan and korea.

[@biwnzixebrxb4786]

Honestly if you are a foreigner who aren’t willing to learn the local language, and want to live anywhere other than an expat bubble in east Asia, your only option is Hong Kong, where the people actually know English. But since the mainlanders are flooding the city even that option will disappear.

[@umaima_m]

0:10 Sora necklace!! So pretty 😍

[@yellowp3anut939]

성형외과와 종사자수가 많은것일뿐입니다. 당신이 강남에 가보았는지는 모르겠지만 강남에 있는 유명 성형외과 앞에는 태국인 일본인 중국인등등 아시아계 외국인이 아침부터 줄을 서 있다. 실제 최근 통계를 보면 한국에서 성형수술을 받는 외국인 국적의 1~2위가 태국인 일본인이다. 그들은 외형적으로 서양인에 비해 한국인과 구별하기 어려우므로 그들이 전부 한국인이라고 오해를 받는다. 주로 서양에서 한국의 성형수술 통계라고 가져오는 것들중에는 다소 과장 된 측면이 있다. 일단 그들의 통계는 국적에 관계없이 단지 한국에서 발생한 성형수술의 "수"에만 집중을 하고 있기 때문이다. 그리고 무엇보다 한국은 "성형"에 대한 기준이 낮아 단지 피부미용을 위한 시술과 치아 미백등도 전부 "성형"의 범주에 들어간다. 마지막으로 한국의 "성형"에 대한 인식은 다른 문화에 비해 KPOP이 압도적으로 주목을 받은 부작용이다. KPOP 아이돌들은 엄청난 경쟁속에 외적인것과 노래,춤등의 실력 모두 탑급을 갖춰야하는 부담감 때문에 외모에서 경쟁력이 떨어지는 아이돌들은 성형을 하기도 한다. 그래서 한국에 대한 인식이나 지식이 KPOP에만 한정되어 있는 사람인 경우 한국인들 전체의 성형비율이 높을것이라고 오해한다.

[@R_Priest]

I doubt SKoreans all get plastic surgery, or that even most do. If so, then they must get plastic surgery to look very very "average."

[@HallofGame503]

Can't wait to move to Tokyo in March. Thanks for this interview, Takashii! I hope to be interviewed by you in the near future.

[@ChrisKim-l2f]

I'm Korean, living in the U.S. I studied English first, and then studied Japanese through Korean. Beside basic level of difficulty that any foreign language can have, I found learning Japanese easier because of similarity between two languages. I recalled, my Japanese teacher was able to make Korean students easier to understand by simply writing one Korean character on the board, while it took him more than 15 minutes explaining to other students. Grammatical similarity allowed me to be able to think along while speaking Japanese, while when I first learned English, I had to translate and restructure the grammar in my head before I spoke in English.

[@sara.cbc92]

There's nothing similar about the two languages except for grammar. That means nothing as English and Chinese have the same grammar too. Doesn't make them similar. they are 2 completely different languages.

[@ChrisKim-l2f]

@sara.cbc92 Korean and Japanese languages are more similar than just grammar. Some of words are either similar or same. Their pronunciation are more similar than with any other Asian languages. Korean and Japanese uses "e" same way, often ends with "ga" in questions. They are one of the most closest languages.

[@yo2trader539]

@@sara.cbc92 The relationship of the East Asian languages is a very interesting topic. I think many linguists call the grammatical similarity between Turkic, Mongolian, Manchu, Korean, and Japanese a "Sprachbund." Based on DNA haplogroups, proto-Koreanic speakers (Y-DNA Haplogroup C) originate somewhere in Manchuria, and they have close genetic ties with Manchus, Mongols, and Kazakhs. Warm southern regions of the peninsula used to be part of Japonic language/culture (Y-DNA Haplogroup O1), until Koreanic speakers starting migrating/invading southwards from 4th century and onwards. Think of Germanic vs Romance/Latin-speakers who study English as a foreign language. In general, Germanic speakers will have a much easier time mastering English than Romance/Latin-speakers, despite nearly half of English vocab having roots in French/Latin. It's because all Germanic languages still share a common grammar structure, including English. It's a similar situation with Turkic, Mongolic, and Korean speakers who study Japanese. Grammar is relatively intuitive...which makes life so much easier. (You can focus on Kanji, vocab, or idioms without having to worry about grammar too much. And honorifics is not an alien concept in their languages.) But I'm always most impressed when I listen to the Japanese spoken by Slavic/Russian speakers. Their Japanese pronunciation is far better and crisp/clear than most other foreigners, including people from many Asian countries. Mandarin-speakers often struggle with Japanese grammar (unless they're ethnic Mongolian, Korean, Tibetan, or Uyghur/Turkic-speakers from China). Native Korean-speakers and (some people from Southeast Asia) often struggle with accurate pronunciation of certain Japanese phonetics. Which is why we can almost always identify Koreans and Chinese from how they speak Japanese.

