earticle

영어

In today‘s globalized and highly interconnected world, cultural diplomacy is receiving renewed attention. Social and economic changes as well as geopolitical transformations have led to a new relevance for international cultural policies. Its key drivers and exchange policy are the pursuit of greater international recognition of a South Korea (ROK) ‗brand‘ through the international exposure of its culture and its cultural industries; and the desire to take advantage of the global interest in, and sustain the export income generated by, the international impact of the Korean ‗Wave‘ (Korean TV dramas, pop music, films and video games). ROK has a many organizations and mechanisms involved in cultural diplomacy and international exchange. Yet studies so far have failed to offer ROK a basic framework for establishing strategies for concrete and successful cultural diplomacy especially toward ASEAN. This paper firstly examines the background of ROK-ASEAN relations. Secondly, relevant discourse and the positive factors that could contribute to South Korea‘s cultural diplomacy towards ASEAN will be identified. Finally, the study analyzes the meaning of these factors in the ROK‘s formulation of strategies, and suggests for developing specific ideas into actual policies toward ASEAN.