The world is becoming more connected than ever, and South Korea's influence is expanding beyond its borders, thanks to its rich culture, advanced technology, and dynamic entertainment industry. Every year, the Korea Tourism Organization conducts a survey to gauge how people around the globe feel about South Korea. The 2022 survey results are in, revealing the countries with the highest favorability towards South Korea.
From K-pop and K-dramas to cutting-edge electronics and traditional cuisine, there are many reasons why people around the world hold South Korea in high regard. This post will explore the top 10 countries with the most positive views of South Korea, according to the 2022 survey data.
The rankings not only reflect the influence of South Korean soft power but also give insight into global perceptions of this East Asian nation. Let’s dive into the results and see which countries have the warmest feelings towards South Korea!
Indonesia rounds out the top ten with an 82.6% favorability rating. The relationship between Indonesia and South Korea is marked by strong cultural ties, with South Korean entertainment enjoying widespread popularity in Indonesia. K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean fashion have all found a dedicated audience among Indonesian fans.
Beyond cultural influence, South Korea and Indonesia share significant economic ties, with South Korean companies playing a key role in various industries in Indonesia. The growing interest in learning the Korean language and the increasing number of cultural exchange programs have further strengthened the positive perception of South Korea in Indonesia.
Vietnam ranks ninth with an 84.4% favorability rating. The relationship between Vietnam and South Korea has been characterized by a strong cultural connection, with K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine being immensely popular in Vietnam. South Korean companies have also established a significant presence in Vietnam, contributing to the positive perception of the country.
The deepening economic partnership between the two countries, along with the increasing number of Vietnamese students and workers in South Korea, has further strengthened the bond. The mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s culture have made Vietnam one of the countries with a high favorability towards South Korea.
Brazil ranks eighth with an 85.8% favorability rating. The influence of South Korean culture has spread across Brazil, with K-pop and K-dramas gaining a loyal following. Brazilian fans of South Korean entertainment are known for their enthusiasm, participating actively in online communities and fan events.
In addition to cultural factors, Brazil and South Korea share strong economic ties, with South Korean companies investing in various sectors in Brazil. The exchange of cultural content and the growing presence of Korean cultural events in Brazil have helped foster a positive view of South Korea.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds the seventh spot with an 87.6% favorability rating. The relationship between the UAE and South Korea has been strengthened by strong diplomatic and economic ties, as well as a growing interest in South Korean culture. K-pop and K-dramas have found a dedicated audience in the UAE, particularly among the younger generation.
South Korea's involvement in major infrastructure projects in the UAE, along with the increasing number of cultural exchange programs, has also contributed to the favorable view. The UAE's appreciation for South Korean innovation and technology further solidifies this positive perception.
Kazakhstan ranks sixth with an 89.0% favorability rating towards South Korea. The relationship between the two countries has grown over the years, with South Korean culture making significant inroads into Kazakhstan. The popularity of K-dramas and K-pop, along with the presence of a significant ethnic Korean community in Kazakhstan, has fostered positive feelings towards South Korea.
In addition to cultural factors, economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and South Korea has also played a role in shaping favorable views. The increasing number of Kazakhstani students studying in South Korea and the growing interest in Korean language and culture have further strengthened the ties between the two nations.
Thailand comes in fifth with an 89.6% favorability rating. South Korean culture is incredibly popular in Thailand, with K-pop and K-dramas having a massive fanbase in the country. Thai fans are some of the most passionate followers of South Korean celebrities, often organizing fan events and participating in cultural exchanges that celebrate Korean culture.
The influence of South Korean culture in Thailand is further evident in the popularity of Korean food and fashion. Additionally, the strong tourism exchange between the two countries, with many South Koreans visiting Thailand and vice versa, has helped foster positive perceptions and mutual understanding.
India stands in fourth place with an 89.8% favorability rating towards South Korea. The relationship between India and South Korea has been bolstered by shared values, economic ties, and a burgeoning interest in Korean culture among the Indian population. The Hallyu wave has swept through India, with K-pop, K-dramas, and even Korean beauty products gaining a substantial following.
In addition to cultural factors, South Korean companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG have established a strong presence in India, contributing to positive perceptions of the country. The growing people-to-people exchange and collaboration in various fields, including technology and education, have further solidified the favorable view Indians have of South Korea.
Egypt ranks third with a 90.0% favorability rating towards South Korea. The relationship between Egypt and South Korea has been characterized by a steady increase in cultural exchange and cooperation in various sectors. South Korean culture, particularly K-dramas and K-pop, has made significant inroads in Egypt, capturing the attention of the Egyptian youth and leading to a surge in positive sentiments.
South Korea’s involvement in development projects in Egypt and the presence of Korean businesses have also contributed to the favorable view. The Egyptian public's growing interest in Korean culture and their appreciation for South Korean technological advancements are key factors in the high favorability score.
Turkey comes in second with a favorability rating of 92.2%. The historical friendship between Turkey and South Korea, dating back to their alliance during the Korean War, continues to influence Turkish views on South Korea positively. The Turkish people have a deep respect for South Korea, often referred to as 'Kore kardeş' (Korean brother) in Turkey, reflecting the special bond shared between the two nations.
In recent years, this bond has been reinforced by the popularity of Korean dramas and music in Turkey, with many Turkish fans avidly following K-pop groups and Korean television series. The cultural exchange between the two countries has also been facilitated by various events and festivals, further boosting Turkey's favorability towards South Korea.
Topping the list with an impressive 92.6% favorability rating is the Philippines. The close cultural ties between South Korea and the Philippines have grown over the years, with K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine being hugely popular in the Philippines. The Filipino audience has embraced South Korean culture with open arms, leading to a high degree of favorability towards South Korea. Moreover, the influx of South Korean tourists and the presence of Korean communities in the Philippines have strengthened the bond between the two nations.
The mutual respect and admiration between South Koreans and Filipinos are evident, with many Filipinos studying or working in South Korea and vice versa. This cross-cultural exchange has built strong connections, making the Philippines the country with the highest positive perception of South Korea in 2022.