I have always looked at this question in curiousity, and comparing with their exports and technology... i believe Japan out ranks koreas in many ways (not to be offensive) but the way of living and education....
when i was in canada, koreans over there would tell me how glad they are to be away from Korea.... but my japanese friend Mika would be homesick and she always compares Canada with Japan saying that it is much better in this and that...
i dont know, but japan has always been my favorite (especially in music + fashion)