Abstract
This study explores the national image of South Korea by employing Q methodology. A structured Q sample of 36 photos representing (1) culture, (2) history, (3) economy, (4) people, (5) place, and (6) political system of Korea was sorted by 30 participants (10 Koreans, 10 Korean-Americans, and 10 non-Koreans) from (-4) “most uncharacteristic of Korea” to (+4) “most characteristic of Korea.” Two factors emerged from the subsequent correlation and factor analysis of the 30 Q sorts representing distinct views of Korea: (A) Advanced economy and technology and (B) historical view emphasizing the political system. Factor A participants associated the images of high-tech products such as a smartphone and a premium sports sedan manufactured by Korean companies with their view of Korea, while Factor B participants highlighted the images illustrating the divided situation of the Korean Peninsula and other historically important political moments.
ISSN
2325-8543
Recommended Citation
Kinsey, Dennis F. and Chung, Myojung
(2013)
"National Image of South Korea: Implications for Public Diplomacy,"
Exchange: The Journal of Public Diplomacy: Vol. 4:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://surface.syr.edu/exchange/vol4/iss1/2