Culture and education in International Relations: international academic exchange of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Program as an instrument of South Korea’s Cultural Diplomacy | Cultura e Educação nas Relações Internacionais: o intercâmbio acadêmico Internacional do Programa Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) como instrumento de Diplomacia Cultural Sul-Coreana
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12957/rmi.2025.91167Keywords:
Cultural Diplomacy, South Korea, International academic mobilityAbstract
Throughout the 20th century, cultural aspects became increasingly mobilized as part of states’ diplomatic strategies. The internationalization of education, especially academic mobility, emerged as a tool to promote national interests, shape foreign perceptions, and foster mutual understanding among nations. This article analyzes the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) as an instrument of South Korean cultural diplomacy. Based on a literature review and analysis of official South Korean policies, it argues that GKS functions as a structured cultural diplomacy practice, enhancing knowledge about South Korea and strengthening the country’s prestige in the international system, in addition to also acting in a more symbolic and interpersonal dimension. This study contributes to broadening the debate on the role of culture in International Relations by highlighting the experience of non-Western countries in the field of cultural diplomacy.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Cristine Koehler Zanella, Edson José Neves Junior, Lívia Ribeiro da Silva
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