[@sara.cbc92]

@@ChrisKim-l2f That is completely false, and you know nothing about East Asia (not even ur own language lol). The reason there are similiar sounding words in Japanese and Korean is because they both have hundreds of nouns derived from Chinese. E and Ga sounds nothing similar and adverbs in Japanese is completely.

[@unkle.k]

"Our proud daughter of **Taiwan,台湾 Sara.cbc92** remains as consistent as ever today." 😂

[@ファンp]

結論日本にも韓国にも良いとこと悪いとこがあってどちらにも行ってみて自分が好きな方に住めば良いと思う！

[@Fedor2222-z3h]

まあこれ以上外人が日本に来てもらったら困るけどね

[@dylantech]

@@Fedor2222-z3h 西洋における我々の過ちから学ぶように懇願します。 あなたの文化を保護し、あらゆる犠牲を払って人口の過半数を維持してください。 日本と韓国のアメリカ人の友人として、私は自分の国と先祖のヨーロッパの土地に何が起こったかを証言するためにこのように言います。

[@babblingbrook4720]

日本人の健全なコメントに外国人嫌いの外国人しか返信しなくて草

[@Sirawxy]

@@dylantechwhat’s your culture?

[@dylantech]

@@Sirawxy Arkansan-Texan, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant, Occidental, American

[@user-IllIllIlI]

Even korean escape from their land

[@manama1212]

Don't mention that, the fact that not even koreans want to live in korea... you will get angry koreans after you.

[@ONITVbamm]

한국인인데 일본이 좋다 한국은 지옥임

[@aloha__]

나도 한국인이야. 한국은 잼난 지옥이지..

[@tokyojoe7163]

From my experience living abroad, if you focus on the ease of living for foreigners, it would be overwhelmingly other than Japan. Japan is a society for Japanese people, so it has its own unique worldview with morals and detailed rules that are very different from the global standard. Don't measure it only from the perspective of cheap prices, cleanliness, or safety. If you feel mentally distressed and lonely, it's because you made a bad choice, not Japan's fault.

[@Cookie-T-D]

I love Japan, I would love to live there

[@dkfkrifkc]

average weab : )

[@pw_jc]

Japanese seem to dress more individually in their non-work clothes but conform in business dress, while Koreans dress similarly/follow trends in personal dress but more individually in business clothes.

[@hder9]

exactly. Japanese work culture is very strict.

[@iioxe]

Living in Korea for two years and can't even pronounce words properly is incredible lol

[@R_Priest]

Nice interviews, and respectful interviewees. It's so easy, as well as unfortunately common, for foreigners to badmouth one country or another and vent their personal frustrations. I'm also always impressed by people who learn the local language. Kudos to foreigners who can speak both Korean and Japanese.

[@pestngkha]

one thing i heard about japanese people is that they look down on you if you try to speak japanese, but become very nice if you speak english. how true is this? it's kind of discouraging for me as a japanese learner... one of my friends used to live in japan and he told me to not say a single word to japanese people in japanese. maybe because it can be often times true?

[@fentlacedxans]

can't be worse than the french at least 😭😭

[@Aik056]

I thought it was the opposite

[@Tree-s6c]

It is funny how he is playing with you, but i have never had such a bad experience in Japan as most of KZbin shows. They are so respectful and friendly to foreigners. Some youtubers are making money with exceptional experience in Japan. You should see for yourself.

[@21alot]

???

[@9y2bgy]

@@fentlacedxans You've been to too many Parisian restaurants, haven't you?

[@chuckustravelman1274]

Great video, thank you for all your wok to make these videos.

[@kebad500]

I would love to visit both countries, and then decide it, but I would definitely leave the States . That’s my goal in 2025 😊🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@lkm2458]

봄, 가을엔 한국여행을 추천하고 여름, 겨울엔 일본에 가보시는걸 추천합니다

[@kyungshim6483]

Strange that people say "everyone in Korea has plastic surgery". The overwhelming majoring of people having plastic surgery in Korea are foreigners (medical tourism). I have never had surgery and all the people around me for the entirety of my 48 years never did as well. I guess these people are hanging out with a different type of people to say that plastic surgery is so prevalent in Korea. I see differently.

