I have always thought that Japan and Korea is so similar, in terms of culture, languages, foods, environment… That was why I picked Korea as the destination of my 1st overseas bikepacking trip. However, in just a few days, I found several interesting differences that I would like share.
- Map
Korea is one of the few countries in the world that Google Map does not work well. Not only it cannot navigate, but also it cannot show much detailed information or comments.
Korean people are used to using KakaoMap or Naver Map. Kakao even have bicycle rental, taxi service and others, so it is highly popular.
However, Naver Map is mostly only available in Korean, and its Voice navigation function is only available for Car mode, but not in Bicycle mode.
KakaoMap is slightly better, has more English indication available, and it can even show cycling routes. However, its Voice navigation function is still only available in Korean, but Indication by words is available in English.
I did find that its GPS function is not very sensitive. Sometimes I kept riding, but my spot still did not move. Therefore, I usually use Maps.me for longer distance, and only shift to KakaoMap when I want to look for specific place.
- Toilet
In Japan, you can usually find Toilets in all the train station lobbies, larger parks, beaches, and most of the convenience stores.
In Korea, however, I was surprised to find most of the convenience stories do not have toilets, even the bigger ones with sitting areas!
Also, in Japan you can basically go out without any tissue or toilet paper. I only bring toilet paper when I go hiking.
However, in Korea, I almost never find toilet paper in public toilets. Even some toilets in restaurants or shops do not have toilet paper. It is important to bring tissue with you in Korea.
- Bathroom
In Japan, there is usually either bath tubs with shower curtain, or shower space with glass doors in hotels/guesthouses in Japan. It is tradition to separate bathroom, changing space, and toilet.
However, In Korea, there is only shower head, expecting you to shower on the floor, there is drain on the floor. Also, there are only a pair of slippers in the bathroom, for you to walk on wet floor when you need to use the toilet. It is similar to many SE Asian countries that I have visited. It is actually quite simple and clean, just need to get used to walking on wet floor.
- Foods
Japanese cuisines are usually served per person, except for hot pot or barbarque etc., while Korean people often eat together. Many restaurants have menu for party size.
Even when I visited supermarkets, many ready-to-served foods or frozen foods look like party size. When I tried to order fried chicken, the menu also show large amount size. I couldn’t just order 1 or 2 pcs of chicken like in Japan.
- Culture
Japan population is aging. Many positions such as shopkeepers, security guides and even delivery services are manned by elder or retired people.
So, I was very surprised to find many young people working at hostel front desks or restaurants. They all look so cheerful and out-going, certainly add fresh mood to the environment. Perhaps, this only happens only in Jeju? Or, perhaps, many younger people in Korea rather work more relaxing jobs?
Of course, if I stay longer in Korea, and visit more places in Korea, I’ll probably find more points…
Actually, no matter good or bad, all these cultural differences make travelling more fun!