Host Country; Korea
Interests in Korea, triggered by the series of success of leading Korean dramas and pop music, are prominently growing amongst global citizens. Hangeul (Korean alphabet), hanshik (Korean food), hanbok (Korean traditional clothing), hanok (Korean traditional house), hanji (Korean traditional paper) and Korean music are collectively referred to as “Han Style,” attracting many.
The Korean alphabet is a very scientific writing system that has been designated by UNESCO as an important part of the Memory of the World Heritage. As a result of the Korean Wave and Korea's economic prosperity, the desire to learn hangeul and the Korean language is
Korean food continues to gain popularity throughout the world for its incredible health benefits.
The focus of attention when Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace), a TV drama on royal court cuisine, became popular in Asia. Modifications of the exquisite colours and designs of the hanbok are also used as motifs in all Korean-style designs.
Many international visitors show great interests in the traditional Korean home, hanok as they want to experience ondol, the Korean floor heating system that is very effective in the cold winter. Ondol is an important aspect of Korea’s unique architectural style, and has brought floor heating into vogue globally.
Hanji is a traditional form of paper that can last for over one thousand years and is known for its outstanding quality and elegant designs. The paper draws attention not only for record-keeping purposes but also for interior decoration and for its uses in paper wrapping.
Traditional Korean music that has slow-rhythm and sentimental lyrics that epitomise the sad history of Korea. Such unique Korean sentiments had significant influence on Korean popular music and drama and are an important driver of the Korean Wave.