A survey shows that most Koreans think that their nation, when viewed as a brand, is either average or undervalued.

In a phone survey of one-thousand people conducted by the Culture Ministry, 73 percent of respondents said that Korea, when looked at as a national brand, is undervalued overseas.

They attributed the undervalued national brand to the nation’s social and political uncertainties, the government’s insufficient efforts to promote the national image, and Korea's image as a divided country.

Only some 20 percent answered that Korea is highly recognized in terms of being a valued national brand.

The respondents noted impatience, diligence, kimchi, and national division as dominant images of Korea and the Korean people.