Comprehensive Edition 2022

Finding Korea around the Globe

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 Many aspects of Korean culture—including its food, language, and art— have become increasingly popular around the world in recent years. Those who have a growing interest in Korea but perhaps limited opportunities to visit might find many ways to explore Korea without leaving their home country. Korean groceries and restaurants can now be found in many parts of the globe, allowing people to taste dishes like kimchi and bulgogi and to learn more about the flavors and ingredients of Korea. The explosion in popularity of Korean food is reflected in internet search trends on all continents. 

 

 Many parts of the world have museums, cultural centers, or art galleries that feature Korean exhibits. These are good places to see first-hand artifacts such as ceramics, paintings, or other manufactured items that help convey the long history of Korea. In addition, many universities around the world offer courses in Korean studies or the Korean language; some of these programs offer opportunities to travel and study abroad in Korea. The popularity of Korean language studies, in particular, has grown rapidly in recent years. 

 

 Other ways to experience Korean culture while living elsewhere might be found in enjoying art forms such as Korean music, comics (sometimes known as webtoons or manhwa), or Korean dramas, shows similar to soap operas. The engaging stories of these comics and dramas can be a fun way to learn more about the Korean language and culture. 

 

 Finally, Korean fashion has also become more popular around the world. Many people enjoy the stylish designs that are characteristic of Korean fashion, that sometimes feature a blend of traditional and modern elements. For someone interested in experiencing a bit of Korea in their home country, there is much to explore, from the delicious cuisine to rich cultural offerings.