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Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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Which of these two cities do you prefer and why?
You can compare the two cities along these main criteria (I haven't been to Seoul but I'll give my perceptions):
1. Geography: Seoul wins. It's hillier and seems greener, while Beijing is in the middle of a flat plain.
2. Climate: Close one here. Beijing's winters actually are only marginally colder than Seoul's, while both cities have hot and humid summers. Maybe Seoul for the fact it gets more snow while Beijing in winter is dry. If you're going to get sub-zero winters might as well get snow. Then again Beijing gets more sunshine so on second thoughts it's a tie.
3. History: I don't know much about Korea, but Beijing, despite China's rapacious destruction of anything 'old', seems to have more historic buildings. Not just the well known ones like the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Great Wall, but the hutongs.etc. Not that Korea is a slouch in this area. Beijing.
4. Food: I prefer Korean food to Beijing food so Seoul for me. Both cities boast a lot of restaurants and markets though.
5. Shopping: No idea, but probably Seoul for higher-end, although Beijing is catching up. Maybe Beijing for bargain shopping and traditional wares.
6. Architecture: Beijing is becoming more futuristic looking, but probably has an older, grittier feel overall than Seoul. Seoul has some nice historic villages that seem like Japan (from what I see in movies), and overall looks cleaner and more futuristic but I pick Beijing.
7. Nightlife: Korea's pop music scene is famous but I hear Beijing has it's own local rock scene. Beijing is famous for it's bars/clubs, but Seoul is no slouch and seems a very 24/7 city. Can't call this one.
8. Attractions: Beijing. I find Chinese culture more interesting, and Beijing just has more attractions.
9. Transport: Seoul's Subway is probably is supposed to be the best in Asia so I'd pick that one.
10. People: I think Beijingers are portrayed as gruff and down to earth. Koreans I've met are friendly but Seoul probably has the least friendly and most urbane Koreans. My aunty has been to Korea, actually, and said she found Koreans in the street sort of standoffish. Did you find this true? Can't say.
Overall Beijing seems like a more interesting city, even though I've not been to Seoul. To be honest, I've never felt a great full towards Korea or Seoul, although with the rise of South Korea I'd be curious to see what it's like. It's probably one of the most hi-tech cities in the world at the moment as well, as well as a huge megapolis.
Korean food is good, a lot of street food. Great night life, shopping is great and their transportation is cheap, efficient and high end. Also, Electronics Market and their Electronics tower are awesome!
Beijing is better in history, but Seoul in almost all other aspects. I think even weather is better in Seoul, at least closer to the sea, less polluted and sandstorms. You pay for the better infrastructure though, as Seoul is more expensive than Beijing.
Seoul takes everything on the list except perhaps history for me. Seoul still has plenty of historic locations but it's often overshadowed in the media by its modernity aspects.
When it comes to nightlife and 24 hour vibrancy, Seoul is up there with the best in the world.
Seoul takes everything on the list except perhaps history for me. Seoul still has plenty of historic locations but it's often overshadowed in the media by its modernity aspects.
When it comes to nightlife and 24 hour vibrancy, Seoul is up there with the best in the world.
This.
Are you South Korean?
I've never been to either and while I've looked into both the more I read about Beijing the more it repulses me. Seoul is one of my favorite places in the world (top 5) even though I haven't been. I'm genuinely intrigued by South Korean culture and the city.
SEOUL. I lived in Seoul for quite awhile, and visited Beijing from Seoul. After just a few days of tourist attractions (Great Wall, etc.), I was ready to get back to Seoul. I think for a tourist, China has more sights to see, but Seoul for everything else.
That being said, I know some Korea expats who absolutely love China/Beijing. I didn't personally get that vibe though with Beijing or China. I liked it, but not loved it.
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