Social and Cultural Implications of Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR): The Case of Korea

This study examines the social and cultural implications of visiting friends and relatives (VFR), using the case of visitors to Korea. Through individual interviews with 56 hosts and guests, the study captures how participants perceive their visits to Korea and the hosting practices that take place there. The findings from interviews indicate that VFR generates impacts not only through individual actions such as the dissemination of information about Korea, but also through interpersonal relationships that foster social solidarity and intercultural contact, with the potential for broader social and cultural ripple effects at a more macro level. This study is significant in that it demonstrates how the social and cultural impacts of VFR extend multidimensionally beyond individual experiences, while also highlighting the role of VFR as an informal yet continuous mechanism for expanding interest in Korea. The findings suggest the need for institutional support to facilitate effective communication and cultural understanding among VFR participants in future policy development. In addition, further discussion is required regarding ways to mitigate negative experiences arising from cultural differences and to sustain positive interactions between hosts and guests.