Research of mutual perception of the Republic of Korea and Russia in the period 2016-2021

Abstract

The study of the mutual perception of Korea and Russia can be considered an important form of cultural exchange for understanding the perception of the people and culture of another country. In addition, this project explores obstacles to the development of bilateral relations and possible points of contact for cooperation, that helps to determine the direction for strengthening the strategic partnership. This article is based on the results of the 2021 study, with particular attention to the differences in perceptions of the peoples of both countries and its changes since 2016.
 Koreans still associate Russia with images of the past - the Soviet Union, a communist country, and communism. Russians associate South Korea with modern concepts such as the development of industry and technology and Korean culture. Both peoples express a desire to visit another country, while the interest in culture is slightly higher among Russians.
 There are no significant changes in the perception of Koreans in bilateral relations. The proportion of Korean respondents expressing a positive attitude towards political cooperation has slightly decreased, positive sentiments can also be observed in relation to cooperation in the economic sphere. There are also no significant changes in Russians' perception of relations between the two countries. The proportion of those who positively assess the prospects for current bilateral relations has slightly decreased, just like the Koreans, the Russians have a positive attitude towards economic cooperation.
 As the analysis of the survey results showed, cooperation between South Korea and the United States as allies and confrontation between Russia and the United States is the main obstacle to the development of relations between Russia and Korea. Foreign policy problems remain a decisive factor in the development of cooperation. Thus, in public opinion, a practical and effective way to develop bilateral relations can be an exchange in the field of economy, medicine, tourism and culture at the level of the private sector and local authorities, rather than political and diplomatic cooperation at the state level.