Survey Results on Indonesians' Perception of Korea
A survey revealed that Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, chose South Korea as the number one country they most want to visit, surpassing Saudi Arabia, home to the Islamic holy city of Mecca.
On the 7th (local time), according to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Indonesia, a survey titled 'Indonesians' Perception of Korea,' conducted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Indonesia, showed that among Indonesians who want to study, live, or work abroad, 30% preferred Korea the most.
The second place was Saudi Arabia (12.1%), followed by Japan (10.4%), the United States (6.4%), and Malaysia (5.5%).
On September 23 (local time), about 50,000 spectators at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, enjoyed the 'SM Town Live 2023 Jakarta with KB Bank' concert. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
The most common reason for choosing Korea was 'because the wage level is high' (24.4%), followed by 'to find a job' (17.8%), 'good education level' (9.2%), and 'to meet idols' (9.1%).
Additionally, 92.4% of Indonesians responded that they 'know about Korea.' The main channels through which they became aware of Korea were Korean culture such as dramas and K-pop (59.1%), followed by Koreans (11.9%), Korean products (11.1%), and sports (3.7%).
In the favorability survey, 58.3% answered that they have a favorable view of Korea, while 22.2% said they have an unfavorable view. By gender, 70.3% of women expressed favorability, whereas only 46.7% of men did.
Moreover, younger age groups, those with higher education, and urban residents showed higher favorability rates, while older age groups, less educated individuals, and rural residents had relatively lower favorability.
The most common reason for liking Korea was 'because I like Korean dramas' (19.5%), followed by 'just like it' (17.2%), 'because it is a developed country' (10.6%), and 'because Koreans are beautiful' (8.1%).
The 22.2% who had an unfavorable view cited reasons such as 'just dislike it' (18.8%) and 'lack of knowledge about Korea' (9.3%).
On September 23rd (local time), a fan visiting the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, where the 'SM Town Live 2023 Jakarta with KB Bank' concert was held, is taking a commemorative photo holding a placard engraved with NCT members. Photo by Yonhap News
Separately from favorability, when asked 'Can Korea be trusted?' 58.7% responded 'can be trusted,' and 17.3% said 'cannot be trusted,' showing results similar to the favorability survey.
When asked 'Is Korea suitable as a national development model for Indonesia?' 62.2% answered 'yes,' which was higher than the favorability or trust levels. The embassy explained, "It is presumed that this is influenced by recent repeated mentions of Korea as an economic development model by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and other key Indonesian figures."
Meanwhile, this survey was conducted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Indonesia and was carried out via telephone interviews by the Indonesian polling agency LSI.
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