Beyond kimchi, K-pop and Koreanovelas, Koreans are becoming a ubiquitous presence in the Philippines with tourist arrivals estimated to reach the one million mark by yearend, up by 30 percent from 2010.
Based on the data gathered by Inquirer Research, the figure would make them the largest group of foreign citizens to ever have landed on Philippine soil in a single year.
In addition, according to Korean Ambassador to Manila Hye Min Lee, Koreans studying or working in the country now number more than 100,000.
“This is a sign of the strong and growing people-to-people relations between Korea and the Philippines which help promote mutual understanding between us,” he said at the 2nd Philippines-Korea Partnership Forum held at the Intercontinental Manila last week.
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“More than 740,000 Koreans visited the Philippines in 2010, ranking Korea as the top tourist arrivals. This year, a million Koreans will be visiting the Philippines, an increase of 30 percent compared to last year,” Lee added.
According to him, some 115,000 Koreans are residing in the Philippines, drawn by practical living in the country, English-speaking locals and a shared history and values.
More flights
Airline linkage has also been on an upswing with 150 flights between the Philippines and South Korea on a weekly basis, or more than 20 flights every day, Lee said.
Since 2006, Koreans have been the top visitors to the Philippines, followed by Americans who previously dominated the ranking, and the Japanese, government figures showed.
But more than people-to-people exchange, Lee said he was cheered by the ever deepening “heart-to-heart” relations between the two countries and the Filipinos’ growing fondness for Korean popular culture under the so-called Korean wave, or “hallyu.”
“Since my assumption in July 2010, I have seen growing interest by Filipinos toward Korean telenovelas and K-pop,” he told an audience of diplomats and academics in the forum jointly organized by the University of the Philippines Asian Center and Ateneo Center for Asian Studies.
Lee cited the creation of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines “in order to sustain the growing cultural affinity” between the two countries and to further promote cultural exchange and enhance cooperation.
A study by the market research firm, TNS Global, titled “Filipino Perception of Korea and the Koreans” found that Korean culture was among the top three cultures Filipinos were attracted to, along with that of the United States and Japan.
In her presentation, Marie Lee of TNS Global said the most popular Korean cultural activities among Filipinos were pop concerts, food festivals and Korean telenovelas (or Koreanovelas).
The most recalled Korean celebrities, according to the study, were the Korean girl group “Wonder Girls,” which popularized the song “Nobody,” pop star Rain, girl band 2NE1, whose members include Sandara Park who started her career in the Philippines and boy band Super Junior.
“Baker King” topped the list of popular Korean dramas, followed by “Jewel in the Palace,” “Temptation of Wife” and “Boys over Flowers.”
Filipinos also showed awareness of Korean food and drinks such as kimchi, ginseng and soju, Korean brands such as Samsung, Kia and LG and most knew of Taekwondo’s Korean origins.
‘Still largely unfamiliar’
But the study found that “traditional Korean culture and language are still largely unfamiliar to Filipinos.”
“Nearly everybody knows there is a North and a South Korea, but only about half of those who have seen the South Korean flag know that it is South Korea’s,” it added.
The study, conducted from April 6 to 11, used a random sample of 300 Metro Manila respondents between 15 and 45 years old, from all economic classes, and who must be aware of Korean culture and who do not reject Korean culture in general.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura Del Rosario, speaking at
the same forum, said the affinity between South Korea and the Philippines could be traced back to the Korean war when the Philippines sent some 7,500 expeditionary forces to help defend Seoul from the invading communist North.
(Former President Fidel V. Ramos was among the Filipino Korean War veterans, while martyred Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. covered the war as a correspondent for the Manila Times.)
“I would like to believe that the reason they [Koreans] are here is because we were there,” Del Rosario said.
But the presence of more Koreans has also increased the potential of cross-cultural conflict.
Another study presented at the forum by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), “Korean Community in the Philippines: Existing and Emerging Challenges,” discussed language and other barriers between the two cultures based on interviews with Koreans living in the Philippines.
In a presentation, Wansoo Lee of the IOM Migration Research and Training Center said the study found that some Koreans had exhibited “self centered perception, attitude, behavior” and “disregard of Filipino, rules, legal process,” as well as “reckless behavior, less effort to acculturate.”
