GeoGuessr Tips: East Asia

East Asia offers some of the most distinct visual and linguistic cues in Geoguessr.

Firstly, we have to mention that there's no coverage in mainland China, so do not guess there. Our first country that we have here is Japan. Japan drives on the left and is full of curved Japanese script はのをじっとていました). Their striped concrete poles only go halfway down, and rural roadside walls with a diagonal pattern are extremely common. Striped snow arrows from light poles in Hokkaido mark the far north. Over time, Japan’s mix of vegetation and architecture becomes second nature for experienced players.

South Korea features script that has more ovals and circles (하에이 정예있어요). It also has many brick buildings, and mountainous terrain. Crosswalks are painted yellow and white, and poles are striped like Japan’s but with heavier diagonal patterns. Since most coverage is urban, Korean language on signs is usually visible.

Taiwan uses traditional Chinese characters (你好我叫王朋), which lack curves and circles. Its poles are striped all the way down, circular mirrors are everywhere at intersections, and roadside drainage ditches are a big giveaway. The mountainous interior makes the geography distinctive.

Hong Kong is small but dense. English and Chinese appear on signs, cars have yellow rear plates, and yellow outer road lines are visible. Cars have yellow plates, and it drives on the left, both things being remenants of British rule.

Singapore, also influenced by Britain, drives left and uses English widely alongside Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Black license plates, black-and-white striped curbs, and horizontal traffic lights all stand out. It’s also famously clean, making its streets look different from nearby countries. Test out your skills here: https://www.geoguessr.com/maps/61cbae70a6ffe20001ccc973