Historically, South Korea has influenced the world during the age of globalization, not just through technology, investment, or military power, but more through how they introduced the world to South Korean Culture, Lifestyle, and Cuisine. South Korea set an example for many countries by demonstrating how it is possible to use one’s culture to create positive relations with the rest of the world.
Now that South Korea has successfully Internationalized its culture, can India also model South Korea to Internationalize its own culture?
What is Cultural Diplomacy?
Using a country’s culture, like its music, movies, food, traditions, and lifestyle, to create International goodwill and understanding, is Cultural Diplomacy.
This “soft influence” is the complete opposite of negative diplomacy, wherein, a country will hoist its will and power diplomatically, as opposed to naturally winning the hearts of the others.
How Korea uses Cultural Diplomacy?
Since the beginning of International relations, Culture has been one of the most important tools for countries to connect. South Korea uses culture as a powerful tool to connect with people across the world. through-
Korean Entertainment
Korean entertainment (K-pop and K-dramas) is extremely popular around the world. Korean entertainment is a world-wide audience center with the ability to influence all of the major K-pop and K-drama consumers through the world.
Support for Culture by the Government
The Korean government supports artists, filmmakers, and creative industries. Cultural content is treated as an important national asset. This support helps Korean culture reach international platforms easily.
Mixing Tradition with Modern Life
In Korea, modernity and tradition blend seamlessly, with Hanboks, Kimbap, K-Dramas, Chuseok celebrations and post socks, and Tteokbokki all displayed through social media and various other modern forms. Such cultural fusion appeals greatly to the youth around the world.
Strong Digital Presence
Social media and various digital platforms are the best and most affordable ways to share and promote culture. Digital platforms like YouTube, with subtitles, and various online streaming services, are being used by Korea to promote their culture around the world, giving quick and easy access to people in different parts of the world.
What lessons can be drawn from Korea for India?
Culture as a Strategic National Strength
Planning cultural expressions and promoting the expression of civilizational heritage can enhance a country’s image. Instruments of culture in the form of music, cinema, and other art forms. Such a thoughtful strategy can provide India with a roadmap to global rise..
Presenting Culture in a Modern Style
The rich tradition of storytelling, music, and other forms of art can be manifested in modern cinema, web series, and more in social media and other digital media. Traditional Indian clothing and International celebrations can be modernized through creative storytelling and other forms of global collaborations.
Assistance for Creative Sectors
Films from Bollywood and Tollywood have great popularity and can be marketed more effectively on international platforms. Music from different regions, such as folk, devotional, and independent artists from eastern and other parts of the country.So, better funds, promotion, and digital access can help Indian creative talent can attract in the global audiences.
Global Reach and Digital Technologies
Better use of technology and digital platforms can help India improve and enhance its cultural outreach. Social media, streaming services, Indian innovations like OTT platforms, and AI-based translation can facilitate access to Indian content for audiences globally.
Conclusion
The cultural diplomacy of South Korea demonstrates how a nation can leverage culture to gain international respect through its entertainment, traditions, government initiatives, and use of digital technology. Thus, with immense cultural wealth of its own, India can also build its soft power and cultivate a favorable and enduring global presence by adopting South Korea’s model.
Written by – Sakshi Yadav
About the Author –
I am Sakshi Yadav, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Computer Applications. My interest in technology and diverse cultures has brought me to South Korea, a place where innovation and rich traditions beautifully coexist, which has made me learn Korean Language and also work on my interest which is writing, and am so passionate about it as well as have gained valuable experience in this field