Couldn't find a similar thread about this (at least not recent)...
Anyone have extensive experience with living in Seoul or Tokyo and can help make some comparison for living as expats with Hong Kong?
Pros of Hong Kong that I would be sad to give up:
- trails and countryside at doorstep
- ability to find a niche non-concrete neighborhood with other expats, trees/birds around us, open garden/roof for an affordable price
- some commuting by bicycle (!)
- generally English speaking culture; groceries have English label
Things I'd like to find elsewhere in covid times:
- new weekend outings and areas to explore
- ability to travel around a country
- a way to avoid cramped commuting (like by bicycle)
- more freedom to travel abroad if needed and have a lesser quarantine
- trust in authorities to treat citizens with dignity... no "government quarantine, lock up pets".
Comparable salaries for expat jobs to Hong Kong (considering tax, too), so there are still savings to be made.
Having visited both cities, it seems they are both an urban sprawl with either small or tall residential buildings, but little end to the concrete and perhaps cramped public transport to get out or get anywhere.
Which city would offer a more adaptable office culture to foreigners? I think perhaps Seoul, as my impression is they have a more "let's be funny" approach to awkward situations.
Thoughts?