The influence of Turkish and Korean NGOs on cultural diplomacy

This thesis examines the specific roles of "Diplomasi Vakfi" and "Sayul," two Turkish and Korean NGOs, in cultural diplomacy within the context of soft power. The conceptualization of this structure commences with an examination of the histories of the two NGOs, Sayul and Diplomasi Vakfi, alongside their functions in public diplomacy, the future of cultural diplomacy, and its challenges. The research study analyzes the responsibilities, objectives, and potential future projects of each NGO to determine how they contribute to national democratic governance and executive authority. I also looked at the concerns, issues, and restrictions that these nonpartisan groups confront in today's society and how they affect different enterprises. The major problem that motivates this thesis is: In what ways do Turkish and Korean NGOs promote cultural diplomacy, and how do their tactics embody the soft power approaches of their respective nations ? To address this query, the thesis conducted a qualitative contextual analysis, utilizing subject matter assessments from academic sources, government papers and documents, and media coverage relevant to both NGOs, Diplomasi Vakfı and Sayul. The data additionally demonstrate that the two NGOs use different but complimentary techniques. Sayul uses youth-based and participatory techniques, while Diplomasi Vakfı uses official and policy-driven projects. Therefore, they both show how NGOs play a crucial role in promoting both global cultural involvement and national soft power. Finally, I drew conclusions and summarized how my research advances the study of cultural diplomacy, and I provided suggestions for future policymakers and NGOs. Keywords: Cultural Diplomacy, Soft Power, Non-Governmental Organizations, Turkey, South Korea