Which one is better to be stationed at, Japan or Korea?

2020-11-28T23:01:18-05:00

I’ve been deployed to Korea and I enjoyed some of it. But I also heard about Japan. I’m curious to know which of the two is the better one and why.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2020 1:38 AM

2020-11-29T01:38:49-05:00

It really depends on your MOS, personal and professional desires.

Japan is expensive, it’s a somewhat closed (but amiable) culture to foreigners, has mostly higher HQs organizations and is rank heavy. Lovely country, interesting experience and feels like your a tourist when there.

Korea-cheaper, more open than Japan, more tactical units, good travel in country, lots more American presence, could be more field time which could stymie your travel aspirations.

Both are great jumping off points to travel to China, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia. Both can give you an island fever per se as a Soldier. And both offer a unique experience.

As a CPL I would suggest Korea, for promotion potential, and MOS experience. But Okinawa or Mainland can provide some benefits in Japan if that is your cup of tea.

Response by PO1 Steve Ditto made Nov 29 at 2020 4:30 AM

2020-11-29T04:30:11-05:00

LTC David Bornn gives some good advice on this question.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2020 11:23 AM

2020-11-29T11:23:19-05:00

There are two areas of Japan that are complete opposites. Okinawa has the largest contingent of Army personnel and is a tropical island with a VERY slow pace of life. The speed limit is 35 kmph in most areas. The people are friendly, the weather is warm, the cost of living is very low. It's the poorest prefecture in Japan and the average income is around $1000 a month. Mainland or Honshu is the part most of us think of. There's only one Army base there, Camp Zama, and it's mostly SATCOM and MI. You wouldn't get stationed there, but you could be stationed at one of the smaller Army air fields around there. It's a lot more built up, traffic is insane and people are a bit more formal and standoffish but extremely polite. A whole lot more city and a very extensive rail network.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2020 1:00 PM

2020-11-29T13:00:41-05:00

Depends on if you prefer yakisoba, or bulgogi and kimchi. Both places will be what you make of them. US $ exchange rate matters, but mostly your duty assignment.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 29 at 2020 2:52 PM

2020-11-29T14:52:10-05:00

What is true for me is not necessarily true for you. I really liked Okinawa and Korea. Both offered lots of opportunity to "leave America Behind." And enjoy a slower culture and pace. I spent two years in Tokyo one day, (yes I really meant two years in one day. I didn't like being in Tokyo). Overseas, I spent almost none of my off-duty time in "the ville."

I don't like big modern cities no matter where they are. I've been to London, Paris, Athens, Munich, Nairobi, Mexico City, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Manila. As far as I am concerned, If you can see 10 cars moving, it is God's way of saying "go somewhere else." I rather sit in the piazza of a small town with less than 1000 population eating cheese, good bread, and a fruit plate.

Response by SSgt Ray Stone made Nov 29 at 2020 6:36 PM

2020-11-29T18:36:40-05:00

I've heard the majority say Japan

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 30 at 2020 10:30 AM

2020-11-30T10:30:51-05:00

I’ve been TDY to both countries. I think the Korean people are generally friendlier toward Westerners and Americans in particular. Both the Tokyo and Seoul areas are difficult to get around due to heavy traffic and overcrowding. IMO Japan is even more difficult because they drive on the “wrong” side of the road.

Away from the giant cities both countries are scenic. Japan climate seems milder than Korea due to the moderation from the ocean. As far as the military assignment goes it depends on your MOS and unit. I’ll let others in this string address that issue.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Nov 30 at 2020 3:00 PM

2020-11-30T15:00:36-05:00

Are you single or married? That might color things quite a bit. The bottom line is that all overseas assignments are what you make of them. Right now because of Covid, there are a lot of restrictions all around, but there are a LOT more restrictions for unaccompanied troops in Japan (especially Okinawa) than there are for troops in Korea. Being married and living in base housing or offbase, you won't have as many restrictions. Troops in barracks are given some liberties in Japan, but one DUI or assault on a local by an American can change that in a heartbeat.

Response by CPT Wayne Price made Dec 26 at 2020 11:37 PM

2020-12-26T23:37:19-05:00

Perception is individual based on one’s experience and needs.

Response by SPC Jerome Henehan made Jan 10 at 2021 9:39 PM

2021-01-10T21:39:10-05:00

Germany.

Response by PO1 Mary Vermont made Jan 11 at 2021 2:26 PM

2021-01-11T14:26:07-05:00

I liked them both hard to choose

Response by PO2 Lawrence Janiec made Feb 19 at 2021 11:56 AM

2021-02-19T11:56:48-05:00

I haven't been to either since the 90s, but the big thing about Japan being expensive and Korea fairly cheap is pretty spot on. However, Japan had the feeling of almost always being in a big city with lots of lights and neon. Plenty to do. When I visited Korea, the whole place just looked... grey. Not a lot of color and it was rather depressing. Really, though, it's how you want to spend your time when you're not on duty. If you're content just staying on or near the base and doing things there (or if you're an online gamer and don't have much desire to get out much) then I'd say go to Korea and you'll save money. But if you're the type to get out more, then Japan has a lot more to do.

Just my 3 cp. (I get a third because reasons.)

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 20 at 2023 4:46 AM

2023-10-20T04:46:57-04:00

CPL- SEEING THE MOS YOU HAVE GOOD LUCK ON JAPAN UNLESS YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING JAMES BOND007. I DO NOT KNOW MAYBE ARMY FOLKS GOING TO JAPAN. MAYBE KOREA, MAYBE THE DMZ- STAY AWAY FROM THE DRINKIE GIRLS.

IF YOU GO TO KOREA STAY FROM THE TURTLE DITCHES...