Captain Schmideo,
My experience in Korea? It was only for a few weeks. I stayed in Pusan, which is a nice coastal city. I loved the spicey food that makes you sweat every time. Young sisters there were very kind and eager to use their English with foreigners ( one sister whom I barely knew quickly hinted that she would love to marry an American and live in America) and people seemed to be good humored and kind in general. I didn't however like their blunt comments and intrusive questions. Korea is quite the opposite of Japan being somewhat more western in nature, but both countries have tons of great things going for them.