1998年韓國政府以「文化立國」為國家發展文化外交之策略，推出相關計畫、政策、法令、優惠，以及設立若干相關部會等扶植文化創意產業，以促使企業財團與人民之配合與協作，並促進其他產業之發展，成功地迅速重振國家經濟，甚至形成一股「韓流」風靡全亞洲。 In today’s world, most nations seek for not only maximizing military and economic power, but also using their influence of soft power to other countries. “Cultural diplomacy” has been one of the important issues in the field of international relations in recent years. It’s the application of “soft power” to promote the influence of a country in the world affairs. Facing with the impact of globalization and the information age, the conception of “soft power” becomes the key strategic point and the significant strategy in political affairs (authority) and foreign affairs of a country. Cultural and creative industries interactions within economies and countries, manifests the importance of these in cultural diplomacy. Cultural diplomacy is an important way to understand and create cooperation between countries, and will enhance the country''s international competitiveness through its unique value. Cultural and creative industries are emerging in the world and are the driving force of cultural development, creating wealth for advanced industrial countries. By means of the cultural and creative industries, countries can rebuild their nation branding and image, and display greater cultural diplomacy. In 1998, Korean government adopted cultural industry as a national strategic industry. It introduced a bundle of plans, policies, laws, subsidies, and established related official departments to benefit enterprises and people and promote other industries. The strategies re-established national economy successfully; moreover, the “Korean Wave” was formed and became a trend in Asia.
