Balboa Park’s House of Korea, visited by 15 million people annually, promotes authentic Korean culture through “Ilhum,” a pure Korean name recommendation platform.
The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK) and the House of Korea (HOK, chaired by Hwang Jung-joo) have jointly launched a “Create Your Korean Name” campaign at the House of Korea in Balboa Park, San Diego, inviting international visitors to experience Korean language and culture firsthand.
Balboa Park, one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks, attracts roughly 15 million visitors every year. The House of Korea, established in 2021 through the dedication of the local Korean community and the support of San Diego residents, serves as a “People’s Korean Embassy,” introducing Korea’s history and culture to about 2,000 foreign visitors each month.
The campaign was conducted through Ilhum, a name recommendation platform that generates pure Korean and Hangeul-based names. With nearly 100,000 users, Ilhum allows participants to answer a few simple questions and receive personalized name suggestions that reflect their interests and personality traits.
During the event, visitors to Balboa Park created their own Korean names using Hangeul by assembling consonants and vowels, then crafted personalized name tags. Through VANK’s promotional materials, they also took part in an activity that encouraged them to become “Global Korean Ambassadors.”
VANK Director Park Ki-tae highlighted the campaign’s significance, saying, “With more than 200 million global fans of Korean culture today, the House of Korea in Balboa Park—visited by 15 million people annually—is an ideal hub for promoting Korea to the world. When foreigners create their own Korean names and experience the principles of Hangeul, it becomes more than a cultural activity—it’s a powerful form of cultural diplomacy that fosters affection and a sense of connection to Korea.”
He continued, “As more cultural hubs like the House of Korea in San Diego emerge in major cities worldwide—and as these centers become connected through global networks—the Korean Wave will evolve from a temporary trend into a sustainable global cultural movement.”
VANK researcher Kwon So-young commented, “At a time when the Korean Wave is mainly consumed through pop culture, introducing foreigners to Hangeul directly is a form of cultural exchange that goes beyond entertainment. When Hangeul itself—beyond K-pop and dramas—becomes recognized as a cultural content, the true essence of Korean culture will be properly conveyed to the world.”
She added, “Small, personal experiences like this help shape positive perceptions and affection for Korea, which naturally expand the country’s cultural influence. Everyday cultural diplomacy that anyone can take part in is the most sustainable and authentic way to strengthen Korea’s national brand.”
Researcher Koo Seung-hyun explained, “Creating a Korean name allows foreigners not merely to consume Korean culture but to become part of it. The moment they have their own Hangeul name and understand its meaning, they are transformed from tourists into participants and ambassadors of Korean culture.”
She added, “By discovering the beauty of the Korean language and pure Korean words through their own names, foreigners internalize Korean culture rather than simply observing it. When such experiences accumulate, the Korean Wave transcends trends and becomes a powerful force of citizen-led diplomacy.”
Since 2019, VANK and the House of Korea have collaborated on a variety of Korea promotion initiatives, including the production of promotional videos and public diplomacy campaigns. Going forward, the two organizations plan to continue working with Korean communities around the world to share Korea’s history and culture through sustained, grassroots cultural diplomacy.