Like A Korean Academy

안녕하세요,

Inae Kim here. Welcome to LAK Academy’s first blog!  🎉 My team and I are making it📰 to provide some tips about learning Korean and how to practice Korean! Not only that, but we also want you to immerse yourself in the language and take a deep dive into Korean culture as well.

So, for our very first blog, I wanted to give you an insight into LAK and how it all started.  Also, our topic this week will be, “Why do people start learning Korean?”

I love traveling✈️🧳and I have lived in several countries around the world.🌏 My first overseas experience was in Xinjiang, China as a college👩‍🎓 student majoring in Chinese language and literature. Back then, there were very few Koreans in China, and the locals found it fascinating that I was Korean. I made a lot of friends in college, and some asked me to teach them Korean.  I was not sure about it because I had no teaching experience, but I agreed to teach them anyway. I took my group of friends and started teaching them in a group setting, and that is when I realized that I enjoyed helping them learn about Korea and the Korean language. I listened to my heart ❤️ and I decided to become a Korean language teacher.

🤷‍♂️Why Do People Start Learning Korean?🤷‍♀️

Korean is a fascinating and beautiful language. Korea has a unique language system, interesting grammar, and a rich cultural heritage. It is spoken by around 75 million people worldwide. Over the past couple of years, there has been a major increase in learning Korean. But why Korean? In this newsletter, we will explore some of the reasons why people start learning Korean.

K-Pop 🎵

In the last couple of years, Korean music, also known as K-pop has grown in so much popularity. K-Pop is a genre of music that originated in South Korea, and its popularity has spread across the world, with groups such as BTS🧑‍🎤 and Blackpink👯‍♀️👯‍♀️ attracting huge crowds of fans. The amazing choreography, visually stunning music videos, and talented voices have mesmerized people from all over the world. Fans of K-pop often want to learn the lyrics to their favorite songs as well as understand the meaning behind them. This leads them to start learning Korean so they can better appreciate the music. Others want to understand what their favorite idol is saying in videos, and others dream about being able to speak to their bias someday. As a result, K-pop has made a major impact on influencing fans to learn Korean. 

K-Dramas 🎬

Many foreigners were introduced to Korean dramas thanks to entertainment platforms. K-dramas have been praised for their unique stories, high-quality production, and, of course, their emotional appeal😭. Many people from all over the world binge-watch K-dramas; they swoon 😍 and want more! People feel a deep connection with the characters and the storyline. K-Drama lovers start learning Korean so they can watch these shows without relying on subtitles🚫. By doing so, they can get a better understanding of the nuances of the language and appreciate the storytelling on a deeper level.

Travel ✈️🧳

From the high tech, fast paced streets of Seoul to the relaxing island of Jeju. Korea has become a popular destination for travelers. By learning Korean, you can have a more immersive experience during your travels. You will be able to communicate with locals, read signs, and menus, and better understand the culture and history of the country.

Also, speaking Korean can help you avoid some of the common issues that travelers face when visiting a foreign country. For example, being able to communicate in Korean can help you navigate transportation systems,🚌 order food🍜🍚, and get help in case of an emergency.🏥

Work👨‍💼👩‍💼

Another reason why people start learning Korean is for career advancement. With the global influence of Korean companies such as Samsung👨‍💻, LG, Hyundai, and Kia,🚘 there is a high demand for professionals who can speak Korean fluently. Also, Korea has a high demand for English instructors👩‍🏫. If you are interested in working in industries such as technology, automotive, entertainment, or education, being proficient in Korean can give you a big advantage over other candidates.

The demand for Korean language skills is not limited to industries that have direct ties to Korea. Many companies around the world are also looking for individuals who can speak Korean, especially if they have business interests in South Korea or the wider Asian region. You can have more job options and be more competitive in the job market if you learn Korean.

Intellectual Curiosity and Cultural Interest

Some people just love learning languages and like the challenge. Korea has a unique writing system that you can learn in a day. 📖 Also, the way that Korean words are pronounced can have multiple meanings depending on the context. Some are fascinated by cultures and want to take a deep dive into them, like the amazing food 🥟, fashion 👗, customs, traditions, and beautiful scenery 🌇. 

Preparation for a language proficiency exam 📚

Finally, some people start learning Korean because they want to prepare for a language proficiency exam. There are several language proficiency exams for Korean, including the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), 📘✍️, and the Korean Language Proficiency Test (KLPT). These tests are used to see how well people who don’t speak Korean as their first language do. They are often needed to get into Korean universities 🏫, or for certain jobs in Korea. Learning Korean to prepare for one of these exams can significantly motivate some people.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why people are starting or have started learning Korean.

Whether it’s to appreciate K-pop🎤 and K-dramas🎭 better, to advance one’s travel🏝 or career👨‍🍳, or simply for personal interest, there is no doubt that LAK will help you reach your goal!

Why are you interested in Korean?

We would love to hear your story! Leave A Comment

I hope that you enjoyed this blog.

Have a great week! 안녕!