Where for a futurist tech advanced city? Seoul or Tokyo?

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garrufatus
garrufatus

Hi,
I'm going to China (Beijing) for 3 weeks in august and, as I have a two entries visa to China, I'm considering jumping to either Seoul or Tokyo for a week, doing mainly city tourism.

I'm mostly interested in tech stuff and futurist cities, I thought Tokyo was more interesting at first, but I have read some reports that, apparently, Seoul is more on the rise in anything related to internet, phones, new technologies, videogames, pop culture and robotics. I am looking for opinions of people who has been recently in both places. I do not speak neither korean nor japanese so availability of English instructions if I buy some stuff is an issue.

Akihabara or Yongsan Electronics market?
Tokyo Museum of Nature and Science or Seoul T.Um museum?

Thanks!

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hanguk
hanguk

Never been to Tokyo. You should never go to Yongsan Electronics market unless you speak Korean and are really knowledgeable about what you're buying. It's scam-central. There's just way too many complaints of people getting overcharged or running into other issues. There's no reason to buy electronics in Korea unless you live in Korea. They're not cheaper here than elsewhere, even Samsung and the other Korean brands.

As far as being futuristic, it might not be what you imagine. The iPhone is still the most advanced phone around, and it's hugely popular in Korea (despite not being Korean). Stuff like internet isn't going to do much for a passing tourist. Videogames are mostly the World of Warcraft, Starcraft etc. Kids (and young adults) sit in smoky PC Bangs (internet cafe of sorts) and sit there hours on end playing games. Really not a desirable place. Pop culture is huge in Korea and Korean pop culture is huge throughout lots of East/Southeast Asia. Pop culture is everywhere. There's celebrities advertising everything from noodles to skin cream to phones.

As for other things, there's lots of LED screens in Seoul and a super-efficient subway system (better than Tokyo, I hear). But, it might not be as 'futuristic' as you may hope. I'm not trying to discourage you from visiting. I'm just hoping you won't come here and get let down.

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ninii
ninii

I have been to both places last month but did not visit that area in Seoul.

Considering the cities, Tokyo is way more amazing. Seoul is just out of the league. (personal opinion)

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