Japan vs South Korea

South Korea is cheaper than Japan — $1,441/mo vs $1,631/mo.

Japan is pricier than 19 of 22 Asian countries; South Korea is pricier than 17 of 22 Asian countries.

Japan is safer than South Korea — 4.8/5 vs 4.1/5.

Japan is safer than 20 of 22 Asian countries; South Korea is safer than 18 of 22 Asian countries.

South Korea scores higher on mobility than Japan — 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5.

Japan is easier to get around than 19 of 22 Asian countries; South Korea is easier to get around than 21 of 22 Asian countries.

Japan and South Korea are even on culture — both at 4.5/5.

Japan's passport reaches 122 destinations visa-free to South Korea's 123 — South Korea opens more doors without a visa.

Passport strength shifts over years of naturalisation, not months of planning, so it's a long-horizon footnote — not scored in the tally.

Japan is better connected than South Korea — 289M passengers/yr vs 150M passengers/yr.

Japan is busier than 81 of 87 countries worldwide; South Korea is busier than 73 of 87 countries worldwide. Japan sees ~2 air passengers per resident a year; South Korea sees ~3 air passengers per resident a year — a derived figure, not itself ranked.

Japan runs -10°C to 37°C for most people; South Korea runs -19°C to 35°C for most people.

Hachinohe runs colder, at -25°C. Depends on you — which range fits your tolerance is the real question here, not a score.