The weakening of the dollar against the South Korean won and changes in South Korean money laws equate to several conditions in which Hallyu fans might be interested.

For fans of Korean dramas wanting to go on tours to see the sights familiar from their favorite TV shows, or experience the culture, travel may now cost a little more due to the weak dollar. The dollar has traded for about 1,100-1,200 won in the last few years but is now at 920 won. This could also equate to your favorite drama DVDs costing more if they are manufactured in Asia.

For South Koreans, travel to Hawai'i is now more affordable, so tourism in this direction could increase next year, depending on the ease of acquiring a visa. South Koreans still need a visa to enter the U.S., unlike citizens of neighboring Japan.

Increases in the amount of overseas investment allowed to South Korean citizens could help encourage the filming of South Korean dramas here (see last week's column at www.honoluluadvertiser.com, and click on back issues for Nov. 18).

It has been very difficult to wire money out of Korea, and individual transactions have been limited to $10,000 unless the individual qualifies for exemptions, such as having a child studying overseas or owning some forms of business. South Koreans wanting to invest in real estate overseas were limited to $1 million before 2007 and $3 million this year. But in 2008, the real-estate investment limit will be lifted and the $10,000 per person wire-transfer limit will be changed to $50,000 annually, and without having to justify the action or file documents with the government.

All this should encourage investment and travel here, with the accompanying increase of understanding of Korean culture and lifestyles. We could see more South Korea-based restaurant chains popping up around town, as well.

Local real-estate markets have already seen a subtle influx of Korean investments. In recent years, a golf course in 'Ewa was acquired by Koreans, as well as a large parcel of land on Kapi'olani Boulevard. The 909 Kapi'olani condominium development also is owned by a Korean company, and there are rumors that Korean nationals are acquiring a Ke'eaumoku parcel. According to my friends in real estate, many units of luxury condominiums being developed now have been purchased by South Koreans and by Korean-Americans from the Mainland. Wealthy families in South Korea are said to be waiting for the calming Hawai'i real-estate market to cool still more before taking their pick of potential investments.

Los Angeles and New York already have seen an increase of Korean investments and travel to their cities. Although Hawai'i isn't considered an investment mecca by Koreans, it is seen as a desirable place for a second home, especially during the cold winters and for the elderly. What is clear is that there will be more investment and travel from Korea to Hawai'i in the coming years, but to what extent is not certain.

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'BRIDE FROM VIETNAM'

Episodes 31 and 32

Tonight at 7: Young-min is puzzled when he sees Ji-young's car at the C&P parking lot, and his suspicion grows when In-kyong tells him Ji-young wasn't there to see her. Young-min questions Jun-wu about his relationship with Ji-young, but Jun-wu denies everything. Tonight at 8: Ji-young's mother meets with Jun-wu's mother to beg her to keep quiet about Ji-young, telling her Ji-young is pregnant. Ok-kyong sees Se-mi with Young-su and tells them to break up.

'KING & I'

Episodes 11 and 12

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Wol-hwa finds out Chu-sun had tried to become a eunuch. Chu-sun tells Wol-hwa he wants to become a chief of the eunuchs to enjoy the riches and power. So-hwa's life hangs in the balance as Chi-gyeom watches, and the Queen Mother orders him to expel her from the palace. Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Han Myong-hwe tells his daughter to remain strong and just concentrate on producing an heir to the throne. King Sungjong asks the eunuchs about the identity of the person quarantined in the palace. Chi-gyeom tells him So-hwa has entered the palace but is critically ill.

'LOBBYIST'

Episodes 5 and 6

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Harry gets on the same train as Maria, and finds out she's being followed. Harry helps Maria shake off the FBI agents. Maria finally meets her sister Eva, only to witness her getting killed in a car explosion moments later. Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Harry visits Maria's old house in Korea and sees Maria's mother. Maria calls while Harry is at her house, and Harry finds out Maria is his childhood friend So-young.

'TIME BETWEEN DOG & WOLF'

Episodes 5 and 6

Friday at 7:50 p .m.: Su-hyun returns to Thailand. Chief Jung tells him that he'll be reinstated to NIS if he works for him as an undercover agent. Ji-woo is devastated by the news of Su-hyun's sudden death. Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Two years later, Min-ki drags Ji-woo away from her arranged date. Min-ki is disappointed when he sees Ji-woo still wearing Su-hyun's watch. Kay (Su-hyun) stops an attempt on Mao's life during a muay Thai tournament.