A (not so) distant mirror: Koreans’ opinions about the impact of Korean culture in Romania

Abstract

The present paper aimed to identify the ways in which the members of the Korean diaspora in Romania assessed the Romanian economy and society. The research project used the method of interview applied to a sample of seven Koreans settled in Romania. As the analysis showed, the image of the Romanian economy and society among members of the Korean diaspora in Romania is a balanced one. It contains both positive and negative elements. ‘Respect’ was the main value that was assessed as important to be ‘exported’ from South Korea to Romania. Mass media were recognized as the main ‘vehicles’ for the introduction of South Korean popular culture. The success of Hallyu also had a positive influence on the economic relation between Romania and South Korea.