The Hallyu wave spread in Sri Lanka; Kori-Lanka
The K-wave or the Hallyu Wave is the popularity that the Korean culture, dramas and music have got all across the world. Although back in the mid 90’s it was limited to different parts of Asia including China, Thailand, Japan and etc, with global sensations like BTS, NCT, Ateez and other idols taking over the world with their music, there is really no one who hasn’t experienced or been a part of the Hallyu wave. In fact, it is so big that, if someone were to simply mention the word ‘Korea’ the first thing that would pop into a person’s mind is K-pop, K-dramas and the Korean culture in general.
In Sri Lanka too, the spread of this wave is increasing at a rapid pace. Although at current it is believed to be limited to only Colombo the metropolitan city of Sri Lanka, now with local channels telecasting dubbed K-dramas, and more Koreans opening up their own authentic restaurants in different locations in the country, there is no doubt that there isn’t a single person who hasn’t heard of Korea and its culture.
One of the more popular places where Korean fanatics gather in Sri Lanka has become the Korea Corner in the Public Library in Colombo. Run by KOICA volunteers, this Corner is one of the most active in the library.
“From the 5th of August 2017 I have been working in the library and I’m the assigned teacher who took up the class from my senior. It’s the Korean Embassy that built Korea Corner and KOICA sends a volunteer to work in the Corner”, said Eum Jihyun, the former volunteer teacher at Korea Corner.
Be it the fact that it's a Korean native teaching the language, or KOICA being involved or the general spread of the Hallyu wave in Sri Lanka, this class currently has over 60 students studying the language, and traditions of Koreans, with even more constantly joining in.
Though the spread of COVID-19 has brought this cultural enthusiasm to a pause along with the Easter attack that took place last year, many are counting down for the day they can gather together again to share this common love.
Commenting on the popularity of the Korean wave spread in Sri Lanka, Prasad Gunasena the librarian in-charge of Korea Corner said, “KOICA conducts programs and lessons even outside Colombo, like in Technical Colleges, Warakapola, Kegalle, Batticaloa and even the Southern province areas. They also have taekwondo classes with a Korean teacher and even beautician lessons in Anuradhapura”.
With the K-wave spreading across different parts of the world, the tourism industry of Korea has continued to grow over the years, increasing the earnings that Korea gains as a nation. Korea’s smart response to COVID-19 and how they’ve managed to tackle the pandemic has taken it even higher in the global stage.
In Sri Lanka, KOICA’s active contributions and donations made towards overcoming different sectors that were affected by COVID-19 have resulted in the country gaining even more recognition locally. So until the day, Sri Lanka is able to host its very own K-pop concert 대한민국 만세!
