South Korea vs Japan 2026: Which Country Is Better to Visit?

Japan offers unmatched cultural depth, ancient temples, bullet trains, and some of the world's best food — but has become significantly more crowded and expensive as the yen has strengthened. South Korea is more affordable, more digitally connected, and has its own distinct food and pop culture scene (K-pop, K-drama, Korean BBQ) that rewards visitors differently. Both are outstanding travel destinations — the right choice depends on what kind of experience you're after.