My Journey Watching Korean Culture Around the World Rise

A colorful digital illustration symbolizing the rise of Korean culture, featuring iconic elements like traditional Korean architecture, modern K-pop fashion silhouettes, and Korean food. The image reflects the keyphrase "the rise of Korean culture" without any text, designed to visually represent Korea’s growing global influence.

“Korean culture around the world” wasn’t even a phrase I imagined I’d hear when I traveled to Europe in the 1990s. Back then, most people would ask, “Are you Chinese? Japanese?” And when I replied, “No, I’m Korean,” the most common reaction was a polite smile… and silence. A Country No One Knew Back then, Korea was virtually … Read more