Lacking in basic social skills
The attitude of Koreans toward Filipinos also showed the former’s “lack of basic social skills,” according to the study, which found that only 14 percent of the respondents answered yes when asked whether they trust Filipinos while 42.9 percent replied no.
More than a third, or 38.3 percent, agreed with a statement that “Filipinos take advantage of others,” and only 22.1 percent did not. But almost half, or 42.7 percent, did not agree that “Filipinos complain a lot.”
Two-thirds of the respondents, or 64.7 percent, answered no when asked if “Filipinos follow the rules” while a scant 6.8 percent said yes, the study found.
About an equal number of the Korean respondents said yes and no when asked whether they had Filipino friends, with 26.4 percent saying yes, and 26.9 percent saying no. But more of the respondents, 26.9 percent, answered in the affirmative when asked if there were “Filipinos who like me” than those who said no, at 19.3 percent.
An overwhelming majority, or 86 percent, of the respondents
disagreed that there are “Filipinos who bother/threaten me.”
The same study also found that more than half of the respondents answered yes when asked if crimes were increasing against Koreans in the Philippines while only 11.7 percent disagreed. Another 36.1 percent agreed that crimes committed by Koreans were increasing against nine percent who did not.
“But most respondents consider that their living area (61.5 percent) and working place (49.7 percent) are safe,” according to the study which used quantitative surveys for 592 respondents and in-depth interviews with 21 participants.
The respondents considered the most serious crimes committed against Koreans as robbery at 50.8 percent, theft at 48 percent, fraud at 45.6 percent, kidnapping at 37.3 percent, murder at 19.9 percent and gambling at 17.9 percent.
By contrast, crimes by Koreans that were considered most serious were gambling at 62.2 percent, fraud at 57.9 percent, sexual exploitation at 22.6 percent, violence at 22.1 percent, drugs at 20.4 percent and bribery at 16 percent.
The study found that the respondents admitted they did not feel safe with Filipinos and strangers, with 45.8 percent afraid of a crime committed by Filipinos and 42.2 percent of a crime carried out by strangers. Some 26.5 percent said they feared crime by their compatriots.
Show respect for Filipinos
Under the section “Way Forward,” the study recommended that Koreans living in the Philippines “learn English and Tagalog asap, understand [the] culture, ways of life and history of the Philippines, and show respect [for] and trust [in] Filipinos, behave properly.”
Koreans were also advised to “smile more, speak peacefully and listen carefully,” as well as to try to find a Filipino mentor, the study said.
In response to the growing Korean community, the Philippine National Police created in July a “Korean desk” in offices of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group nationwide, which was aimed at catering to Koreans involved in crimes, either as a victim or a suspect.
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FAQs
Many can attest that Filipinos loves to eat, this is one of the main reasons why Filipino loves Korean culture and products. As Filipinos became fans of Korean dramas and Korean music, most were influenced by Korean idols to buy foods and products that they eat or their favorites.
Why do most Filipinos love Kdrama and K-pop? ›
Filipinos enjoy the Korean culture so much that they've practically embraced it in their everyday lives. And it's usually in these K-dramas that you get the opportunity to immerse yourself further in the traditions and rich history of the country and maybe learn a thing or two about their language.
Why do Filipinos love Korean dramas than Pinoy drama? ›
The main reasons why Filipino love Korean dramas is because of The ACTORS. We'll they are well known that Korean actors are beautiful, good-looking, and are very talented. These traits attract the household Filipino like a butterfly to a flower.
How does Korean culture influence Filipino culture especially the youth today? ›
Korean Popular Culture (KPOP) has a tremendous effect among Filipinos especially the young generations. The modern Korean culture that includes their traditions, music, dramas, foods and their fashion had become a big influencer in many countries especially in terms of music and fashion style.
How does Korean language and culture influence Filipinos? ›
As such, Korean culture and trends as seen in Korean dramas have invaded and been deeply rooted in Philippine society today. Korean dramas have greatly influenced the food, fashion, cosmetics, music, and entertainment industries, as well as people's views and preferences.
