Japan vs South Korea
Comprehensive side-by-side comparison for international students deciding between studying in Japan or South Korea. Compare tuition fees, living costs, visa policies, university rankings, and career outcomes.
Tuition Fees (Avg Range)
JPY 500,000 - JPY 1,500,000
KRW 3,000,000 - KRW 8,000,000
Monthly Living Cost
~€1,200/mo
~€1,000/mo
Average City Living Cost
~€1,067/mo
N/A
Post-Study Work Visa
Up to 2 Years (Designated Activities)
6-month D-10 Job Seeker Visa
Part-Time Work Hours
20-30 hours/week
20 hours/week during semester (D-2 visa), unlimited during official university vacations. Requires immigration permit.
Minimum Wage
€10 - €15/hour
KRW 10,320 / hour universal national statutory minimum wage
Average Starting Salary
€35,000 - €45,000/year
KRW 70,000,000 / year
Top Industries
Robotics, Automotive, Electronics, Animation
Semiconductors, Telecommunications, Entertainment
Climate Overview
Varies by region. Check specific city details.
Temperate with four distinct seasons; heavy rain in summer and cold, dry winters.
Safety Index
High
High (Global Peace Index 2025 Rank: #41)
Total Universities Listed
10 universities
20 universities
Scholarships Available
3 scholarships
3 scholarships