When I was young, people barely knew Korea when I was abroad. I had to explain to them that it's a country between Japan and China.
That really changed after 2002 Worldcup where Korea co hosted and also got to top 4. When I shared I am from Korea, they got excited talking about learning about Korea via Worldcup.
Of course, now people know Korea more for Samsung, K pop, and Korean food. But I really felt and understood why countries fight over such international sports competitions.
