Is it cheaper to visit Japan or Korea?

In general, South Korea is often cheaper than Japan for an average trip, especially for local transport, casual meals, and many mid-range hotels. That said, the gap is not huge anymore, and your total cost can change a lot depending on the exchange rate, your travel style, and which cities you visit.

A practical rule of thumb:

• Cheaper in Korea: city transport, casual dining, many mid-range stays
• Can be cheaper in Japan: some budget food options, certain flight deals, and trips that don’t involve much long-distance travel
• Biggest wildcard: airfare, which can outweigh many on-the-ground savings