“What Can Vietnam Learn from South Korea’s Highly Successful National Image Promotion?”
In the past, Koreans often had to hear questions they didn’t like from foreigners, such as ‘Where is Korea?’, but now they frequently hear ‘We’ve listened to BlackPink and watched Squid Game’.
The director of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam stated that Korea has been quite successful in promoting its national image globally in recent years.
He shared Korea’s experience at a seminar titled Positioning Vietnam – National Image Communication in the New Era, held on July 10 in Hanoi.
The seminar was part of efforts to gather input for a draft strategy on promoting Vietnam’s image abroad, being developed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for submission to the government.
‘We’ve listened to BlackPink and watched Squid Game‘
The director mentioned that Koreans used to dislike hearing questions from foreigners, such as: “Are you from North Korea or South Korea?” or “Where is Korea?”
However, the situation has changed. Nowadays, Koreans often hear foreigners say: “We’ve listened to BlackPink and watched Squid Game…” Korea has been quite successful in promoting its national image abroad in recent years.
The seminar received many contributions from experts, journalists, KOLs, and businesses
One of the direct policies for national image promotion is operating a website under Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The website is available in 10 languages, including Vietnamese, to introduce Korea.
Since 2018, Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has conducted periodic surveys on Korea’s national image in many countries worldwide. Based on these surveys, Korea develops appropriate policies and strategies.
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The Korean Embassy in Vietnam is actively collaborating with Vietnam’s SChannel to strengthen public diplomacy activities on digital platforms.
Korea’s Tourism Organization is also very active in promoting the country’s image globally.
Indirect and long-term policies to enhance Korea’s national image include establishing the Korea International Cultural Exchange Foundation to organize global cultural activities and large-scale cultural projects.
A former Vietnamese ambassador to Australia and Denmark noted that internationally, almost no Vietnamese brands are known
Internationally, almost no Vietnamese brands are known
A former Vietnamese ambassador to Australia and Denmark stated that to communicate Vietnam’s image abroad, a consistent and clear message must be established for a period of 5-10 years.
For national image promotion, media plays a key role, followed by KOLs and businesses.
He suggested that in addition to domestic KOLs, foreign KOLs should also be utilized, as locals telling stories about Vietnam would be more credible.
He noted that many countries have strong global companies that help promote their national image, but internationally, almost no Vietnamese brands are recognized.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to identify a “
BlackPink
BlackPink is a South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment in 2016, consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. Known for their global influence in K-pop, they have broken numerous records, including being the most-subscribed music group on YouTube. Their music blends pop, hip-hop, and EDM, and they are recognized for their bold performances and fashion, contributing to the worldwide spread of Korean culture.
Squid Game
“Squid Game” is a fictional South Korean survival drama series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, released on Netflix in 2021. The story revolves around 456 deeply indebted contestants who risk their lives in a deadly tournament of children’s games for a massive cash prize, critiquing capitalism and societal inequality. While not a real cultural site, the show became a global phenomenon, drawing inspiration from real-world economic struggles and dystopian themes.
Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam
The Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam, established in 2006 in Hanoi, promotes cultural exchange between Korea and Vietnam through events, language classes, and traditional performances. It serves as a hub for sharing Korean arts, music, and cuisine while fostering mutual understanding. The center reflects the growing ties between the two nations, influenced by Korea’s historical and modern cultural impact in Vietnam.
Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
The **Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST)** is a South Korean government agency established in 1948 (originally as the Ministry of Education) and later reorganized to oversee cultural, artistic, athletic, and tourism policies. It promotes national heritage, supports creative industries, and develops programs to enhance Korea’s global cultural influence, including K-pop and film. The ministry also manages major tourism initiatives and sporting events, such as the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
Korea International Cultural Exchange Foundation
The Korea International Cultural Exchange Foundation (KICEF) is a South Korean organization dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and global understanding through arts, education, and collaborative projects. Established to foster international ties, it supports cultural programs, exhibitions, and performances that highlight Korean heritage while facilitating cross-cultural dialogue. KICEF plays a key role in strengthening Korea’s cultural diplomacy and sharing its traditions with the world.
Korean Embassy in Vietnam
The Korean Embassy in Vietnam, located in Hanoi, was established in 1992 following the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Vietnam. It serves as a key diplomatic hub, fostering political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. The embassy also supports the growing Korean community in Vietnam and promotes bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, and development.
SChannel
It seems there might be a misunderstanding or typo in your request, as “SChannel” does not refer to a widely recognized place or cultural site. If you meant a specific location (e.g., the **English Channel**) or a cultural reference (e.g., a TV channel or digital platform), please clarify so I can provide an accurate summary.
For example, if you meant the **English Channel**:
*The English Channel is a body of water separating Southern England from Northern France, historically significant for trade, warfare, and cultural exchange. It has played key roles in events like the Norman Conquest (1066) and World War II.*
Let me know if you’d like details on a different topic!
Korea’s Tourism Organization
Korea’s Tourism Organization, officially known as the **Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)**, is a government-affiliated agency established in 1962 to promote South Korea as a global travel destination. It plays a key role in developing tourism policies, marketing cultural and scenic attractions, and supporting international visitors. Over the decades, KTO has contributed to the growth of Korea’s tourism industry, highlighting heritage sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeju Island, and K-pop culture.
