Cultural or spatial diffusion is the process of the spread of an idea or innovation from one culture to another. This process is more likely to occur from cultural hearths, or centers of culture that are closer in proximity to each other. With the rise of globalization and technology the spread of culture is more prevalent than ever before. Barriers to cultural diffusion include time and distance it takes for the ideas to travel, known as time distance decay, as well as the prevailing attitudes and taboos which might hinder the adoption of new culture. South Korea is an ideal case study to examine both elements of unique culture and cultural diffusion. Sometimes described as the “shrimp between two whales,” and a dominant economic power in Asia, South Korea is no stranger to the forces of foreign influence and cultural diffusion. Yet as a modern industrialized country who has embraced globalization, they have also maintained many elements of vibrant and unique culture. In examining South Korean culture, both of these trends can be readily observed.