After a long weekend visit in SE Korea (mostly Busan), some thoughts:
(1) If visiting Busan/KHH the first time I would think Busan mostly has cleaner streets, better walking sidewalks and and more civil traffic (close to Japan levels). Public transport in KHH is cheaper (up to half off), though Busan buses run very often and drivers tend be much safer than in Taiwan. Busan metro has more users and trains older (system in older). Bullet trains, both good. Carriages in Taiwan are wider while in Korea trains tend be longer. Cost per km is much cheaper in Korea it seems, Japan is really high prices for this train.
(2) If I was not in Taiwan for such a long time, I might like Busan better but I am here and used to Taiwanese life.
(3) Food is cheaper in Taiwan, but Busan has more international choices and chains like Shake Shack and other 9I will try add photos I look). Taiwan seems have more Japanese chains, though it’s easy find decent Japanese food in Korea too. Local food is personal preference so hard to say which is better but nice Korean food tends cost more.
(3) People. Just from the outlook Busan seems have more elders than in Japan and KHH. (Korea has the lowest birthrate so this will not change anytime soon). Koreans tend (in my feeling) are more direct but quite nice, nicer than I expected. Taiwanese are very nice. Japanese are nice, but some unhappy at too many tourists and mad at them.
Oh hey I’m also visiting Busan for the first time ever (leave today). Honestly preferred Kaohsiung but Busan definitely feels more “modern” (which I guess you could say about Korea as a whole compared to Taiwan). As a tourist, I think Japan is definitely by far the best place to visit, but I really like Taiwan too. I think Korea is only good if you already have an interest in Korean culture or you have Korean friends that can show you around. Otherwise it’s meh IMO (Busan especially, have been pretty bored most of the trip).
Busan people are more laid back than Seoulites. And their accent is really nice. Even if you don’t understand what they’re saying, you should be able to hear the up and down changes in intonation. Some people who don’t understand Korean think it sounds Japanese.
People don’t even talk to the people they are out with
Someone said it right:
If you are out with someone of the opposite sex and you are texting someone else of the opposite sex ….you should be with the one you are texting with
Or in today’s world your love interest not necessarily opposite sex
But honestly Love the one you are with ….and get off the fucking phone
When I came to Taiwan I often saw female friends holding hands and I swear I saw guys doing it as well. I would also see guy friends and workmates putting their arms around each other ， hands on knees etc. These people were not dating just friends. Early 2000s.
Society has changed immensely and it wasn’t that long ago either.
Compared to living in Taiwan the urban environment is impressively cleaner and tidier than in taiwan. The vibey areas do not suffer though, infact they look better than in Taiwan.
The buildings are not particularly goodlooking or special or anything. Everything is kind of generic and boxy. Amazing the difference it makes when when you dont have scooters parked everywhere, crap signs and roof top shacks. Didnt notice pollution either.
Is Taiwans economic development behind korea? Not as far as I know. Whats the excuse for being so shabby?
Food is good, thats probably even with Taiwan. For people Taiwan wins.
