Public Diplomacy After the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit: Insights from Perception Surveys and Strategic Recommendations

Paper Abstract: Public Diplomacy (PD) is a vital tool for fostering understanding, trust, and cooperation between nations through direct engagement with foreign publics. Since the 2000s, major global powers such as the United States, China, Russia, Japan, and India have increased their public diplomacy efforts in Africa, reflecting the continent's growing geopolitical and economic importance. South Korea, recognizing Africa’s strategic value, has also bolstered its public diplomacy, highlighted by the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit.

This study examines African perceptions of South Korea’s public diplomacy following the 2024 Summit, analyzing its effectiveness in seven key African nations - Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, and Guinea. The research seeks to understand how South Korea’s public diplomacy aligns with its broader global strategy, while also identifying areas for improvement compared to other global powers active in Africa.

The study emphasizes that for South Korea to further strengthen its relationship with Africa, it must leverage its own historical experiences of colonialism, poverty, and dictatorship. By sharing its development expertise and technology through education-based public diplomacy, South Korea can establish practical collaboration platforms based on mutual cooperation. Additionally, fostering experts who promote mutual understanding and encouraging international exchanges among young professionals are crucial steps. Under the themes of shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity, South Korea has the potential to act as a bridge between Asia and Africa. This approach would enable it to move beyond being a mere economic partner and become a long-term collaborator in supporting Africa’s sustainable development, helping to build mutually beneficial relationships.

Paper co-authored with: Kwang-Su Kim, Institute of African Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies