Welcome to Japan.  Opps, sorry I mean welcome to Korea.  I spent three days and two nights in Seoul, Korea and I felt as though I did a round trip from Japan's Narita airport back to the same country.  Although neither the Japanese nor their South Korean neighbors will admit it, in terms of architecture and urbanization they are a like.  However, it's when you look at the people, food, culture and everything else that makes up a country that's where you will find the big differences.  

This trip however I was a little unnerved by the things that were the same.  Starbucks, Mc Donald's, and Kentucky Fried Chicken, on every corner, Dunkin Doughnuts with frosted chocolate, diesel fumes, and large billboards.  We spent most of our time pounding the street of Myung Dong, weaving through street fairs, and markets packed with incredibly cheap clothing and interesting food items.

One thing that I liked best about Korea were the people.  They smile, they laugh and they look like they enjoy life.  Not something that one usually notices but after being in Japan, I find that I miss seeing people who look...happy. The sight of young workers getting off work and stopping in to sit down and cook some good ole Korean BBQ and take in some freshly pickled kimchi was a happy sight.  I heard the sound of laughter from people who hadn't just stepped out of a bar. 

One a more feminine level, I can honestly say when Buddha was handing out the "looks" the younger generation of Korean men didn't step out of line.  Even the suit wearing businessmen didn't look like they stepped out of a scene from the Matrix...ie they had individuality, personality, and a good fit.  A good percentage men knew how to dress, impress, and might I add were of a height that I would not have to be looking straight or down.