There are usually two groups of people when it comes to learning something new.
One group will ask "HOW?"
Another group will ask "WHY?"
The answer to both questions is equally important to make things work and make things last.
Learning Korean is no different.
That's why in this article, we will look at the amazing benefits you can experience when you have successfully learnt the Korean language and enable you to discover your why of learning this language.
Reason 1: Explore a whole new world of rich culture
While many of you are familiar with Korean dramas and the Kpop industry, there's so much more that you can explore when it comes to Korean culture.
1. Korean food
If you have watched the recent hit Korean drama, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, you'll notice an iconic Korean food making its recurring appearance in every episode. You can say that it's pretty much the best finger food in Korea AKA the kimbap!
But of course, Korean food is more than just seaweed rice rolls.
*Be careful not to drool while you go through this list*
From carbs, vegetables, stew, to meat, to noodles up till dessert, Korean food is a feast to all your senses!
You got to try them to know how what we're talking about!
- Chimaek (치맥)
- Kimchi Stew (김치찌개)
- Army Stew (부대찌개)
- Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)
- Jjajangmyeon (짜장면)
- Bibimbap (비빔밥)
- Japchae (잡채)
- Bingsu (빙수)
2. Korean history
What makes Korean culture so appealing is its history in itself.
From the traditional attires that we see actors and actress wear in historical dramas to their mannerisms, paintings, ceramics, festivals even literature, it is something that we can explore deeper with the mastery of the Korean language.
Photo by zero take on Unsplash
One interesting way to find out more about Korean history is to dive deep into their national holidays. Some of them include:
- Independence Movement Day
- Memorial Day
- National Liberation Day of Korea
- Chuseok/Thanksgiving
- National Foundation Day
- Hangeul Day
Check out these Korean learning resources to kickstart your language learning journey.
Reason 2: Achieve fluency in an increasingly globalised language
Let's be honest. It feels good to be multilingual. It's a superpower that everyone wants to own, no matter where you are from.
That said, your personal language learning goal can be solidified if you are aware of how you can benefit directly from the mastery of the Korean language.
Let's take a look at them now.
1. Acts as a confidence booster (From zero to hero)
Language fluency is not achieved in a day. Most of the time, it's not smooth sailing too. Throughout your language learning journey, you may face some challenges or distractions in between before gradually showing progress at different levels.
As you progress each step of the way, you'll be able to look back at how far you have come.
2. Succesfully unlock a new practical skill (Personal growth)
Whether you are learning Korean as a hobby or as a prerequisite for your studies or job, it helps you to stretch your limits and push you to tap into your potential to be extraordinary.
When you are learning a totally new skill for the first time, you are forced to come out of your comfort zone and the end result is usually a breakthrough in your personal growth.
How can you start learning Korean now?
Connect with a Superprof Korean tutor
At Superprof, you can easily learn Korean with an experienced home tutor or online tutor.
All you need to do is just head to the Superprof Malaysia homepage and follow these simple steps.
- Select "Korean" in the What do you want to learn option and choose your current location (Around me/online)
- Adjust your maximum budget for your hourly rate and select your current learning level
- Start browsing and comparing the tutors' profiles
- Review the teaching methodology, teaching experience and qualification of the tutor
- Once you have decided to connect with a tutor, create a Superprof account
- Proceed to book your first lesson with the tutor and subscribe to the Superprof Student Subscription Pass for unlimited access
- Start discussing with the tutor about your future Korean lesson' arrangement
Find out what you should take note of if you are learning Korean as a beginner.
Reason 3: Improve your job prospects and job opportunities
With greater mastery of more foreign languages, comes greater job prospects and career opportunities. There are many studies which indicated that multilingualism is a huge contributor to a country's economic growth.
The ability to speak multiple languages can benefit large global corporations as well as small and medium enterprises.
If you have a high Korean language proficiency, here's what you can consider venturing into for your career pathway.
1. You can work for global corporations/institutions that are related to Korea
What comes to your mind when you think of Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Sulhwasoo and Laniege? No doubt, these household Korean brands have made their name in the international market and have earned a high brand trust among many Malaysian consumers too.
Photo by Babak Habibi on Unsplash
You'll score extra brownie points during your job application process with these companies with your high Korean language proficiency.
Bonus point: If you have always been interested in international relations and politics, you can even apply to work for the Embassy of Korea in Malaysia.
2. You can develop a side hustle/full-time career as a translator/interpreter
The primary purpose of any language mastery is for effective written and oral communication.
Don't be surprised to see many job openings and demands for Korean translators and interpreters.
Some of the examples of job scopes of a professional Korean translator (in various industries) include:
- Responsible for translation and interpretation of documentation and feedback from Korean to English
- Assist in verbal and written communication between teams and international clients in different countries and regions
- Create localized Bahasa Malaysia/English/Mandarin subtitles for video content in Korean
- Proofread localized Bahasa Malaysia/English/Mandarin subtitles for video content in Korean
Be a master of the Korean language when you have completely grasped the history and theoretical aspects of the Korean alphabet system.
Reason 4: Travel to Korea with ease and confidence
If you ask us, the best way to know if you are 100% fluent in the language that you are learning is to surround yourself with as many native speakers of the language as possible!
Well, isn't this a great motivation to start planning for your Korean trip?
Here's what you can look forward to once you have mastered the Korean language.
1. You can easily communicate with the locals/or even be mistaken as a native speaker!
Whenever you visit a new place, you don't have to worry about your next sentence. You'll easily manage a simple self-introduction and engage in casual conversations without feeling awkward. When you are able to speak confidently in Korean with the locals, you will be more at ease and culturally immersed throughout your travels.
For instance, when you visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul and listen to the tour guide's explanation, you'll fully understand the historical context and significance of this valuable site. Thinking of checking out early from your accommodation? You can then communicate smoothly with the owner of the lodgings/customer's service department swiftly without worrying about the language barrier!
2. You can eat, commute and shop like a boss
From reading directions at the airports, road signs on the streets, and identifying the commuter station names and lines to reviewing the various menu selection at a restaurant, you'll need a decent comprehension of the Hangeul system. It also serves as a plus point when you intend to bargain with a local when you are doing some shopping at the night market, for example.
Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
That being said, you'll be able to scan through what you want to buy immediately and just head in the right direction without wasting any time throughout your trip when you are good at reading Korean. You don't have to specifically look for an interpreter and depend 100% on Google Translate. How efficient is that!
You'll have a more fulfilling holiday in Korea when you understand the rich culture behind the Korean language.
Reason 5: Establish international collaboration and connection more effectively
With the opening of international borders, people are starting to travel again for work, studies or for leisure. So, you'll certainly meet many Koreans and also non-Koreans (who may also speak the language) at work or when you are studying.
Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.
Your fluency in Korean will make you more approachable among your Korean-speaking friends, colleagues or even mere acquaintances.
1. You'll make new friendships (in and outside Malaysia)
You'll never know if your Korean friend would be your next best friend.
Imagine if you are studying alone in Korea and feeling lonely when you are away from home, having a group of Korean besties will certainly cheer you up and help you to adapt quickly to the new environment and culture of the country.
2. You can be a part of an interesting cultural and education exchange
When you befriend or work together with someone who comes from a totally different culture or nationality, you can certainly expect sparks to fly! Whether it is an exchange of ideas on education systems, heated debates about certain work practices or even the unrealistically high expectations of dating in Korean drama, there's so much to learn from one another.
It's important to widen your perspectives as we are living in an increasingly globalized world!
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. May you find the best motivation to start and keep learning Korean until you become confident and fluent in the language!
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