What do you like about Korean culture? ›
Korean people have some great cultural traits. They are very friendly to foreigners. Always very willing to help. Although many of them who live outside of Seoul most likely would not be able to speak English, if you'd ask for a direction they will take you by the hand and lead you to your destination.
Why does Filipino teenagers get addicted to K-pop? ›
The dynamic choreography
K-pop choreography is known to be very challenging and complex, which is why Filipinos are very enamored with their music videos. One of the most notable things among K-pop fans is their capability to memorize (and perform) the choreography of their favorite songs.
What are the two main reasons why your respondents are attracted to watch a Korean dramas? ›
The main reason why Korean dramas are in high demand is because the storyline is interesting and able to make the audience feel the emotions and Korean culture inherent in the drama.
What are the two main reasons why your respondents are attracted to watch a Korean dramas explain each reason? ›
Filipinos are attracted to Korean Dramas because they find it fun hearing their accent. Aside from that they're able to know several Korean words and phrases like “thanks” and “sorry” through watching it. Most importantly you'll know what “Oppa” means, once you start watching their shows.
What is the effect of K-Pop in the Philippines? ›
Thanks to its growing success abroad, K-pop continues to build a loyal fan base in the Philippines. Most Filipino fans of K-pop are students in their teens to mid-20s as well as young professionals, all of whom seem dedicated to their K-pop idols. This is apparent with the presence of numerous K-pop fan clubs.
K-pop could be spread rapidly due to the familiarity of Korean dramas and the colorfulness of K-pop performances different from the original music of the Philippines. The local people receive K-pop and Korean drama independently by keeping local cultural spirit and taste, according to the FGD participants.
What makes Korean culture different from the Filipino culture? ›
Unlike in the Philippines, Koreans do not have a tradition of inviting people over to their homes to have dinner or even just hang out, and it has nothing to do with the size of their houses. Most Filipinos generally know both English and Tagalog, while most Koreans generally know only Korean.
What is the effect of Korean pop culture? ›
On top of its global success as a genre, there is this underlying, almost “behind-the-scenes” movement that connects people worldwide through their love of Korean pop music, while also introducing them to concepts of cultural diversity. Diversity is something that shines through across all K-pop fandoms.
How important is Korean culture? ›
Korean culture is profoundly influenced by Confucian principles and this pervades not only personal lives, but also business. Confucianism supports group harmony, respect for elders and authority, the importance of family, friendship and ancestors, and also, tradition.
What are the main cultural influences on Korea? ›
Korea is greatly influenced by the Chinese and Japanese cultures. This influence can be seen by Confucianism, which established many traditions that can be seen in modern Korea today. These traditions include the ethical code of conduct in social life and showing respect to the elders and family.
What is the relationship between Philippines and Korea? ›
The relationship between South Korea and the Philippines can be classified as strong as the two countries have historically been and continue to be close diplomatic and military allies. They are also significant economic partners in terms of trade, immigration, and tourism.
How popular is K-pop in the Philippines? ›
MANILA, Philippines – In not-so-surprising news, the Philippines came in third in a list of countries with the most K-pop fans – ranking even higher than South Korea.
Why do people love South Korea? ›
The country is known as the regional power and also as a global head in technological and industrial sectors. But, what makes South Korea a much-loved destination among local as well as the International tourists is its tasty cuisine and diverse culture.
Why South Korea Is My Favourite country? ›
This is an Expert-Verified Answer
South Korea is one of the most hom*ogeneous countries in the world, in which it has its own culture, language, and customs that are different from other Asian countries. In South Korea, the citizens greatly value hard work, filial piety, and humility in their daily lives.
What attracts people to K-pop? ›
K-pop has become a truly global phenomenon thanks to its distinctive blend of addictive melodies, slick choreography and production values, and an endless parade of attractive South Korean performers who spend years in grueling studio systems learning to sing and dance in synchronized perfection.
It shows the identity of the Filipinos, its history as well as its cultural weakness and strength. Korean wave might be popular, but still it cannot escape criticisms. They say that embracing Korean wave is setting aside Filipino material culture.