[@Naul1076]

한국인인데요 성형 정말 많이하는거 맞고요 굳이 부정하는 모습은 보기좋지않습니다

[@ArchitKhanna-bz2th]

Lol 😅

[@sara.cbc92]

Korean did a Korean lol 😂🇰🇷

[@jaydel3]

my best friend is korean and on her 16th birthday she came to her birthday party and I was wondering where she was. She waved and I realized she got eyelid surgery

[@sara.cbc92]

@@jaydel3 yup, parents in Korea literally "gift" their children plastic surgeries as a present for graduation lol. now they try to pin their own obsession other Asians 😂

[@realstage1925]

Regarding differences in appearance, it seems that in Japan, the value of “natural” tends to be somewhat higher than the value of “beautiful” or “cool”.

[@uludak8468]

by your logic america is the most "natural"

[@westvillage321]

true

[@yellowp3anut939]

Japanese, they keep saying 'kawaii' every single day.

[@realstage1925]

@@uludak8468 I think so.

[@jinnywhittingham9645]

You're a good interviewer. Not biased and genuinely curious. Good job!

[@토폴-99]

wow this finally came. This is always a contentious topic to cover.

[@ProjectEnglishII]

Interesting! My Japanese mother-in-law insisted that I start wearing make-up when I moved to Japan and I felt a lot of pressure (I'm Canadian). She told me "It was etiquette" for women.

[@missplainjane3905]

What about no makeup

[@permafrost8894]

being 'ladylike' for women seems to be very important in Japanese culture.

[@ProjectEnglishII]

@@permafrost8894 yes, indeed!

[@MyUriah]

@@permafrost8894 I don't think wearing makeup all the time is being a "ladylike". Japanese women tend to wear makeup even when they go grocery shopping.

[@NellKune]

어느 나라나 장단점이 있기 마련이지요. 결국 본인의 성격에 따라 한국이 더 좋을수도, 일본이 더 좋을수도 있습니다. 꼭 한국이나 일본이 아니더라도 어느곳에서 살던 항상 행복하길 빌겠습니다.

[@Fedor2222-z3h]

なんでいつも日本と韓国を比較したがるのかはわからんが一つ言えるのは日本も韓国も外国人を歓迎しない

[@iliili8178]

True

[@user-bv5hl3rn9b]

서울도 , 도쿄도, 외국인 범죄율이 많이 높으니까..

[@xtr.7662]

Expected

[@sawakun]

Maybe will depend your skin color 😂

[@lifeextension9217]

Extroverts are a good fit for Korea, and introverts are a good fit for Japan.

[@ltbl5386]

Even among the younger generation, very few Japanese can speak English, there must be something wrong in Japan's elementary English education.

[@YannicksChannel]

I'm visiting Japan for the first time in my life in February, and I can't wait to experience it. What recommendations do any of you have? Also I hope to see you Takashi and maybe I can film one of my youtube videos with you. Anyways as always love the content, keep it up!

[@tobbcittobbcit8899]

Don't be holed up just in a big city.

[@yoheivlog1435]

Many Korean live in Osaka. Maybe their personalities are closer to Osaka than Tokyo.

[@User_dkffkdrkagfgk]

A lot of Jainichi Koreans, who were stationed there to make munitions for the pacific war, settled in Osaka because most factories were at its periphery. Personalities of two nations differ vastly.

[@unka2007]

Zainichi Koreans are quite different from Koreans from South Korea. Zainichi Koreans are Japanised

[@yuirt-i4o]

Did you know that? Most of the Koreans living there are from the southern part of Korea (Gyeongsang-do, Jeju-do). Among the Koreans living in Japan, there are almost none from the Seoul metropolitan area.

[@chrispaik3903]

I think the guy who's wearing all black gives accurate descriptions of each country. I totally agree with everything he says.

[@Elion5564]

Connecticut near New York area is crazy, come on, you can't try to claim us like that. You not from New York, respecfully.

[@JPN-TKS]

Being an impatient person, I think I would find the Korean way of doing things easier to accept than the Japanese way, except for the food and toilet situation.

[@missplainjane3905]

Why the rush ?

