Which Countries Like South Korea the Most (2026 Rankings)
A Korean Local’s Insight into Global Attitudes
If you’ve ever wondered “Who likes Korea the most around the world?” you are asking a question that many international students, travelers, and cultural observers ask.
Thanks to the spread of K-pop, K-dramas, Korean food, technology brands, and even daily Korean life shared on the internet, South Korea’s image around the world has grown significantly in recent years.
But where does Korea stand in terms of global favorability, and which countries show the strongest positive views in 2026? Let’s unpack what the data says and what it means.
Overall Global Favorability: A New High
First, it’s important to understand the broader backdrop. According to the 2026 Korea National Image Survey, conducted across 26 countries with more than 13,000 respondents, 82.3 percent of foreigners held a favorable view of South Korea the highest figure since this survey began in 2018. This shows that Korea’s global image has been improving steadily.
This trend is not limited to one region or culture. Cultural influence especially music, dramas, films, and online media was cited as the biggest factor shaping people’s impressions, followed by modern lifestyle, products and brands, and economic status.
Top Countries With the Highest Favorability Toward Korea
Here’s how the 2026 rankings look in terms of positive perception of Korea:
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – 94.8% Favorability
The UAE tops the list, showing amazing affection for Korea. Survey data suggests that strong diplomatic and cultural exchanges, along with shared global engagement, contribute to this high standing.
2. Egypt – 94.0% Favorability
Egypt comes in a close second, reflecting strong positive perceptions shaped by increasing cultural and economic interactions.
3 .Philippines – 91.4% Favorability
The Philippines is among the highest in Asia, buoyed by a deep cultural affinity for Korean media, food, and daily life a trend many Filipinos overseas have told me they experience firsthand.
4. Turkey – 90.2% Favorability
Turkey also ranks high, showing how Korean culture and products resonate in Europe and Western Asia alike.
5. India – 89.0% Favorability
India’s high ranking reflects its enormous population’s engagement with Korean culture and consumer brands, from cinema to tech products.
6. South Africa – 88.8% Favorability
Bringing in strong support from Africa, South Africa shows how wide Korea’s reach has become across continents.
These countries top the favorability list in 2026, indicating that Korea’s global image is strong in regions as diverse as the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia.
Countries With Rising Favorability
Some countries saw notable increases in 2026:
- United Kingdom – 87.4% saw a large year-on-year jump, making it the only European country above the global average.
- Thailand – 86.2% also rebounded strongly after a dip, highlighting renewed interest and positive perception.
These changes show that Korea’s appeal isn’t static; it continues to evolve with cultural exchange and global interaction.
Countries With Lower But Improving Favorability
While most countries surveyed show high or growing favorability, a few traditional neighbors had lower numbers compared to others:
- China – around 62.8% favorability, yet improving from previous years.
- Japan – about 42.2% reached the highest level ever recorded in the survey, although still lower compared to other nations.
These figures remind us that political and historical contexts affect how a country’s image is perceived, even as shared cultural interests create bridges.
Why Do These Favorability Rankings Matter?
As someone who lives in Korea and interacts with international residents and visitors, I can tell you that favorability isn’t just about numbers. It affects:
1. Study and Work Opportunities
Positive perceptions encourage students and professionals from these countries to consider Korea for study, work, and long-term residence.
2. Tourism Trends
Countries that view Korea favorably are more likely to travel here, explore culture firsthand, and contribute to cultural exchange.
3. Cultural Diplomacy
K-pop, dramas, films, games, food, and even daily life videos on social media all play a role in shaping perceptions abroad and these positive ties can translate into real economic and social collaborations.
Conclusion: A World That’s Growing More Curious About Korea
Korea’s image abroad is stronger than ever. With top favorability from countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and growing interest in Europe, the global landscape shows a rising appreciation for Korean culture, products, values, and lifestyle.
Whether it’s through cinema, music, education, or everyday interactions, Korea’s global presence is becoming more familiar, more admired, and more integral to international connections than ever before.
From my perspective, the survey results aren’t just statistical lines on a graph they’re reflections of individual curiosity, shared experiences, and cultural bridges that people are building around the world.