25 reasons why Seoul is now the coolest city in Asia

[Dylan]

Actually, Japanese people are the most polite people on earth.

Yes, they can be very xenophobic and racist, but they maintain their politeness to the utmost, so you would rarely see an outward display of this. Koreans are much more likely to display xenophobic hostility than the Japanese are. They are more straightforward.

The tough part is that they are very reserved people so it is hard to get to know them personally.

this could also be different from place to place. were you in a rural part of japan or a more modern city? it sounds like you were in a more traditional less urban area?

[zhaoyun]

completely agree, where in china have you been? I'm going to Shanghai and Chongqing this summer

Pretty much everywhere in the country except the Southwest (where Chongqing is at), some central provinces, and Tibet.

Shanghai is an amazing city. Stay at a hostel, spend some time there, you'll have a blast.

[zhaoyun]

this could also be different from place to place. were you in a rural part of japan or a more modern city? it sounds like you were in a more traditional less urban area?

In Tokyo.

[Dylan]

In Tokyo.

I couldn't have been more wrong! I've met one japanese couple from Japan. They were possibly the most polite people I've ever met. The woman was from Hokkaido, but I don't remember where the man was from.

[Dandelion]

As for myself, I would certainly like to visit Seoul. That's one thing I need to do when I'm in my thirties. But for Asia, my wishlist of places to visit is rather big.

Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Taiwan, much of South Korea, maybe even North Korea (the kafkaesque experience of being stalked by a guide constantly might seem morally questionable, but I believe people should visit it so North Koreans still see a glimpse of the outside world, no matter how repressed), Kanto, Kansai, Hokkaido, much of Thailand, much of Vietnam, etc...

[Dylan]

Personally I'd rather go to the main cities of Japan, China, and Vietnam, but I'm also biased because of my interest in Chinese + Japanese history. And Vietnam's beauty is pretty tough to beat.
I'm also not into popculture etc. which korea and especially seoul is big on.

[Iloko]

I've been to the South Korea airport only (Incheon), and I must say that alone was a great experience lol, so clean, and the view out the window was marvelous.

I've met tons of Koreans too, more than any other Asian group besides my own. I've noticed they're really into sports and singing. The men can be quite alpha, while the women are very hot with that strikingly northern appeal. I'd be very interested in visiting Seoul someday, but Tokyo/Japan is on my priority list at the moment.

[zhaoyun]

As for myself, I would certainly like to visit Seoul. That's one thing I need to do when I'm in my thirties. But for Asia, my wishlist of places to visit is rather big.

Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Taiwan, much of South Korea, maybe even North Korea (the kafkaesque experience of being stalked by a guide constantly might seem morally questionable, but I believe people should visit it so North Korean still see a glimpse of the outside world, no matter how repressed), Kanto, Kansai, Hokkaido, much of Thailand, much of Vietnam, etc...

Xi'an has amazing history, and it is more authentic than places like Beijing and Hangzhou where a lot of the historic areas have been cleaned up. The Moslem quarter in Xi'an is a bastion of Hui culture, and has an ancient 1300 year old Mosque that is hidden along the alley ways. It is the Rome of Asia, considering it's ancient history and the fact that it was once the world's greatest city, and capital of a giant empire.

[Scholarios]

Ha where are all these luxury soju brands? I've lived in SEOUL 6 years and never saw them. Ah, hipster-yuppie orientalism.

So much nonsense. The Fast data speed connections everywhere is true though. I love Korea, but Japan is still culturally superior, unfortunately- by a lot. Much of China too.

[zhaoyun]

Ha where are all these luxury soju brands? I've lived in SEOUL 6 years and never saw them. Ah, hipster-yuppie orientalism.

So much nonsense. The Fast data speed connections everywhere is true though. I love Korea, but Japan is still culturally superior, unfortunately- by a lot. Much of China too.

Oddly, from my experience, it seems like many expats who have lived in Japan or China (or some ethnic Chinese place like Taiwan, HK, Singapore) develop a fondness for the local culture. But many who have lived in Korea come away with a sour experience?