[@ああ-w2r6w]

せっかちな人は日本人に嫌われるのでぜひ韓国で暮らしてください

[@exactly25cm21]

I’m half Korean and half Japanese, and I’ve lived in the capitals of both countries. If you’re extroverted, you’ll like Korea, and if you’re introverted, you’ll prefer Japan.

[@markshen3280]

Both the South Korean 🇰🇷 and North Korean 🇰🇵 share similar cultural and customs with the Japanese 🇯🇵, and so they have / similar views, and due to the fact that the Koreans in general have western influences, more people tend to want to learn English than the Japanese counterparts.

[@sara.cbc92]

do you have a brain? do you know why they share similar cultures and customs? Use your brain.

[@yourthoughtsarenotyours]

When you compare these two countries as if there are only these two countries exist in the world, they look very different, but when you compare them to the rest of the world, they are the most similar in the world. They are even completely different from China. If you can't see that, you don't know anything about China.

[@missplainjane3905]

Each are different

[@茶ん-x8w]

As a Korean, it is interesting to hear their impression on Japan and Korea. I also spent 5 months in Tokyo as an exchange student. I agree with a lot of observations they find. And watching your videos is helpful to keep up with both my Japanese and English. Thank you for sharing this video!

[@sara.cbc92]

if you are Korean why is ur username Japanese? Complex?

[@unkle.k]

"Our proud daughter of **Taiwan,台湾 Sara.cbc92** remains as consistent as ever today." 😂

[@NebraskaJimmy]

love love love your content thank you.

[@rcmrcm3370]

It would be good to hear older people, say 40+, young teenagers, who might have less interest in / or inability to access night life/clubs.

[@Jacob-mw3ge]

u mean you’d like a video of things to do when ur 40+…?

[@eslenglish8323]

The British-Japanese woman speaking American accent

[@peterk6431]

I don't know where that blonde American lady has been in Seoul because much more Koreans speak English than in Tokyo. Almost anyone under 40 can speak some English in Korea. Also I didn't know there are a lot of Poles in Korea. LOL ! I know a lot of Americans, Russians, Thais, Viets, smaller French population and growing Japanese expats.

[@ezekielmanson86]

Johnny Somali prefers Japan because Japanese were "nicer" to him than the Koreans. 🤣🤣🤣

[@pokemegaxy9486]

Thats really awesome Takashi Bro...

[@9y2bgy]

The differences in cultural characteristics between Japan and Korea would be comparable to those between Canada and Australia. That's how I see it as a Canadian

[@watermelonlover745]

There is a huge amount of Protestant Christianity in Korea that isn't in Japan. This makes a big difference in culture. About 33% of Korea is Christian. In Japan its less than 5%.

[@missplainjane3905]

@watermelonlover745 You visited both places ?

[@9y2bgy]

@@watermelonlover745 SK has 28.5 million atheists, and Japan has 24 million. Religion is becoming less and less relevant. Korean culture is not built on christianity. It is largely a confucian society.

[@World-trotter124]

Sorry for being blunt but I found it quite hillareous that the Spanish lady talks about how Koreans and Japanese are 'doing their best apart from pronunciation' etc. as if she does not have her own strong foreign accent in English and not as fluent as other interviewees. In Spain, in reality, it's more difficult than in Japan to find anyone who speaks English with you even in Madrid... Spanish people are super friendly and I love them but their speaking English...? Erm, definitely not.

[@studiosulloc4781]

I'm Korean! It was really interesting to watch this video! The opinions of the guys in the video are quite accurate 타카시상 항상 유익한 비디오 감사합니다 たかしさん、いつも有益な映像本当にありがとうございます

[@브라이안PR]

Living in Suwon SK and visiting Japan at least 2 times a year is definitely a nice balance for me in my life, which makes me appreciate both cultures simultaneously 🫰🏽❤ 🇰🇷 🇯🇵

[@harvestmark3972]

I am korean and i like takashii channel

[@lifeextension9217]

From an American and European perspective, I think South Korea is more American and Japan is more European.

[@User_dkffkdrkagfgk]

Europe has many countries.. like I lived in the UK, FR, IT, DEN and I feel the Japanese are like the Brits- reserved, polite, politically correct. Also they did colonize like the Brits- due to Island complex.

[@kingtony4362]

thats true. u know that well. for real 15years ago, in korea, nike was more popular than adidas and in Japan, adidas was more popular than nike.

[@skenshin]

such a great video, thank you for this!

[@seungminkang1178]

Very interesting! Thank you for the content.

[@sara.cbc92]

there's nothing interesting about Korea