India’s Korean Craze:

Over the past few years, India’s Korean craze has exploded like never before. From K-pop concerts selling out in minutes to K-drama fandoms growing across every corner of the country, Korean culture has found a second home in India. But why and how did this phenomenon grow so fast? And what makes Indians so passionate about Korean trends?

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the 7 shocking ways the Korean wave has taken over India and explore the emotional and cultural connections driving this craze.

1. K-Pop Fever: BTS, BLACKPINK, and Beyond

When you think of Korean culture globally, the first thing that pops up is K-pop, and in India, it’s no different.
Groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, and SEVENTEEN enjoy a massive fan following among Indian teens and young adults.

• BTS ARMY India hosts fan projects, charity events, and even billboard campaigns to celebrate members’ birthdays.

• BLACKPINK fans crash streaming platforms on comeback days, breaking records.

K-pop’s appeal lies in its high-energy music, synchronized dance routines, relatable lyrics, and stylish idols that fans admire and adore. Indian fans not only stream music but also learn Korean, buy merchandise, and even travel abroad to attend concerts!

2. K-Dramas: A New Obsession

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other OTT platforms have been flooded with K-drama content, and Indians are hooked!
Hits like Crash Landing On You, Descendants of the Sun, Business Proposal, and Vincenzo have captivated Indian audiences with their unique storytelling.

Why Indians love K-dramas:

• Emotional depth: The love stories, friendships, and family bonds resonate deeply.

• Relatable struggles: Themes like career battles, mental health, and societal pressure feel universal.

• Visual appeal: Beautiful cinematography, stylish characters, and emotional music scores make them addictive.

Indians, especially the youth, feel a strong emotional bond with the characters — making K-dramas a part of their daily life.

3. Korean Skincare and Beauty Trends Dominate

From small-town beauty parlours to top malls in Mumbai and Delhi, K-beauty products are everywhere in India now.
Brands like Innisfree, Laneige, Etude House, and The Face Shop are increasingly popular among skincare enthusiasts.

• 10-Step Korean Skincare Routines have become the norm.

• Sheet masks, serums, and BB creams dominate beauty conversations.

The reason for K-beauty’s popularity is simple: it focuses on natural beauty, hydration, and glowing skin, which fits well with Indian skincare needs. Influencers and dermatologists across India now recommend K-beauty hacks to their audiences.

4. Korean Food Craze: Kimchi to Korean Fried Chicken

If you thought love was limited to entertainment and beauty, think again!
India’s urban youth is now obsessed with Korean food.

Restaurants serving Korean BBQ, Kimchi, Tteokbokki, and Bibimbap have popped up in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
Food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy show a 3x growth in Korean cuisine orders since 2023!

Popular Korean food trends among Indians:

• Instant Ramyeon: Thanks to K-dramas, everyone wants to try Korean noodles!

• Korean Fried Chicken: Sweet, spicy, and crispy—perfect for Indian taste buds.

Cooking tutorials, Mukbang videos, and Korean street food vlogs are now trending heavily among Indian YouTubers and food bloggers.

5. Learning the Korean Language: “Annyeonghaseyo, India!”

The desire to understand K-pop lyrics, K-dramas without subtitles, and Korean culture more deeply has led to a surge in Korean language learning in India.

• Institutes like King Sejong Institute are expanding rapidly across Indian cities.

• Duolingo reports a huge rise in Korean language course enrollments from India.

Young Indians are now learning Korean not just for fun but also to build careers in translation, tourism, entertainment, and international relations.

6. Korean Fashion and Lifestyle Trends

Indian teenagers and college-goers are increasingly adopting Korean fashion trends — minimalistic, cute, and chic styles dominate Instagram and streetwear looks.

• Oversized shirts, pleated skirts, bucket hats, and chunky sneakers are now wardrobe essentials.

• Korean stationery, home decor, and even K-pop-inspired tattoos are trending!

Social media influencers often post K-style OOTDs (Outfit of the Day), and popular online stores now feature full sections called “Korean Fashion” in India.

7. Emotional Bond: Why Indians Relate to Korean Culture

Beyond the glamour and trends, there is a deeper emotional connection.
Both India and Korea value family bonds, hard work, respect for elders, and emotional storytelling.

• K-dramas often portray traditional family structures, much like Indian serials — but with a fresher, more modern twist.

• Stories of hard work, self-sacrifice, and love in K-pop and K-dramas strike an emotional chord with Indians.

This emotional bonding goes beyond fandom—it creates a sense of cultural closeness that feels real and comforting in an increasingly globalized world.

Conclusion: The Korean Wave in India Is Here to Stay

The Korean Wave, or “Hallyu,” is no longer just a passing trend in India—it’s a cultural movement.
From music and beauty to food and language, Korean culture has touched the hearts of millions of Indians. And with younger generations becoming more globally connected, the bond between India and Korea is only expected to grow stronger in the coming years.

If you haven’t already, maybe it’s time you gave a K-drama a try, ordered some Kimchi, or learned how to say “Saranghae” (I love you) — because the Korean craze in India is just getting started!

FAQs

Q1. Why is Korean culture so popular in India?
Korean culture’s focus on emotional storytelling, beautiful visuals, catchy music, stylish fashion, and relatable life experiences makes it highly appealing to Indian youth.

Q2. Which K-pop groups are most popular in India?
BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, and SEVENTEEN are among the most loved K-pop groups in India, with BTS ARMY India being one of the largest fan communities.

Q3. How has Korean food become popular in India?
Korean dishes like Kimchi, Korean Fried Chicken, and Ramyeon became popular through K-dramas and YouTube, leading to a rise in Korean restaurants and home cooking trends.

Q4. Are Indians learning the Korean language?
Yes, many Indians are enrolling in Korean language courses to better understand K-dramas, K-pop, and to explore job opportunities related to Korean companies and tourism.

Q5. What are the most popular Korean skincare brands in India?
Innisfree, Laneige, The Face Shop, and Etude House are among the most popular Korean skincare brands loved by Indian consumers.

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