Korean Wave

The Korean wave (Hangul: 한류; Hanja: 韓流; RR: Hallyu; MR: Hallyu) refers to the increase in the popularity of South Korean entertainment and culture starting in the 1990s, in Asia, and more recently in other parts of the world. As one put it, it represents a surge in the international visibility of Korean culture. The term was coined in mid 1999 by Beijing journalists surprised at the fast growing popularity of Korean entertainment and culture in China. The wave has had considerable impact on the South Korean economy, as well as on the political and cultural influence of South Korea. For example, in 2011 based on international activity the Korean wave added approximately USD$3.8 billion dollars of revenue to the South Korean economy.

Peter Larsen from The Orange County Register, a daily newspaper published in California, called the Korean Wave a "pop culture tsunami flowing from South Korea to the United States and around the world". One important aspect of the Korean wave is the use of Cultural technology to suit the tastes of overseas audiences.