What is the influence of K-pop to the students? ›
For many college students, K-pop represents a glamorous and attractive way of life. As a result, K-pop can have a significant impact on college students' lifestyle choices, from the clothes they wear to the way they style their hair. These extra activities might leave students no time for homework.
Why so many people are obsessed with K-dramas right now? ›
They showcase the language and culture of South Korea
In return, viewers gain a broader understanding of the culture and its people. Even the language barrier presents an opportunity to pick up handy phrases and expressions in Korean.
How popular is Kdrama in the Philippines? ›
Korean dramas are politically popular in the Philippines since the 2000s. Huge demands from Filipino viewers prompted Philippine television stations to import South Korean programs.
What is the benefit of watching K-dramas? ›
However, k-dramas may actually be useful in therapy to help promote personal growth and prompt conversations about mental health. Van Ta Park PhD, MPH, is the lead author of two studies that used k-dramas to discuss mental health.
Why have Korean dramas become so popular? ›
K-dramas are generally known for having high production value, intense and often engrossing storylines, and quality acting that helps build an emotional connection between the characters and the audience.
Is K-pop a pop culture in the Philippines? ›
Korean music has a big impact on modern pop culture. K-pop groups dominate the charts alongside their Western counterparts. Many Filipinos are loyal fans of their beloved K-pop groups or artists, purchasing their products, and so on.
How the Korean pop culture started penetrating the Philippine popular culture? ›
Despite the cultural barrier between South Korea and the Philippines, the cultural wave known as Hallyu reached the shores of the Philippines. It started off from having Korean dramas being shown in local television—dubbed from its original Korean language to the local Filipino language.
What makes Filipino culture unique or different from other cultures? ›
Having Close Family Ties is also one of their unique traits. It is one of the outstanding cultural values that Filipinos have. The family takes care of each other and are taught to be loyal to family and elders by simply obeying their authorities. This is one of the unique characteristics of Filipinos.
What makes the Filipino culture unique and different from other cultures Why? ›
Hospitable – Filipinos are known for being welcoming and friendly. So much respect for the elderlies – One of the Filipino culture and values that locals are very proud of. Pagmamano or kissing the elder's head on the forehead – One of the most important Filipino culture and values.
A: Pop culture adds more to our lives than an escape from boredom. Authentic portrayals of events and people make us more empathetic, exposing us to new perspectives and building bridges. It can be cathartic, helping us purge strong emotions and work through past experiences.
Why is Korean culture so addictive? ›
Addictive properties – Korean dramas successfully create emotional connections with viewers. Characters are developed and brought through trials and tribulations in such a way that the audience relates to the characters and feels the same emotions.
What is the similarities of South Korea and Philippines? ›
The similarity between the political histories of South Korea and the Philippines is uncanny. First, both have been colonized nations. Korea was under Japanese rule from 1910-1945 while the Philippines was a US colony from 1899-1946 and before this, a Spanish colony for more than three centuries.
What are the main cultural influences on Korea provide 3 examples? ›
The spiritual ground and beliefs of Koreans are built mainly around the religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Of these, especially Confucianism has a long record of influence in Korea, and its political and social philosophies can still clearly be seen in today's Korea.
How do you describe our Philippine culture? ›
The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions, with influences from America and other parts of Asia. The Filipinos are family oriented and often religious with an appreciation for art, fashion, music and food.
What is the culture of Filipino? ›
The Filipino people have a distinct Asian background, with a strong Western tradition. The modern Filipino culture developed through influence from Chinease traders, Spanish conquistadors, and American rulers. Filipino people tend to be very hospitable, especially to Western visitors (1).
› NURS3400 › index.php › ch1... ›
Korea is mainly composed of one race which is Asian (Northeast). It has its unique one culture, character, cloth, and food that separate from the countries near...
Korea is greatly influenced by the Chinese and Japanese cultures.Family is the most important part of Korean society and the father is the leader of the family.
Korea's vibrant cultural legacy, comprising music, art, literature, dance, architecture, clothing, and cuisine, offers a delightful combination of tradition...
