Implications of Hallyu Dream on Foreigners Influx to South Korea

Abstract

In the last decades, there has been an increase in the influx of visitors to South Korea. Every year, the number of foreigners that decide to travel to South Korean territory is greater. The reasons for this phenomenon are diverse, but the three main ones are tourism, studies and work. In line with this increase, there has been a gradual and progressive expansion of the South Korean Wave, better known as Hallyu, which is the international dissemination of cultural entertainment products from South Korea. This trend has greatly captivated many foreigners, who consequently have shown their interest in visiting this country. In this regard, the interest to personally experience what was projected by the South Korean Wave has been named “the Hallyu Dream”. In connection to the point previously mentioned, it is hypothesized that the dissemination of Hallyu has had certain impact on foreigners to make the decision of visiting South Korea, which would be explained by the increase in their influx. Consequently, this investigation aims to corroborate the abovementioned hypothesis through a professional academic survey applied to foreigners in the country.