Korean Wave

I thought of writing a post about this phenomena after observing a lot during my daily travels through the "city".

Korean Wave as defined by the Wikipedia refers to the surge of popularity of South Korean culture around the world since the 21st century, especially among the Millennial Generation.
It's mostly characterized by deep penetration and recognition of the Korean culture towards the existing culture and identity of a country or a group of people comprising either the majority or the minority of a country.

There are a lot of definitions and citations about the real and exact meaning of Korean Wave. Upon searching the internet, me myself got a lot of ideas and comments about the said phenomena. I really don't see the exact reason and cause of such phenomena. However, me myself can clearly see the impact of such cultural drift-like history my country is embossing right now. It may not be too long that history books will soon add the "Korean Age" on historic stages of my country, adding it from the former three ages of Spanish, American, and Japanese occupation.

Without the tears and bloodshed, It seems that a slow invasion of ones culture is taking place not only in my physical country but also in the hearts of every Filipinos. I will not be surprised if one day I can see Filipinas and Filipinos wearing the same attire Koreans do. They're different and has their own style and fashion, they don't mind how the people would look at them either up or down for as long as they are 'in' and they are comfortable with what they are wearing.

I won't be selfish for solely describing other people at my age right now, for I too is a big fan of how Koreans seem to decorate themselves. I find them very attractive, seeking very big attention against the people around them. I see them everywhere in my city right now and owing its perfect destination(my country) as one of their main travel spots and economic hinterland because of the devalued Philippine Peso, there's every reason for them to stay and love the Philippines. I see them different not only because of their light complexion but because of how they bring themselves and present them to the people around them.

My city has been transforming itself into a more industrialized and urbanized setting than before. It can't be helped and I think little is done to make it less polluted and overcrowded for there are a lot of problems my city is facing right now. To make up with the difference, the government is doing its best to improve rather than continue and worsen the life of the people. One of its best solutions and probably its most attended suggestion is to boost tourism of this city as it is the easiest and fastest industry to be developed. Of all the industries, only tourism can withstand the surge of economic crisis and recession, so maybe it's the main reason why the government is doing its best to further improve and maintain its good records in tourism.

The tourism impact has changed not only the physical appearance of the city but also the heart of every Cebuanos[people in Cebu City]. Most City dwellers in my city may find Korean, Japanese, American, and European shops stylish and 'cool', only a few still manage to love and go to Filipino native restaurants. Curiousity is the nature of every human, however, curiousity like this would not only swallow our own identity but also our minds. Not goodx)

As I was watching over shops found in downtown and uptown Cebu. Many shops offer services to foreigners especially Koreans. Most of the signs and architecture are already in Korean. The Korean alphabet 'hangul' has even invaded the city street signs especially near tourist destinations where tourist buses normally go through. I find it ironic on how they put those 'hangulised' words and signs where Filipinos can't read. At my case, I can read and sometimes understand what those signs mean and refer to, but in the case of every Filipino not all can clearly understand it.

The said Korean Wave or any other tourism related wave may not call our attention for now. Its main and suggested effect is to make the economy much better, but can it still be helped?

The future is really undecided.x)