Nearly four in 10 Brits say visiting South Korea would be a dream trip, according to a poll of 2,000 adults. The research, commissioned by Samsung TV Plus EMEA, found that 44% have loved watching movies and TV shows such as the Oscar-winning blockbuster Parasite.
K-Pop and Korean Food Gain Fans
Nearly three in 10 people (27%) were into K-Pop bands currently flooding UK airwaves. More than a quarter (27%) have even tried to replicate Korean dishes at home, with Korean fried chicken and bibimbap, a mixed rice dish with vegetables and meat, among the meals they've tried to recreate.
As a result of the cultural boom, 37% now say visiting the country and experiencing it firsthand would be a dream getaway.
British Audiences Embrace Korean Culture
Chris Gregory, head of content development at the brand for the channel, said: “South Korean culture has taken these shores by storm, and it’s clear this goes far beyond one hit show or music group.
“British audiences are exploring everything from films and drama to food, music and skincare, and many are now inspired to experience Korea for themselves.
“What stands out is people’s appetite to keep discovering more, whether that’s by watching a new series, listening to K-Pop or attempting Korean fried chicken at home.”
Korean Food and Music Popularity
The research also found Korean street food to be one of Brits’ favourite parts of the East Asian nation, with more than a third (34%) saying they consider it one of their favourite cuisines. Two in ten have bought such food from a supermarket in the past 12 months, whether that’s kimchi, gochujang sauce or noodles.
Neatly half of people (48%) are interested in recreating these kinds of meals at home, saying simple recipes, easy-to-find ingredients and meal kits would make them more likely to try them. Overall, the favourite Korean dishes were voted as noodles, fried chicken and kimchi.
K-Pop Listening and Viewing Habits
Just 34% of Brits said they had not listened to K-Pop in the past. The most listened-to artists are BTS (40%), BLACKPINK (27%) and Jungkook (13%), with one in 10 considering themselves a K-Pop superfan.
Of those who’ve watched Korean films and TV, only 43% think British television is better. The things people like most about South Korean film and TV are the different cultural perspectives (33%), original storylines (30%), and suspense and thriller elements (30%).
Overall, a third of those polled via OnePoll.com have consumed pop culture content about South Korea in the past month. Additionally, 45% said they think learning about the culture is “exciting”, while 36% of respondents said they would be interested in watching a channel dedicated to Korean entertainment or food content.
Chris Gregory from Samsung TV Plus EMEA, which hosts the K-POP channels including NEW KPOP & K-POP by CJ ENM K-POP, said: “The findings show Korean entertainment is no longer a niche interest in the UK, with audiences increasingly open to content offering something fresh and a different cultural perspective.
“Dedicated channels make it easier for viewers to discover Korean music, food and entertainment, especially when they are free of charge.
“The sheer variety of content means there is plenty for long-standing fans to enjoy, while those who are newer to Korean culture can easily find somewhere to begin.”
