Cultural Understanding as a Key to Development and Cooperation: The Case of The Philippines and The Republic of Korea

Cultural Understanding as a Key to Development and Cooperation: The Case of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea

JONATHAN J. LATUJA

Abstract

As a result of globalization, there is an increasing importance given to the role of international cooperation for countries aspiring towards development. But in order to achieve effective international cooperation, cultural understanding should be present among the participating nations in order to bridge their differences and overcome conflicts. This paper aims to discuss the methods for creating cultural understanding among countries using the case of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, specifically the interaction between Filipinos and Korean migrants. And to stimulate further discussions regarding actions and programs that the Philippine and Korean government can take in order to further promote cultural awareness among their peoples.

The Philippines has been a dynamic player in the international scene and had successfully established many foreign relations. Among these is the country's thriving diplomatic ties with the Republic of Korea which spans to six decades already. With the influx of Koreans in the Philippines which began in the 1990s and resulted to the establishment of Korean communities across the country along with the popularity of Korean popular culture among Filipino audiences, frequent cultural interaction between the two nationalities are expected. However, despite these, barriers and misunderstandings are preventing Filipinos and Korean migrants from forming casual relationships as a result of language and socio-cultural barriers. Filipinos have a tendency to distrust foreigners because of their country's historical experience with foreign invaders while Korean migrants in the Philippines are reported to stay together and keep to themselves. Add to this the prejudices and biases toward each other born out of close-mindedness and cultural ignorance.

In order to enlighten Filipinos and Korean visitors alike and to further strengthen the ties of both countries, a passion for understanding each other's culture should be fostered on the interpersonal level. This can be stimulated by riding the popularity of Korean popular culture and use it to attract Filipino audiences to delve deeper into the intricacies of traditional Korean culture. As for attracting Koreans to the Philippine culture, the Philippine government should formulate educational programs that expose foreign students, Koreans in particular, to its history and culture. Educational exchange programs, especially student exchange programs, also contribute to the cause. Now that prestigious Korean universities are known for giving scholarship offers and the continuing bilateral cooperation of the Philippines with