By Honorary Reporter Thayna Fogaca from Brazil

Photo = Thayna Fogaca

Korean culture is a fixture in much of life in Brazil (Thayna Fogaca)

Korea is a global benchmark, something Brazilians especially recognize in culture, technology and history.

I surveyed over 50 people in cities across Brazil with the question "What comes to mind when you think of Korea." Among the answers, the one that stood out most was K-pop, a music genre that began to dominate Brazil since the 2012 hit "Gangnam Style" by Psy. People here can hear K-pop at business meetings and even weddings, as boy bands and girl groups are now part of Brazilian life.

Another notable answer was Korean cuisine. The number of Korean restaurants has tripled in Brazil to offer many common Korean dishes and seasonings. Korean technology is also much admired as Brazilians love everything modern and high-tech, and the benchmark is Korea.

A striking feature of Brazilians is how families tell stories of their ancestors, and thus Hallyu fans love the history of Korea as well as its present. Brazilian adults look for Korean history through culture, religion and clothing like Hanbok. Young people search for the same in entertainment like movies including the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," which further raised Brazilian interest in Korea, or dramas, which gains more followers every day.

Many young Brazilians study for hours for an opportunity to study in Korea due to the quality of the education, culture and life there. As a Brazilian, I am proud to say Korea inspires me to be a better person, and though I'm not Korean, I want Korean values ​​and principles to guide my life.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.