By Oh Hyun Woo and Lee Hana

A recent survey has found that over 70% of foreigners have a positive image of Korea.

The Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on Feb. 4 the results of its 2019 online survey that polled 8,000 people from 16 countries.

The respondents picked K-pop and movies as the main factors behind Korea's positive national image, followed by economic development (14.6%), cultural heritage (14%), and Korean products and brands (11.6%).

K-pop was also the most popular keyword defining Korea's national image. Over a third of respondents chose pop music (37.8%) as the medium through which they experienced Korea. The economy (16.8%), national security (13.9%) and cultural heritage (10.5%) followed.

The leading Korean public figures were President Moon Jae-in (7.9%), K-pop super group BTS (5.5%) and actor Lee Min-ho (4.3%).

Meanwhile, a peaceful resolution to solving inter-Korean issues ranked as the most pressing task for Korea. The respondents also said friendly people and international campaigns to promote Korean tourism would further improve the country's image.

Following the announcement of the 2019 survey results, KOCIS announced plans to expand cooperation with its overseas partners and run promotional campaigns targeting cultural regions around the world.

hyunw54@korea.kr