터키에서의 한류의 현황과 전망 -한류 팬클럽 ‘코리아 팬스’를 중심으로-

Abstract

As mutual exchanges between nations and regions increase, the understanding and exchange through diverse forms of cultural content also becomes a prominent issue. We encounter cultures of other countries through the diverse cultural content of each country to expand exchanges among contemporaries and experience cultural diversity. Basically, mutual understanding and exchange of cultural content is extremely important in understanding the mentality of humans and, furthermore, it has significant meaning in enabling true understanding among countries. This means that many cultures in the world are creating new value through mutual exchange and interaction. The main factors of the Korean Wave are that it has commercial value and a competitive edge against other cultural commodities in the market. In addition, all these aspects will turn into commercial value along with the craftsmanship and artistry of the Korean Wave being recognized, and the popularity being emphasized. So far, we have addressed the current status of cultural aspects of the Korean Wave in Turkey and, especially, the activities of ‘Koreafans’, the main Korean Wave fan club in Turkey. The activities of ‘Koreafans’ have great significance for its members are volunteers and active in introducing Korean culture to Turkey. It is highly likely that the Korean Wave in Turkey will spread more in the future considering the vigorous economic activity between two countries and the historical background. We usually create a specific image of a country through indirect experiences such as education, mass media, products and the influence of the environment. The experiences we get from movies, soap operas, music and celebrities are mainly through the intangible means of mass media. The food and fashion we acknowledge are through the intangible means of mass media along with tangible means of direct contacts. Korean culture was first introduced to Turkey through forms of mass media such as Korean movies, soap operas and music, which led to a preference for Korean products. Although the Korean Wave in Turkey is not as strong as it is in Japan, China and Southeast Asia, the Korea-Turkey relationship, which was already firmly established through the Korean War, is expected to be even stronger by tying the two countries culturally using a wide range of strategies to introduce Korean culture more aggressively to Turkish people who think of Korea as their second homeland. Nowadays, the activities of first generation war veterans as mediators between Turkey and Korea are not as common as before. However, the warm brotherly love and friendship between two countries as shown during the 2002 World Cup, is expected to drive a new Korean Wave through Turkish youth, the third generation. Meanwhile, the Embassy of Korea in Turkey contracted MOU with TOMER, the language institution of the National University of Ankara, to establish Sejong Hakdang at TOMER in 12 main cities in Turkey. Presently, it is running 11 classes with 100 students in Ankara and Istanbul. The Korean Cultural Center opened in Ankara, Turkey’s capital, in October of 2011. A variety of cultural events, such as Korean traditional musical performances, plays, and pop music concerts were held at its opening. The Korean Wave in Turkey is expected to be accelerated through these various cultural events. Furthermore, through cultural facilities Korea can introduce the diversity of Korean culture and imprint with Turkey an image of a traditionally, friendly Korean nation.