Many foreign visitors and residents tend to associate Korea with its food.

According to a survey by the Corea Image Communication Institute, nearly 40 percent of respondents said food is the first thing to come to mind when they think about Korea. In second place was the Korean alphabet, "hangeul," with 18 percent, followed by the Korean traditional outfit, "hanbok," with almost 8 percent.

When asked what they thought about North Korea's latest rocket launch, over 40 percent said it endangered the safety of South Korea, as well as the rest of the world.

The survey was conducted on 103 influential foreigners, including professors, diplomats and journalists who have either visited or lived in Korea.