Filipinos Love Hallyu Culture
Korean dramas and K-Pop songs often deal with emotions or feelings like love, hope, hurt and pain and since Filipinos are known to be driven by emotion, we easily embraced this genre. Many Filipino fans also look forward to the “kilig” factor within K-Dramas and K-Pop music.
Does Philippines Love South Korea? ›
The relationship between South Korea and the Philippines can be classified as strong as the two countries have historically been and continue to be close diplomatic and military allies. They are also significant economic partners in terms of trade, immigration, and tourism.
Why are there a lot of Koreans in the Philippines? ›
Korean migration to the Philippines is not a recent phenomenon. According to Kutsumi (2007), these foreigners have been settling in the Philippines since the eighth century due to the country's expanded trade with East and Southeast Asia.
Korean culture is one that Filipino people admired and being influenced by it. It all started in Korean music and the popular k-drama which some Filipinos are often to listen and watch. That sometimes this people tried to dress up like how their idolized actresses and singers do for their fashion style.
What are the two main reasons why your respondents are attracted to watch a Korean dramas? ›
The main reason why Korean dramas are in high demand is because the storyline is interesting and able to make the audience feel the emotions and Korean culture inherent in the drama.
What are the two main reasons why your respondents are attracted to watch a Korean dramas explain each reason? ›
Filipinos are attracted to Korean Dramas because they find it fun hearing their accent. Aside from that they're able to know several Korean words and phrases like “thanks” and “sorry” through watching it. Most importantly you'll know what “Oppa” means, once you start watching their shows.
What are Korean dramas that Filipinos patronize this day? ›
“Baker King” topped the list of popular Korean dramas, followed by “Jewel in the Palace,” “Temptation of Wife” and “Boys over Flowers.” Filipinos also showed awareness of Korean food and drinks such as kimchi, ginseng and soju, Korean brands such as Samsung, Kia and LG and most knew of Taekwondo's Korean origins.
What country loves Philippines the most? ›
But love is still abundant in the poorer countries: People in Rwanda and the Philippines enjoyed the highest love ratios, with more than 9 in 10 people providing positive responses.
...
Map: The Countries That Feel the Most Love in the World.
| Rank | Country | Percent Feeling Love |
|---|
| 1 | Philippines | 93% |
| 2 | Rwanda | 92% |
| 3 | Puerto Rico | 90% |
| 4 | Hungary | 89% |
132 more rows14 Feb 2014
Both cultures are influenced by Asian and Western culture. Korea and the Philippines were both invaded by Japan during the WWII era, as with most Asian countries. Korean culture like Filipino culture has been influenced by interaction with other cultures, technology and the natural instinct of self-preservation.
When did Kpop become popular in the Philippines? ›
In 2005, Korean dramas were introduced through the local TV channels of the Philippines. K-pop could be spread rapidly due to the familiarity of Korean dramas and the colorfulness of K-pop performances different from the original music of the Philippines.
Who is the most famous Korean in the Philippines? ›
Bang Hyun-sung (Korean: 방현성; Hanja: 方縣成; born June 16, 1991), professionally known as Ryan Bang, is a South Korean host, singer, comedian, actor, television personality and a Vlogger in the Philippines.
Are there a lot of Filipinos in Korea? ›
South Korea was the Top 9 destination country among Filipino emigrants from 1988 to 2019. It accounted for 0.76% of the entire population, with a total count of 16,774.
Who is richer Philippines or Korea? ›
Philippines has a GDP per capita of $8,400 as of 2017, while in South Korea, the GDP per capita is $39,500 as of 2017.
A: Philippines is known for so many things: pristine beaches, breathtaking mountains, jaw-dropping lagoons, historic sites, and hospitable people.
How did popular culture in the Philippines begin? ›
The advent of American colonialism brought, the properly so-called, popular culture to the Philippines. The liberal policy regarding the printing press, soon through radio, television and film, increased the circulation of of popular culture forms. Not only through these forms but also in new media then, such as films.
Why is Korean look important? ›
Values of Beauty In Korean Society
Many Koreans (especially the younger generation) think that a good appearance plays an important role in success. For example, many people believe the prettier and more handsome their resume photo, the more likely they'll land the job.
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