When it comes to choosing between Seoul and Tokyo, both cities offer incredible experiences, but after visiting both, I personally feel that Tokyo is the better destination overall. While Seoul has its charms, Tokyo excels in many aspects.
pls pls be note that this comparison is solely based on my personal experiences and opinions. Everyone’s travel preferences are different, and both cities have their own unique charm.
1. Cost of Living & Travel Expenses
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Tokyo is way more expensive than Seoul. While it’s true that flights and hotels in Tokyo generally cost more, the cost of living in Tokyo is actually slightly cheaper than in Seoul, especially when it comes to food and transportation.
Seoul: Everything felt surprisingly expensive, from food to transportation and even shopping. Eating at restaurants was costly, and the subway fares added up quickly.
Tokyo: While accommodation is expensive, the overall cost of food and transport felt more affordable. Tokyo has many budget-friendly options like konbini (convenience store) meals, cheap but delicious ramen shops, and well-priced train passes.
2. Things to Do & Attractions
If you're looking for variety, Tokyo has way more to offer than Seoul.
Seoul: While Seoul has some great attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Nami Island, and Lotte World, I found that after a few days, there weren’t as many new things to do. Most activities revolve around shopping and cafes, which can feel repetitive.
Tokyo: Tokyo is a massive city with endless things to explore. From historical sites like Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine to ultra-modern attractions like TeamLab Planets and Akihabara, you’ll never run out of places to visit. Plus, day trips from Tokyo (like Hakone, Mount Fuji, and Nikko) add even more variety.
3. How tourist are treated
One major difference I noticed is how tourists are treated in both cities.
Seoul: While not all Koreans are unwelcoming, I felt that tourists were often treated as foreigners rather than guests. It’s common for people to bump into you without saying sorry, and in some places, customer service didn’t feel very warm.
Tokyo: In Japan, people are generally more polite and welcoming to tourists. Many locals go out of their way to help, and customer service is exceptional. Whether it’s in restaurants, stores, or even on public transport, Japanese people show a lot of respect to visitors.
4. Transportation System
Tokyo’s transportation system is superior to Seoul’s in terms of efficiency and coverage.
Seoul: While the Seoul Metro is great, it doesn’t cover as many areas as Tokyo’s system, and sometimes, transferring between lines can be inconvenient.
Tokyo: Tokyo has one of the best train systems in the world, covering every possible area. The Shinkansen (bullet train) also makes it easy to explore other cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.
5. Shopping & Variety
Shopping is fantastic in both cities, but Tokyo wins in terms of variety and uniqueness.
Seoul: While Seoul is known for Korean skincare, K-pop merchandise, and fashion in areas like Myeongdong and Hongdae, the options can sometimes feel repetitive.
Tokyo: Tokyo offers everything from high-end fashion in Ginza to quirky subcultures in Harajuku and second-hand luxury items in Nakameguro. Electronics, anime/manga, and vintage fashion lovers will have a field day in Tokyo.
6. Cultural Experience & Vibe
Tokyo’s atmosphere feels more diverse and dynamic compared to Seoul.
Seoul: Seoul has a more uniform and trendy vibe, with a strong focus on K-pop culture, aesthetics, and social media trends. While fun, it can sometimes feel a bit predictable.
Tokyo: Tokyo offers a mix of old and new you can find traditional tea houses and samurai museums next to futuristic digital art exhibitions. The city feels more culturally diverse, with influences from all over the world.
Final asnwer? Tokyo Wins
While Seoul is a great destination, Tokyo offers more in terms of affordability (outside of accommodation), attractions, transportation, and cultural experiences. If you’re planning a trip and deciding between these two cities, Tokyo is the better choice, especially for first-time travelers.
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