My Blog...How original.

I am acquainted with people from both, and I know people who have lived in Japan. I think that I would prefer Japan, because it is a little more cosmopolitan in nature.
Are you planning on learning one of those languages? While essentially all of the educated people speak English, there would be places that would be inconvenient.
You might look into other partsof east Asia. China and Vietnam are interesting, and they might like having you there. The weather in Vietnam might be too warm for you. I am acquainted with some people who might still be at one of the universities in Xian, China.

Well merely thinking about your CV, in general the Japanese universities tend to be more highly regarded. They are particularly good in the fields of biology and chemistry, some of the best biomedical universities in the world are in Japan.

I'm frankly not very familiar with South Korean universities. Although, in general an exchange reflects well on your CV no matter where you attended. People will be more inclined to look at your home university and see the exchange as a reflection of your ability to take risk and try new experiences.

I couldn't tell you, having never been to either. I would imagine Japan would be more hip, but I have a good number of Korean immigrants in my neighborhood and they are extemely nice people. Someone I work with's daughter did a student exchange in Japan and I heard rave reviews. Best to you.

O.K., so which will it be? South Korea or Japan, or will you opt for another place?

I'm really leaning toward South Korea. Idk why... I just am. However, I wonder if going to ANY Eastern country will benifit me because, as an aspiring music major, i would be far more benifitted if i went to a country in Europe, where music is like breathing......... :P gah, curse senior year. XD

You probably should wait until you will be in college and find out what foreign universities your place has an exchange agreement. Taiwan is an excellent place, but you might want to stay away from Southeast Asia. You probably are right about Europe, but you might find an interesting program in Japan.